Designing house entrances for people with visual impairment

September 2013

Professor Hilary Dalke and Research Fellow Alessio Corso, Kingston University

Designing house entrances for sight loss is simple thanks to this practical advice guide based on research conducted by Professor Hilary Dalke and Research Fellow Alessio Corso, Kingston University London and funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust.

Key Facts: House entrances for sight loss

• The study found numerous low cost, effective solutions to problems with entrances to the homes of people with sight loss.
• More than four in five visually impaired people feel they would benefit from a greater contrast between the keyhole and lock. One in three respondents want a stronger door colour.
• Almost three quarters of participants struggled to adjust to lighting change between the exterior and the interior of the entrance.
• One quarter identified trip hazards around their home doorways.

How can this research help?

The research findings offer ideas, advice and guidance on action that may be taken to improve accessibility in the design of entrances and support people with sight loss to live more independently.

Links:

Research Findings: Making an Entrance: Colour, Contrast and the Design of Entrances to Homes of People with Sight Loss

PDF version

Word version

Making an Entrance Checklist

PDF version

Word version