Environmental design advisory

Good environmental design benefits the community as a whole.

finger pushing a lift button that has braille

It assists people who are blind or partially sighted in being independent and empowers them as they make their way through the world. For businesses and organisations, being accessible to a wide range of customers means increased sales and improved public relations.

Accessible environments

Creating an accessible environment is all about making it safe and easy for blind and partially sighted people to move around.

We offer one on one consultation and advice on how your space can be just this. Whether it is for a space that currently exists, or a space that is yet to be created, getting advice on the best way forward is always a start.

For a discussion and further information on accessible environments, contact our Community Education and Information Manager Chris Orr on 09 355 6883 or email corr@rnzfb@rnzfb.org.nz

Accessible signage

An accessible sign is one that everybody can read and understand, whether they read using sight or touch. We have developed best practice guidelines for accessible signage, including technical specifications for braille and tactile print.

To learn more, read about accessible signage,  download a copy of the Accessible Signage Guidelines or download an example of a sign which complies with our guidelines (1MB, pdf). When printed or viewed in A4 size, it is actual size. 

Accessible pedestrian spaces

Good design of pedestrian space considers the needs of blind and partially sighted pedestrians, enabling them to get around independently and safely. A well-designed pedestrian space should include a logically sited continuous accessible path of travel throughout the area, appropriate use of tactile ground surface indicators and audible tactile traffic signals, consistent design and logical, safe road crossing points. 

RTS 14: Guidelines for facilities for blind and vision-impaired pedestrians is a best practice guideline produced by the NZ Transport Agency that gives advice about designing pedestrian spaces to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted pedestrians. You can download RTS 14 from the NZTA website.

The joint New Zealand and Australian standard for the installation of tactile ground surface indicators is AS/NZ 1428.4.1:2009 Design for access and mobility - Part 4.1: Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment - Tactile ground surface indicators. This standard notes that in New Zealand, RTS 14 should be referred to for best practice.

The NZ Transport Agency's Pedestrian Planning and Design Guide incorporates RTS 14 and provides good information on design and planning for pedestrians, prioritising those who have mobility impairments. The Guide also includes information on street audits. 

Case Study: Newmarket Rail Station

We worked closely with the Auckland Regional Transport Agency, KiwiRail, Ontrack and the project team that supervised the design and construction for the Newmarket Rail Station project to ensure the needs of blind and partially sighted people were considered.

"The Newmarket Rail Station is an excellent example of an accessible public transport space. By working with all parties, we were able to have vital input which will be of great benefit to blind and partially sighted people."