VisionAware

Medical Centers and Pharmacies

• Outline scales or exam table steps with a contrasting color.
• Contrast doors or door frames with walls.
• Provide large print prescription labels.
• Alert the customers to changes in size, color, and shape of new generic drugs.

Places of Worship

• Provide good light in all areas accessed by public, such as pulpit/podium, sanctuary or altar steps.
• Offer clip-on lights for use during services.
• Offer announcements, programs, hymnals, service readings, newsletters in large print.

Banks

• Provide task lighting at customer counters
• Label slots for bank slips/forms.
• Advertise high contrast, large print checks.
• Position the ATM to minimize glare on the screen.
• Outline slots for cards and deposits with contrasting color.

Restaurants

• Provide sufficient lighting over tables and reduce glare with window coatings, blinds or table position.
• Use table covers that contrast with dinnerware.
• Print menu in high contrast colors and/or large print.
• Assure good lighting in restrooms.
• Use large print on restroom signs.

Libraries

• Outline glass doors, door dividers, handicap buttons, book drops with contrast paint or tape.
• Provide accessible computers, positioned to minimize glare.
• Provide resources for Library of Congress large print or talking books.

Community Centers

• Provide gooseneck lamps for crafts, cards and other near activities.
• Use large print bingo or playing cards.
• Have hands-free magnifiers available for crafts.

Public Spaces

• Outline pedestrian traffic light push-buttons in yellow.
• Paint tops and sides of curbs, parking barriers, protuding objects and islands yellow

Suggestions for Businesses As a Whole

• Maximize lighting and minimize glare: Seniors require more light than others to assure safe mobility and to complete near tasks. Conversely, glare from direct or reflected light undermines safety and function.
• Provide the brightest light possible (approximately 600-800 lux for entrances and task lighting; 400-600 lux for ambient lighting).
• Reduce glare by using awnings, shades and curtains.
• Maximize contrast: Signs and printed material will be easier to see when there is color contrast between print or graphics and the background. The best contrast is black-on-white or white-on-black. Dark blue or dark gray could be substituted for black, and light yellow or light gray could be substituted for white.
• Use contrasting stripes on step and curb edges, freestanding signs, protruding objects and trip hazards to reduce risk of injury and falls.
• Use furniture that contrasts with the wall and floor.
• Add contrasting color or yellow paint to railings and bases of freestanding objects and protrusions, such as signs, trash receptacles and planter boxes.
• Maximize size: Signs and printed material, including signs, handouts and business cards, should be produced in the largest font possible. Copy machines and computers can also be used to enlarge print for individuals with low vision.