Thursday, May 21, 2009

Leading the blind

dt5689

Japan first began to use raised "bumps" in the floor as a guide for the blind and partially-sighted in 1967--the first country to do so.

One Day in Izumo9644

They can now be found all over the country, in stations, public buildings, and on the sidewalk.

kok625

There is still no country-wide standard, but the basic designs are "dashes" to indicate direction, and "dots" to indicate warning, i.e. a change of direction, platform edge, etc.

sh9828

A variety of materials are used, though a type of rubberised plastic is the most common. Metal is sometimes used.

A morning walk around Matsue1411

I find them a fascinating source of composition in photographs.

hiro2686


gotsu649


aquas8960

4 comments:

  1. This is very interesting and something that should be done in other countries. When did this start? Have you seen people using it?

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  2. Totally cool.Very nice work. cjg of eroticalee

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  3. There are similar leading systems for blind people in Germany. Practically all train stations and most cities have those bumps

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  4. Now that IS a coincidence, Ojisanjake! Fantastic photos, as ever. Thanks.

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