We recently completed street and sidewalk reconstruction on 23rd Avenue from S Jackson Street north to E John Street as part of the first phase of the 23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project and we were invited to observe a local deaf-blind person walk part of the improved corridor. Alberto Gonzales, who lives in… [ Keep reading ]
You may have seen or heard about the yellow detectable warning strips that SDOT installs at the bottom of curb ramps and at transit platforms. The “yellow bumps” (truncated domes) on the detectable warning surface help provide important tactile information to people that have limited or no vision. Did you know that… [ Keep reading ]
Most people are aware of devices that help people with mobility disabilities get around – like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. But did you know other technologies are being used or developed that can also help people get to where they need to go? One example is called a Miniguide. A… [ Keep reading ]
You may wonder why some of the newer push buttons at street crossings make noises, talk to you, and even vibrate. These devices are known as Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), and are designed to help people living with sight and/or hearing impairments to cross the street. People that are blind… [ Keep reading ]
Every year, SDOT builds or replaces 500-1,000 curb ramps to increase access for people using our sidewalks and crosswalks, especially those with wheelchairs or other mobility devices. In late 2016, we held a public meeting and online survey to gather feedback on where ramps are needed most and how they… [ Keep reading ]
SDOT has launched a new online tool that provides valuable information for people using Seattle sidewalks, curb ramps, and street crossings. This tool is the City of Seattle Curb Ramp Map and Accessible Route Planner. It’s updated daily with data that can help people better plan their routes, particularly those of us… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle strives to make city programs, services, and activities equally accessible to all. Features such as curb ramps, ramps, sidewalks, detectable warnings and street crossings are components of an accessible pedestrian network. Curb ramps are an important part of helping many people where they need to go…. [ Keep reading ]
Did you know that if you require access improvements along your pedestrian route to work, home, or wherever you need to be, you can get help from SDOT? That’s right, and there are a number of different ways to do it! If you have a mobile device handy and access… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle is renowned for our arts, outdoors, and well, rain. Less well known is that we have some serious hills, rivaling San Francisco’s steeps, which pose an obstacle to accessibility for wheelchair users. Manual wheelchair users face a steep climb, and power chairs can deplete their battery motoring uphill, so… [ Keep reading ]
We had the chance to learn more about how deaf-blind pedestrians use sidewalks, street crossings, and public transit to get around the city thanks to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. David Miller, an Orientation & Mobility Specialist with The Lighthouse, extended an invitation to observe how deaf-blind pedestrians navigate the public pedestrian… [ Keep reading ]
