CAG Position Statement - Accessible Roundabouts

Roundabouts present significant challenges to pedestrians who are blind, deafblind, or partially sighted (hereafter referred to as blind). The continuous flow of traffic at roundabouts removes many of the audible indications that pedestrians who are blind use to navigate street crossings. Additionally, visual barriers in the center island of a roundabout may increase the auditory barriers for pedestrians who are blind. Read the full Position Statement for further information and CAG recommendations.

CAG Position Statement - Accessible Pedestrian Signals

Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are devices installed at signalized intersections that provide auditory, tactile and visual information of when the walk phase is on and enables people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind to independently navigate the crosswalk. APS must be installed at all signalized pedestrian crossings in a consistent manner, providing equitable access to the built environment for pedestrians who are blind or have low vision. Read the full Position Statement for further information and CAG recommendations.

CAG Position Statement - Tactile Walking Surface Indicators

Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSIs) are a feature of the built environment, often found on sidewalks, which provide tactile information underfoot or through a mobility cane to people who are blind, partially sighted or deafblind that assists with navigation and alerts people to potential hazards such as platform edges and road crossings. In order for TWSIs to be fully effective they must be designed and deployed appropriately across the built environment. Read the full Position Statement for further information and CAG recommendations.

CAG Position Statement - E-scooters

E-scooters create serious obstacles and dangers to pedestrians who are blind, Deafblind, or partially sighted. The CAG strongly disagrees with the introduction of e-scooters in Canadian municipalities but if e-scooters are permitted within Canadian cities, expectations and measures must be put in place to mitigate the risks to blind pedestrians prior to e-scooter introduction. Read the full Position Statement for further information and CAG recommendations.

CAG Position Statement - Plexiglass shields used at retail establishments

Clear plexiglass barriers erected to protect employees during the pandemic present challenges for people who are blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted. They are at risk of injuring themselves on the edges of plexiglass shields when approaching the register areas. It can also be difficult for these individuals to locate the payment terminals and position themselves at the optimal location to conduct transactions. Read the full Position Statement for further information and CAG recommendations.

CAG Position Statement - Quiet Vehicles

People who are blind, Deafblind, or partially sighted rely on the sounds created by internal combustion engines to travel safely throughout their communities. Vehicles that do not produce sufficient amount of sound can be significantly harder to detect and thus pose a safety concern. Quiet vehicles must meet a minimum sound standard enabling blind pedestrians to detect their presence and navigate safely. Read the full Position Statement for further information and CAG recommendations.