FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)

Lesson 25 : Designing Interiors for the Hearing Handicapped

Careful use of colour

Light colours generally reflect light better than dark colours so use of light, bright colours will add to a general feeling of lightness. Care should be taken to avoid colours which are close to skin tone (for example, pale pinks, beiges) especially where people are seen against a background of such a colour, this makes it difficult for lip readers as there is insufficient contrast between the speaker's face and the background. As many older people with impaired hearing may also have difficulty with vision, the question of colour contrast is also particularly important here.