Hong Kong Housing
Society
Dear Sir,
Universal Design Guidebook
We refer to your letter of
2.1.3
Elderly and disabled (page 13):
We highly appreciate the idea to install
audible devices/signals in bus stops to indicate the routes and directions of
the coming buses. Such
installations can certainly bring much convenience to the residents with visual
impairments as well as to the elderly.
However, the cooperation/support of the bus companies is inevitable
before the idea can be put into practice.
3.5.2
Visual factors (page 43):
As an obligatory condition, it is strongly
requested to add bullet points to emphasize that a minimum illumination level
of at least 180lux be provided at lift lobby at main entrance, 120lux at
corridors, and 100lux at the back stairs of a building.
3.8.6
Lift control buttons (Page 52):
For those lifts with two sets of control
panels in it, it is suggested that the height of one set of the control panel
should be 1500mm from the floor surface of the lift (i.e. at about the eye
level) to facilitate the users with low vision.
4.1.3.1
& 4.1.3.2 Fire safety (pages 73 & 74):
The suggestion to install audible signals
to indicate the locations of the refuge areas and fire doors for the residents
with visual impairments is much welcome as installations of effective audible
devices can greatly enhance their safety in case of fire. Therefore, the requirements of such
audible devices should be specified in detail in the Guidebook.
Other
comments:
For a large housing estate with many blocks
and a large size open area, it is proposed that guiding paths be provided to
link between the main entrance of the estate and the entrances of the
individual blocks. Without the
guiding paths, the visually impaired residents may easily lose their directions
when moving in and out the estate.
Should you require further clarifications
on the above points, please feel free to contact Mr. Henry Hung at 2708 9363. .
Yours Faithfully,
TSANG Kin-ping
President
Retina