New research reveals how different tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) can be used in complex transportation settings where other cues may be inconsistent, confusing, misleading, or missing to provide wayfinding information to people who are blind or visually impaired. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern that discussed the requirements for successful tactile wayfinding. Presenters reviewed the results of three experiments on detectability, discriminability, and application of TWSIs along with guidelines for planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining TWSIs in different transportation settings.

This webinar was based on TCRP Research Report 248: Tactile Wayfinding in Transportation Settings for Travelers Who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program and the Standing Technical Committees on Accessible Transportation and Mobility and Pedestrians.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Background of TWSIs – Sarah O’Brien, University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center

2. Findings from three experiments – Alan Scott, Accessible Design for the Blind

3. Overview of guide and different TWSI applications – Lee Rodegerdts, Kittelson and Associates, Inc.

4. Question and answer session moderated by Lukas Franck, Affiliation

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the meaning conveyed by each TWSI type and how people with vision disabilities may interact with them

2. Consider the need for TWSIs in different transportation settings and determine what type of TWSI application is most suitable

Professional Development Hours

This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.