The Built Environment Glossary
1:20 Slope
A gentle ramp that goes up 1 inch for every 20 inches of length. This makes it easier for people using mobility devices to use safely.
A gentle ramp that goes up 1 inch for every 20 inches of length. This makes it easier for people using mobility devices to use safely.
Access Aisle
The extra space next to parking spots that gives people using wheelchairs or mobility devices
room to get in and out of their vehicles.
The extra space next to parking spots that gives people using wheelchairs or mobility devices
room to get in and out of their vehicles.
Accessible Stall
A large washroom stall with extra room, grab bars, and a door that swings outward, designed
for wheelchair users.
A large washroom stall with extra room, grab bars, and a door that swings outward, designed
for wheelchair users.
Acoustic Treatment
Materials like foam panels or uneven surfaces that are added to walls or ceilings to stop echoes and make sound easier to hear
Materials like foam panels or uneven surfaces that are added to walls or ceilings to stop echoes and make sound easier to hear
Bass Traps
Special panels put in corners of a room to soak up low, deep sounds, like kick drums and bass guitars, so the sound is less “boomy.”
Special panels put in corners of a room to soak up low, deep sounds, like kick drums and bass guitars, so the sound is less “boomy.”
Braille Signage
Signs with raised dots that people who are blind can read by feeling them with their fingers.
Signs with raised dots that people who are blind can read by feeling them with their fingers.
Built Environment
The places people live, work, and visit that are made by people. This includes buildings, sidewalks, roads, parks, and other spaces. It’s everything that is designed and built, not natural, and should be safe and easy for everyone to use.
The places people live, work, and visit that are made by people. This includes buildings, sidewalks, roads, parks, and other spaces. It’s everything that is designed and built, not natural, and should be safe and easy for everyone to use.
Clear Floor Space
A big, open area with nothing in the way so people and mobility aids can move around easily.
A big, open area with nothing in the way so people and mobility aids can move around easily.
Edge Lighting
Lights or glowing strips on the edges of ramps, stairs, or stages that make them easier to see in the dark.
Lights or glowing strips on the edges of ramps, stairs, or stages that make them easier to see in the dark.
Emergency Call System
A button or cord in places like elevators, bathrooms or dressing rooms that people can use to call for help in an emergency.
A button or cord in places like elevators, bathrooms or dressing rooms that people can use to call for help in an emergency.
Flutter Echoes
A sound that bounces back and forth quickly between two hard surfaces, making it hard to hear clearly.
A sound that bounces back and forth quickly between two hard surfaces, making it hard to hear clearly.
Grab Bars
Strong bars in bathrooms that help people stay balanced or stand up safely.
Strong bars in bathrooms that help people stay balanced or stand up safely.
Handrail Clearance
The space between a handrail and the wall. It should be at least 2 inches so people can grab it without hitting their hands.
The space between a handrail and the wall. It should be at least 2 inches so people can grab it without hitting their hands.
Mobility Device
A tool that helps people move if they have trouble walking or standing. Examples include wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and scooters. People use them to stay safe and comfortable when getting around.
A tool that helps people move if they have trouble walking or standing. Examples include wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and scooters. People use them to stay safe and comfortable when getting around.
Slip-Resistant Surface
A floor or ramp that has a rough or treated surface to stop people from slipping, especially when it’s wet.
A floor or ramp that has a rough or treated surface to stop people from slipping, especially when it’s wet.
Step-Free Path
A pathway with no stairs, so it’s easy to use for wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers.
A pathway with no stairs, so it’s easy to use for wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers.
Tactile Ground Indicators
Bumpy or textured surfaces on the ground that help people with vision impairments feel where they are going with their feet or a cane.
Bumpy or textured surfaces on the ground that help people with vision impairments feel where they are going with their feet or a cane.
Threshold
The edge or bump at the bottom of a doorway. It should be flat or sloped so wheelchairs and mobility devices can cross easily, and people don’t trip.
The edge or bump at the bottom of a doorway. It should be flat or sloped so wheelchairs and mobility devices can cross easily, and people don’t trip.
Turning Radius
The amount of space a wheelchair needs to make a U-turn, which is a 180-degree turn. The minimum turning radius for a wheelchair to make a U-turn is 82.7 inches (2100 mm) in diameter.
The amount of space a wheelchair needs to make a U-turn, which is a 180-degree turn. The minimum turning radius for a wheelchair to make a U-turn is 82.7 inches (2100 mm) in diameter.
Visual Contrast Strip
A brightly coloured strip on the edge of stairs or ramps that makes it easier for people with low vision to see where the edge is.
A brightly coloured strip on the edge of stairs or ramps that makes it easier for people with low vision to see where the edge is.
Weather Protection
Covered areas, like roofs or awnings, that keep people and equipment dry in rain or snow.
Covered areas, like roofs or awnings, that keep people and equipment dry in rain or snow.
