Q:What are Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI’s)?
A: Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI’s), are devices with defined sets of embossed patterns that have been agreed upon by International Accessibility Experts, that either provide persons with visual impairments a) warning of a hazard or b) following a direction.
Q:Where did Tactile Walking Surface Indicators Originate?
A: Tactile Walking Surface Indicators were originally developed in Japan in the 1960’s when a member of the Royal Household was visually impaired, and every effort possible was initiated to assist this person’s mobility in the public realm. Since then Japan has spearheaded many initiates for assistive devices, and TWSI’s are still more common than anywhere else in the world.
Cast iron recommended for City of Toronto standard
Results are in after a year-long Pilot Project to determine which four materials of tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI)’s would be recommended as the new City of Toronto standard. And the winner is- cast iron!
In order to comply with the Design of Public Space Standards (Part IV.1 of Ontario Regulation 191/11, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), which included new legislative requirements to have TWSI’s at the bottom of curb ramps and depressed curbs to provide alerts for those with vision loss, the City of Toronto started a Pilot Project to best decide what standard they should adopt for TWSI’s on their sidewalk surfaces.
10 Reasons to Choose Neenah Foundry TWSI's
Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) play a crucial role in better alerting those with visual impairments of upcoming street crossings and potential hazards. With more and more of these textured warning plates popping up across Ontario, it's clear that communities are committed to making their streets safer for people with vision loss.
Pedestrians and motorists will soon see an influx of TWSI’s in the year ahead. Effective January 2016, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) states that TWSI’s, also referred to as Detectable Warning Plates (DWP), will be mandatory on all new and repaired depressed curb sidewalks in Ontario.
Neenah Foundry Tactile Walking Surface Indicators provide alerts for secure crossing
The life of a pedestrian trying to navigate through the city can prove challenging at times. On any given day, a simple walk can include jumping over potholes, dodging construction materials and avoiding cars that seem to come out of nowhere. For a person with vision loss, the list of potential hazards is even longer.
Landmark by Crozier, a Canadian supplier for high end site furnishings and construction castings, recognizes this need for increased safety measures. The Landmark team are actively providing Neenah Foundry’s Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI’s) to municipalities across Ontario to better alert those with visual impairments of upcoming street crossings. These textured TWSI’s, sometimes referred to as Detectable Warning Plates (DWP’s), have been instrumental in notifying people with vision loss of any upcoming dangers prior to stepping out on the street.
New legislation around TWSI's in effect January 1st, 2016
The deadline is fast approaching on new accessibility standards for public spaces, which includes new laws on tactile walking surface indicators(TWSI). To ensure your company is compliant, Landmark by Crozier, a Canadian supplier for construction castings and high quality site furnishings, is available to provide an understanding of the legislation.
Effective January 2016, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), under Part IV.1 of Reg 191/11 states that TWSI’s (also known as Detectable Warning Plates will be mandatory on all new and repaired depressed curb sidewalks in Ontario.
Click on the TWSI Logo below for full details on the new standard:
How tactile walking surface indicators make streets safer
According to the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB), half a million Canadians are living with vision loss, with more than 50,000 more losing their sight every year. TWSI's play an instrumental role in improving accessibility.
Tactile Walking Surface Indicators(TWSI) act as a warning device to alert those with visual impairments of upcoming street crossings. As shown above, the plates consist of uniform sized, spaced domes installed on depressed ramps at public sidewalk crossings.
New legislation around TWSI's now in effect
New accessibility standards for public spaces, which includes new laws on Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI's) are now in effect. To ensure your company is compliant, contact Crozier Enterprises' TWSI Division to get an understanding of the legislation and to receive an immediate quote on TWSI's.
TWSI is the proud supplier of Neenah Foundry cast iron detectable warning plates, which exceed the standard and are in regulatory compliance with both the AODA and the American Disability Act (ADA).
Effective January 2016, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), under Part IV.1 of Reg 191/11 states that TWSI’s (also known as Detectable Warning Plates) are mandatory on all new and repaired depressed curb sidewalks in Ontario.
Click on the City of Toronto logo below to see additional details on the new standard together with the most recent City of Toronto's 2018 TWSI Specifications & Construction Standards
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Report details how tactile walking surface indicators make streets safer
According to the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB), half a million Canadians are living with vision loss, with more than 50,000 more losing their sight every year. TWSI's play an instrumental role in improving accessibility.
Tactile Walking Surface Indicators(TWSI) act as a warning device to alert those with visual impairments of upcoming street crossings. As shown above, the plates consist of uniform sized, spaced domes installed on depressed ramps at public sidewalk crossings.
When a person with vision loss walks down the sidewalk using a long white cane, they will detect the domes on the TWSI before stepping on it. Once detected, they recognize that they’ve reached a transition from sidewalk to road and will adhere to their other training to safely cross the road.
Click on the TWSI logo below for full details!
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Architecturally designed tree grates & guards provide unmatched longevity
Looking to protect your trees for decades to come while adding a touch of class and sophistication to your landscaping project? If so, look no further than Neenah Foundry’s vast collection of beautiful tree grates and guards.
Architects and landscape designers alike turn to Neenah’s cast iron tree grates and fabricated steel tree guards to provide the strongest, most cost-effective solution for protecting trees in urban environments.
The sturdy cast iron tree grate and frames have been designed to provide longevity in any type of hard surface medium. The frames are installed flush with the surface of the adjacent concrete, interlocking pavers, and even Granite Borders allowing the 2-piece tree grate sitting in the frame to finish flush unaffected by snow plows, cars, or heavy pedestrian traffic (including motorized mobility devices). Many models in this vast selection meet A.O.D.A. requirements, and we have no purchase requirements, we’ll gladly ship just one unit.
Designing for a downtown street, suburban neighbourhood or stadium? Need a look that’s clean, eye-appealing, custom for mature trees or for a historical site? Neenah’s vast collection can match your specifications. Many designs even allow for the inclusion of your city or company logo.
Meet some Landmark suppliers and learn more about our products!
Are you attending the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)’s 2014 Annual Meeting & Expo November 22-23 inside the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado? If so, please take the opportunity to meet some of the Landmark by Crozier suppliers!
You can find the suppliers and learn more about our products by visiting the following booths (Locate them on Floor Plan HERE):
