People with vision impairments may find it more difficult to navigate public settings safely since they are unaccustomed to the obstructions that may be in their way.
TGSIs (Tactile Ground Surface Indicators) are gadgets that help visually impaired individuals safely and quickly navigate public environments. TGSIs operate by allowing people to see patterns so that they are able to become accustomed to these places and traverse a path that is comfortable for them.
Tactiles are mostly employed in ‘risk’ areas like ferry terminals and waterfront, train stations, rail stops, bus stops, and depots, all of such places can be perilous for blind individuals to travel.
Curbs, steps, platform edges, and other barriers are notoriously hard to navigate, and also the increased throng and noise is going to only make things more difficult. If visually impaired people make a mistake while navigating through these locations, they may suffer injuries or worse.
TGSIs assist those with visual impairments in moving through environments more effectively and confidently by giving direction and warning them of every potential hazard or obstruction in their way.
Having bright points on the surface can assist those with visual problems in navigating the area. Tactile indicators are also used to provide sensory detection to the blind through their feet.
The following are a few things that you must consider while choosing tactile Indicators.
1. Make the right choice
With so many TGSI products available on the market, it is critical to know the benefits and drawbacks of each before you make a final decision.
When dealing with TGSI, Councils, Maintenance and Facility Managers, and Civil Contractors face a variety of difficulties:
- Colour fading
- Cracking
- Lifting
- Peeling
- Poor warranty support
- Poor slip rating
Bad design, poor quality product components, a lack of product testing, and inexpensive knockoff items are all causes of these problems. This means the products will have to be updated more regularly, which will cost property owners and taxpayers a lot of money.
The disadvantage of TGSI failing is the detrimental impact on the product’s intended end-users — people having vision impairment.
2. Longevity
Before you choose your tactile indicators you must ask yourself whether these TGSIs will last a much longer duration. If they are installed in any public place where there can always be plenty of people will be moving around. Hence it is very essential to be long-lasting.
3. Installation time and labour costs
Also, it is crucial to consider labour expenses and installation times. Some TGSI devices necessitate the use of specialised tools and machinery, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
4. Warranty and after-sales support
It is very important that while buying these tactile indicators you must check what kind of after-sales supports are available.
5. Replacement scope
When it comes to changing tiles, using some types of TGSIs can prove to be quite a pricey exercise. When picking Tactile Indicators, this should be taken into account.
These blocks are used at airports and bus stops in Australia, as well as at various railway station platforms, before exterior obstructions and motorways.
