A Matter of Principles
Because the guidebook is founded on the principles of universal design, the best practices and principles outlined within were developed to remain resilient over time—regardless of technology and wayfinding system changes. By adhering to these key principles, ACRP report 177 improves the safety and welfare of all travelers, not just those with disabilities.
A First-of-its-Kind Checklist
The guidebook introduces a first-of-its-kind Wayfinding Accessibility Audit Checklist. The inaugural checklist includes wayfinding strategies and accessibility features relevant to a passenger’s specific disability, and equips airport operators and consultants with a consolidated tool that goes beyond Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility (ADA) Standards to reach the goal of promoting independent travel for elderly travelers and people with disabilities.
There’s an App for That
The other prototype tool developed by our research team is a mobile wayfinding application. The app was tested by participants with diverse and varying degrees of a disability, allowing us to observe the most common problems these user groups encountered when navigating an airport. The results led to the development of a mobile app criteria for any airport or developer that wants to elevate their wayfinding app to be used effectively by people of all abilities. A testimony to the app’s success, several app developers, as well as airports, are now utilizing this technology.