Something I noticed today was the efforts to make the areas accessible to people who are visually impaired. The first thing that caught my eye was a handrail at Gabriela Mistral that had braille lettering along it to coincide with lettering in the glass behind it. Something that interested me about this was the fact that the lettering had faded and chipped off but the braille remained intact so that in order to read the lettering one would need to know braille. They also had a map that indicated the spaces buy indenting them into the metal surface along with a braille description.
The 3D map at Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center.
The handrail with braille to match the text on the glass at Gabriela Mistral.
I also feel like the museum of memory did a good job of integrating things that allowed people with impaired vision to access and understand the exhibits. For example there was a drawing that a child did for their parent who was imprisoned and underneath there was a 3D version with braille and important elements raised up. There was also a map of the locations of key places involving the imprisonment that was raised and indented with braille captions. The map was able to be followed by one’s finger with the key spaces being raised and numbered in braille. The floor also had strips of a different material that one could follow around the museum to experience it that way. Then on the second floor there was a ledge with captions in braille leading to the voting ballot which was completely reconfigured in braille underneath the actual ballot.
I agree and also noted the efforts made throughout the larger museums and buildings who have made an effort in order to accommodate for disabilities. I also noticed at the Museum of Memory that some videos were translated with a sign language interpreter or included closed captions for the hearing impaired. One thing I have noticed however, that designers here should be more aware of is the lack of accessibility for physically impaired. The streets of Valparaíso were narrow and cobbled, which will be near impossible for wheelchair access. The ramps at the universities we visited, not only have steeper slopes, but also lacked landings, allowing for moments of rest for the physically disabled. The majority of metro stations I’ve been too only feature stair cases to descend down toward the lines. Overall, I agree with you that it was well designed and mindful to design certain spaces we saw for the blind or hearing impaired. However, the physically disabled have a lot more challenges to face in Chile than in America, due to high ADA standards.
Hi Sarah! I enjoyed your post about disabilities accommodation. I did not notice many of the elements you described. I also agree with Natalie’s comment. I noticed Santiago has very limited accommodation to visual and physical disabled people. At Metro stations platform, there are guidelines for visually disabling people, but it is very thin and flat. and it stops at the middle of the platform. I thought it should lead them to the door stop. As you showed in the post, some signs and handrail have braille signs. However, there are no leading lines to find the spot. Another example would be that Santiago has many slopes and steps which makes the city iconic and interesting. However, it is very difficult for physically disabled, seniors, pregnant women and/or people with baby stroller etc. I do agree that there are very thoughtful designs to accommodate everyone. However, I also see many challenges to be accessible to all people (global design) during this stay.