Stairs and Escalators
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Our Orientation and Mobility Instructors provide training to improve people's confidence and safety when using stairs and escalators.
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Escalators and stairs can be difficult to negotiate for people with vision impairment, particularly if the stairs have irregular steps, poor markings or lack handrails.
At Guide Dogs, our Orientation and Mobility Instructors provide training to improve people's confidence and safety when using stairs and escalators. Mobility aids are often useful to negotiate stairs and kerbs. A cane can detect drop offs in ground levels, identify a succession of stairs, and confirm the height or depth of a step. A Guide Dog is trained to pause at both the top and bottom of stairs and kerbs.
To assist people with vision impairment, the nosing (or edge) of each step should be clearly defined in a contrasting colour. Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) are also useful at the top and bottom of stairs, to indicate the change of gradient or a potential hazard.
While stairs are increasingly designed using these safety measures, Guide Dogs' instructors can advocate for the instalment of TGSIs or stair markings in necessary locations.
Specific training in the use of escalators is also provided.