Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre trail features

Beinn Eighe NNR Visitor Centre and Trails An 'Access for All' Case Study Trail Features click on picture to enlarge
1.	Signs and panels need to be put where they can be seen and read both by people standing and wheelchair users. We have installed interpretive panels at one metre high along the trail to ensure ease of use. They are positioned close to the path and tilted to 60 degrees to allow reading with ease. Board surface materials are non-reflective.
2.	The location, size and supports of the panels makes them conspicuous. They lie next to the path, have large oval surfaces and sit on top of substantial, pale-coloured posts.
3.	Tactile markers with different colours and shapes are used on the trails to guide visitors. Clear symbols/shapes with good colour contrast help not only those with visual impairments. They also help people with learning difficulties, those with less experience of or ability to read maps, as well as children.
4.	All junctions are waymarked with posts next to the junctions so that people are clear which route to take. There is consistent use of symbols and colours to mark the trails. The symbols and colours match those on the orientation panel.
5.	We considered colour contrast on all signs where they are placed on a wood background. We avoided dark colours on dark wood as these could get lost among the trees.
Beinn Eighe NNR Visitor Centre and Trails An 'Access for All' Case Study Toilets
1.	There are specific building regulations for toilets. At times we had to go beyond the minimum standards; for instance, the entrance ramp had to be made wider than the minimum in order to create a comfortable turning space.
2.	National guidelines were followed on the dimensions required for disabled access within toilet blocks and the approved colour schemes. The latter required clear contrast between walls, floors, doors and fittings.
3.	Toilet partitions and doors are white. A contrasting block of colour lies behind the door handles to make them stand out. 'D' handles make it obvious where the door/handle is and which side and direction it opens.
4.	There is a visual alarm to warn people with a hearing impairment of fire.
5.	We have installed low surface temperature radiators to prevent accidental burns.
6.	Surfaces need to be non-slip for wheelchairs. A second handrail is needed, pivoted and to match the height of the original. A drop cistern is also required and there is a pull cord emergency alarm.