Sport Systems is committed to upholding high standards for Accessibility. Our employees are trained to recognize and accommodate different levels of abilities. We work closely with our clients to adapt and design environments that enable access, foster inclusion, and eliminate barriers. Providing accessibility goes beyond creating environments that are wheelchair accessible.
Sport Systems takes into consideration individuals with varying abilities and designs systems that offer the highest level of safety and ease of use. The goal is to provide a safe and inclusive experience for everyone utilizing our bleacher systems.
Ontario Customers: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) has updated accessibility requirements which will take effect January 1, 2015. Sports Systems complies with these updated standards.
Considerations for visually impaired individuals:
Colour contrasts and/or tactile pathways can be set into floors to assist visually impaired individuals to negotiate an environment. Extensions of handrails at the top and bottom of stairs and the use of a contrasting colour, provide important cues. There are new requirements for tactile walking surface indicators at the top of stairs and at platform edges, to alert pedestrians with low vision that they are entering an area of potential hazard. The width of pathways must accommodate persons using wheelchairs and scooters but also those traveling in pairs with guides or companions.
Ramps provide accessibility for wheelchairs, strollers, scooters and those with a companion or guide. The design and placement of the ramp is critical to its usefulness and safety and should be located at a primary entrance. Space at the bottom and flat areas at points along a long ramp enables an individual to slow down or to rest. Textured surfaces, edge protection and handrails all provide important safety functions. Ramp grade, cross slope and the width between handrails should all meet the accessibility requirements as laid out but the governing body in each specific geographic location. Ramp surfaces must be slip-resistant and have edge protection.
Landings should be at least as wide as the widest ramp run leading to it and must also be slip-resistant. Line of sight is an important consideration in order to provide an equal opportunity for viewing for those in wheelchairs and other spectators around them. Therefore, landings for wheelchairs must be higher than non-wheelchair viewers but must not obstruct other spectators’ line of vision. Furthermore, the required guardrails should not obstruct the view of any spectator. There can be fixed seats on the landings for companion seating which enable people of all abilities to enjoy these opportunities in an integrated environment.
There are specific measurements which should be adhered to in the design and construction of bleacher stairs. Nosings and stairs should be designed such that those with prosthetic legs or those using a cane can navigate each step with ease. Nosings should not project more than 25 mm and should have a curved or bevelled leading edge of tread. The incorporation of a tactile cue warning a person of an upcoming set of stairs, provides an extra safety feature for those with visual impairments. Surfaces must be slip-resistant.
Handrails provide a support to ensure a safe and stable gait before ascending or descending stairs. Their design must adhere to space and reach requirements to accommodate all sizes and abilities of users. Extensions, the use of textile and colour contrast on the handrails all provide important cues for visually impaired individuals. On stairs, handrails should be installed on both sides.
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