The Best Outdoor Lighting for Handicap Accessibility

With a little specialized knowledge, you can create an outdoor lighting design that is both beautiful and handicap accessible. There are just a few key aspects of your outdoor lighting design you need to keep in mind to create that accessibility. It is important to pay attention to the glare of your lighting, how well-lit your pathways are, and how easily switches can be accessed.

Reducing Glare From Lighting

Glare causes visibility issues for those who use wheelchairs. The reason for this is that many people who install lights hanging from cabinets, coming from the ground, or hanging downwards are thinking of the visual effect for people of an average height who are standing. Many lights can, accidentally, be placed in a way that shines light directly into the eyes of someone traveling through your outdoor space in a wheelchair.

To reduce the glare coming from your outdoor lighting design, keep the various eyeline levels of people in mind when placing lights. You can position some lights at a lower level so they won’t shine in anyone’s eyes. Frost-tinted bulbs are another way to reduce glare and make your space more handicap accessible.

Guiding Lights

Track lighting is an essential tool to make your space truly accessible for the wide variety of disabilities people can have. If someone has poor vision or has trouble with spatial navigation, track lighting can help them use the space better and have a more enjoyable time. LED track lighting will make your pathways more visible without creating a tripping hazard. These lights can be installed from your porch area or other solid surfaces, and be directed downward to light up a specific pathway or space.

The clearer the space and pathways, the better. Lamp posts and ground path lights are other great options for when the pathway is farther from the porch area. Make sure the light given is sufficient enough to light your entire pathway. To be handicap accessible, you need to take the guesswork out of where to step.

Switch Accessibility and Motion Sensors

For your use, or the use of those who work in your business or live in your home, you need to make sure your switches can easily be found and used. If your lighting is set up one way, you can call a professional electrician to change your setup so your switches can be reached by everyone, whether they have a disability or not. A good height for light switches is typically around 36 inches.

Another way to keep lighting easy and simple for everyone is to install motion sensors. This way, you and those using your space only need to move toward the outdoor area for all necessary lighting to activate. With glare reduced lights, proper lighting, and switch reachability, you can have the outdoor lighting you dream of for a handicap accessible place.

If you live in Florida and need lighting help to create an outdoor space that is handicap accessible, contact Decorating Elves today