How to design elevators to facilitate the use of disabled people

Accessible design refers to the use of modern technology to build and transform the environment, provide convenient and safe space for the disabled, and create an "equal and participatory" environment.

The design requirements for barrier-free facilities in elevator waiting halls are as follows: the depth of the elevator waiting hall should not be less than 1.5m; the button height is 0.90-1.10m; the net width of the elevator door should not be less than 0.90m; a blind path should be set at the elevator entrance and exit; the elevator waiting hall should be equipped with an elevator operation display device and arrival audio.

The design requirements for barrier-free facilities in elevator cars are as follows: the net width of the elevator door opening shall not be less than 0.80m; the minimum specification of the car is that the depth shall not be less than 1.40m and the width shall not be less than 1.10m; the medium specification is that the depth shall not be less than 1.60m and the width shall not be less than 1.40m; medical buildings and elderly buildings should use dedicated elevators for beds; handrails with a height of 0.80-0.85m can be set on the front and sides of the car; floor selection buttons with a height of 0.90-1.10m and Braille can be set on the sides of the car; mirrors can be installed from 0.90m high on the front of the car to the top; the car should have clear display and floor announcement sound when running up and down and arriving.

In order to make the elevator more convenient for people with disabilities to use, the following points need to be considered during design:

1. Button design:

The button should be located at a height that people with disabilities can easily reach (0.9-1.1 meters) and have Braille to facilitate blind use.

2. Display screen: The specification of the operating display screen should be no less than 50×50 mm, and use clear fonts to facilitate reading for people with low vision.
3. Car space: The car should be spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs and assistive tools, and provide enough space for turning and moving.
4. Signs: Clear barrier-free signs should be set inside and outside the elevator, including warning signs, direction guidance signs, warning slogans and prompt slogans for barrier-free elevators to help people with disabilities identify and use them.
5. Automatic door: The elevator should be equipped with automatic doors and set the opening time of the automatic doors to facilitate the entry and exit of people with disabilities using wheelchairs and assistive tools.
6. Handrails: Handrails should be set inside and outside the car, and the height and firmness of the handrails should be ensured.
7. Voice prompts: A voice prompt function can be set inside the car to inform passengers of the current floor information.
8. Emergency alarm: An emergency alarm button should be set inside the car to facilitate people with disabilities to seek help in an emergency.