The purpose of detectable warning tile systems is to protect pedestrians of all abilities from hazards such as vehicular traffic and mass transit. According to the standards released by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), most public spaces are expected and required to equip detectable warning dome tiles.

More and more commuters are choosing bicycles as an ideal mode for transportation and commutes in the U.S. In fact, the estimated size of the U.S. bicycle market is around $6.2 billion according to a report by Statista. As biking gains increased popularity, government policymakers are firm in prioritizing bike lanes to adapt to the rush of commuters on two wheels. This is a thrilling development for those who are choosing to bike on a daily basis.

A workplace benefits from a diverse team because different experiences and backgrounds can provide new ideas, optimized processes, and more inclusivity.

The meaning of ‘diversity’ may vary for different individuals. It’s important to consider the fact that diversity is not confined to race, sexual orientation, and gender.

The meaning of true diversity stretches far beyond these classifications. Still, while planning their diversity strategies, employers tend to overlook people with disabilities. This results in an inaccessible workplace for such individuals.

The best way to interact with people who have disabilities is to see them the way they see themselves, which can definitely be a challenge as we exist in our own minds. Take cues from the person with disabilities. If they demonstrate a high level of independence, then don’t try to do things for them or “baby” them in any way.

If a person with disabilities requests assistance, then help. In either case, you allow them to showcase how they wish to be treated.

Here are some simple yet effective ways to empower those with disabilities.

While walking on the sidewalks, you may have noticed small, colorful bumps where the sidewalk meets the road. What are these bumps? Why are they placed so strategically at the edge of the sidewalk, at crosswalks, and near public transportation? What purpose do they serve? Are they there to increase the grip on the road? Or, do they serve some other purpose? Let’s find out!

Most suburban areas in the United States are created for the able-bodied individuals who own a car. Neighborhoods rarely have sidewalks, and many roads are long connecting points between neighborhoods and shopping centers. While suburbia may be a great area for a casual stroll, it’s not exactly great for those trying to get from home to work.

The major barrier to communication with people with hearing loss is often the lack of consideration by others. For successful and effective communication, all parties need to be aware and considerate.

Even if a person uses a hearing aid, others taking part in the conversation must use valuable communication strategies.

Want to bike across the United States from east to west or west to east? Now, you can with the aid of the Great American Rail-Trail, a pathway that stretches 3,700 miles (6,000 km) across 12 states that will serve bikers, hikers, and riders.

Throughout the pandemic, bike paths and hiking trails regained their standing within society as an important and invaluable recreation option. Moreover, biking and walking were rated higher and higher for commutes with individuals who didn’t want the close confines of public transportation.

First and foremost, detectable warning tiles and surfaces were designed to assist individuals with disabilities to safely navigate public spaces, and then, in 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandated the use of detectable warning tiles in public areas throughout the United States.

A wheelchair can mean the ticket to independence for some individuals, but the regular built environment is rarely arranged in a way that is easily navigable by individuals using wheelchairs. Beyond the built environment, social interactions can cause an extra strain on those who rely on wheelchairs as their primary mode of mobility. These social and infrastructural barriers impede the lives of wheelchair users every day.

Individuals with disabilities must navigate a world designed for people with vision and mobility, and one tool that helps to make the world more accessible is navigational bar tiles. These directional tile surfaces consist of raised bars that align with the direction of pedestrian travel. These navigational directional bar tiles help people to locate the entrance to light rails, trains, and bus stops.

A companion to detectable warning tiles, navigational and directional bar tiles serve an essential purpose of guiding individuals with disabilities in the flow of traffic.

While the quality and durability of the detectable warning dome tiles are absolutely vital, they are only as good as their installation process. Let’s talk about installation processes.

Installation is when two or more materials are adhered together to form a strong bond. In this case, we have the detectable warning dome tiles that will be bonded to the substrate, the underlying substance or layer, with an adhesive. All the materials might be of the highest quality, but if the installation process is poor, then the integrity of the other materials will be compromised.