Almost Fell Again: Why Historic Places Need Accessibility Features

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Navigating this world with vision loss can be challenging, especially when stores lack the contrast and tactile properties of anti-slip and other tactile paint or tape, creating challenges for people with vision loss. Uneven surfaces and low visibility can be hazardous, on any level, but especially in basements like those found in historic buildings. Without tactile tape or paint to alert us to obstacles like low visibility or uneven surfaces, we cannot see natural features, like curbs, handrails, or steps. It isn't a matter of "if" you or a loved one fall. It is a matter of "when." Unmarked basement steps, especially those just inside the entrance, pose a serious fall risk for everyone - not just those with blindness, visual impairment, or mobility challenges. When falls occur, a broken bone or worse could be the consequence, and you or your loved one could end up hospitalized for weeks!  And I get that many historic districts have guidelines or regulations set by local preservation boards or commissions that may dictate modifications. Preserving history is important, but safety comes first. Businesses must comply with and meet accessibility codes and standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or local accessibility codes to ensure everyone can navigate safely.  The good news is that there are solutions, so safety and historic preservation can go hand in hand to accommodate the needs of inside and outside customers (i.e., employees and guests) while protecting the appearance or integrity of historic structures! To meet accessibility guidelines, some preservation boards and commissions suggest alternative methods or materials that blend better with the historic aesthetics while meeting accessibility requirements.  While we all take risks, everyone deserves to feel safe entering and leaving a business. This is why safety should be a top priority for businesses. I have slid down unmarked steps more than once and almost fallen while trying to access and egress businesses - which could have damaged one of my artificial knees (or worse, given that I am also legally blind).   Have you or any of your loved ones encountered similar navigation challenges while shopping or eating in public places? Share your or your loved one's story in the comments and share this post to raise awareness about the importance of anti-slip tactile tape in public spaces, and let's work together to make businesses take that action!  How else can we make historic places more accessible while preserving their character? #AccessibilityAwareness #InclusiveDesign #BlindnessAwareness #DisabilityRights #ADAcompliant #MakeADifference