|
Beinn
Eighe NNR Visitor Centre and Trails
An 'Access for All' Case Study
Visitor
Centre
click
on picture to enlarge
|
|
1.
|
The
entrance door has no step and complies with the minimum width for entrances
of 815mm. |
|
|
2.
|
We
are developing audio tapes to provide both pre-visit information, visitor
centre and trails information for those unable to read displays. |
|
|
3.
|
In
the visitor centre we offer handouts with the full exhibition text for people
with a visual impairment. These present black body text on a white background
at 18 point type size. |
|
|
4.
|
We
have followed detailed specifications on colour contrast and the size of
text on panels in the visitor centre and along the trails. Yellow on green
is a good contrast for lettering; red and green should be avoided for people
who are colour blind. |
|
|
5.
|
All
text is left justified and we have restricted the use of unusual text positioning
as it can confuse some visitors. Where possible, there is a text hierarchy,
boxes and bullet points. Words and lines are evenly spaced and there is
a clear space between paragraphs. |
|
|
6.
|
We
have used black text on a white background extensively and put boxes around
features to make them stand out (such as discovery flaps). |
|
|
7.
|
The
text has lower case headings, avoids italics, uses a plain standard font,
Arial Bold, and has no freehand lettering. The new British Standard states
that capitals in continuous text should be avoided, so we always use upper
and lower case letters.
|
|
|
8.
|
We
have avoided detail and separated each image with a solid white or grey
line, or background texture. The recommendation is to use a text colour
that will provide a strong contrast with the background colour. |
|
|
9.
|
When
using colours it is better to have dark text on a light background. Good
colour combinations are: black on white, dark blue on white, black on yellow
and dark green on white. Poor colour combinations are: pastel on pastel;
yellow on orange, grey on white; blue on green, red on green and black on
violet. Where colours are not highly contrasting, the larger the letters
and spacing of the words the better. |
|
|
10.
|
Text
that runs over a background containing several different colours/tones
will be difficult to read.The most common colours that people with colour
blindness confuse are red/yellow/green, red/
black and blue/green/purple.
|
|
|
11.
|
Displays
and exhibits have been made easy for wheelchair users to reach. Viewing
distances and angles of view have also been taken into account. The print
sizes used on interpretation panels need to be big enough for people to
be able to read the text easily. The minimum recommended print sizes are:
titles, 60-72pt; subtitles, 40-48pt;
body text, 24pt; captions, 18pt.
|
|
|
12.
|
Interactive
exhibits where visitors can discover for themselves are an important aspect
of the centre. We have covered a range of environmental topics in a wide
variety of styles so that different people can always find something to
interest them. |
|
|
13.
|
The
audiovisual interpretation provides views and sounds of the reserve, its
animals and seasons that many people would not otherwise be able to enjoy.
The seating area includes room for wheelchair users and family groups among
the general audience. |
|
|
|
