Motor/Physical Impairements

Distinctions

Mobility impairment

Physical constraints that substantially limit movement and fine motor controls, such as lifting, walking, and transportation. Source: [Diamond Bullet's Usability Glossary]

Motor impairment

A loss or limitation of function in muscle control or movement or a limitation in mobility. This may include hands that are too large or small for using certain interactive devices, shakiness, arthritis, paralysis, and limb loss, among other difficulties. Source: [Diamond Bullet's Usability Glossary]

These impairments can be a factor when designing public spaces and kiosks, such as ATM machines, which can be inconvenient for wheelchair access. Technology can also be designed to assist with mobility problems by providing mobile access. Solutions for persons with mobility disabilities include switches, latches, and controls that are easy to manipulate. Additional solutions include alternate input capabilities, such as voice input or the ability to interact with information at the user's own pace.

Architectural Access

Many arts and humanities programs are housed in facilities built before the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA, the conception of universal design, and before all of the architectural guidelines developed to increase accessibility. Nonetheless, cultural programs still require accessible buildings and spaces.

Wheelchairs available for patrons at the Texas History Museum

Power operated doors

If swinging power-operated doors are used for two-way traffic, the activating and safety mats, as well as guard rails, must extend well in front of the door swing to prevent the opening door from hitting anyone. If the power door is operated with a button, be sure to place the button in an accessible location and out of the way of the swing of the door.

Power operated door button and door opening after pushing it, Texas History Museum entrnace door.

Water Fountains

Water fountains should be located along an accessible route and can be used by most people with disabilities, if the spout is no more than 36 inches above the floor. The best type of water fountain for people who use wheelchairs is one that has at least 27 inches of clear space between the bottom of the apron and the floor. A high-low arrangement of water fountains is accessible to standing, seated or short individuals. Water fountains with automatic or lever-type handles are best because wheelchair users cannot use footoperated controls. Installing a new lower water fountain may be more economical than relocating or modifying an existing installation.

High-low arrangement of water fountains at the Texas History Museum

Restrooms

Accessible restroom facilities may have many different configurations. Single user restrooms are convenient for individuals who use power wheelchairs or scooters or who need assistance with personal care. These singleuser (unisex) restrooms are also very useful for parents who need to assist children.

Toilet Stalls

Every restroom should have at least one accessible stall that has a 60-inch diameter or T-turn clear floor space free of the door swing. The toilet should be located in the corner diagonally opposite from the door. This space configuration allows a wheelchair user to do a side transfer onto the toilet, and turn around inside the stall. Accessible toilet stalls must have doors that, when open, have a clear opening width of 32 inches. This usually means that the door itself will be at least 33 inches wide. Inside the stall there should be two 1 1/2 inch diameter grab bars mounted horizontally, with a 42-inch bar on the near wall and another 36-inch bar on the rear wall, both at a height of 33 inches above the floor. The space between the grab bars and the wall should be exactly 1 1/2 inches wide. The top of the toilet seat in the down position should be between 17 and 19 inches from the floor.

Toilet stall for wheelchair access, Texas History Museum

Apart from the now popular ramps and power operated doors, other approaches to facilitate the access to the exhibition materials is to include touch interactive displays (TID, screens with a touch-sensitive film over them) which allow a very direct interaction with fonts and imagery. People are familiar with touchscreens, commonly used in public kiosks because of their simplicity and the reduction of components that can break down or be lost. In addition, using trackball devices (which consist of a ball set into a base that can be spun to move the pointer on the screen) have the advantage of being in a fixed location and therefore requiring less space).People in wheelchairs and/or with low fine motor abilities can operate these kiosks.

Videoclip demonstration of a Touch Interactive Display. You will need the Quicktime player to view this videoclip.

Use of interactives must be from a location accessible to people using wheelchairs or other assistive devices (e.g. canes, crutches); interactives must not be blocked by furniture or other obstacles. Provide sufficient space at and around the interactive so that everyone can use it. Unless the activity requires only minimal interaction by the participant, that floor space must adjoin the interactive in a way that allows forward (not side) access to the activity.

Moreover, sound as input is useful for people with motor impairments and those who need to use their hands for other tasks (e.g. driving a car).

Please read more about addressing these disabilities in the Case Study information page.

Recommendations

• Provides appropriate size and space for approaching, reaching, manipulating and using the design regardless of user’s body size, posture or mobility.
• Provide accommodations for wheelchair access.
• Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user.
• Provide adequate space for using assistive devices or personal assistance (Controls on the front and clear floor space around an interactive exhibition).

References