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“Hello, I’m here to talk about a new concept that we call “Universal Design meets the Exit Sign”.

Universal Design ensures that the design of products and environments are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible.

It also attempts to accommodate the widest possible spectrum of human abilities within the design of all environments.

By doing so, universal design also makes environments safer, easier and more convenient for everyone in a building.

Now we’ve all seen conventional exit signs in buildings, they’re big green illuminated or glow in the dark signs that show people how to get out in an emergency.

But does the current use of exit signs and evacuation routes in buildings consider the abilities of all occupants?

The answer is undoubtedly “no – they don’t”.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you were going to see your accountant on the fourth floor of a building and the evacuation alarm sounded?

When a building alarm goes off people would normally move to the nearest fire escape stairs and safely leave the building.

How about if you’ve gone to the local shopping centre and the evacuation alarm goes off?

Do you go back through the entrance you came in to get out, or do you follow the exit signs that lead you in the opposite direction?

Or what if you’ve just parked in a basement carpark, but the lift can’t be used during an emergency?

Most people wouldn’t really think too much about these questions. People tend to go about their day to day business without putting too much thought to these issues.

In fact, you would expect to be safe in an emergency and able to leave a building quickly to escape any danger. Right?

Well…. this is not always the case. Especially for those members of the community who may experience delays or difficulties in negotiating a vertical exit path that includes the use of stairs.

This might include people with mobility or sensory limitations, the elderly or the very young.

And this is why the new Universal Design meets the Exit Sign concept is so important.

Now there’s an exit sign design that adds clarity to how people can move safely to a suitable accessible exit.

The new concept uses the ‘Accessible Means of Egress Icon’ as the principal pictorial element.

The use of the Icon meets the intent of disability legislation and can exceed local fire exit sign requirements by providing a safer environment for everyone.

The Icon was developed in late 2013 and it’s now part of an international campaign to drive changes in attitudes and the legislation of exit sign requirements in buildings.

For more videos or information on the use of the Icon please visit the website www.accessibleexitsigns.com

Thank you”