Elevators are an essential element of accessibility in buildings, enabling vertical mobility for wheelchair users and providing easier access for blind and visually impaired individuals. However, accessibility is ensured or improved only if the elevator is properly designed and installed.
Mobility-impaired individuals primarily require a cabin of appropriate dimensions (at least 110 × 140 cm) and a sufficiently wide entrance (minimum 80 cm). The height of the control panel is also crucial – buttons should be placed between 90 and 120 cm to ensure easy reach.
For blind and visually impaired individuals, it is essential that the elevator's location is well-marked or easily identifiable (e.g., directly next to a staircase). The elevator cabin must be well-lit, buttons should contrast with the cabin wall, and they must include tactile markings or Braille. The use of auditory information, such as voice announcements of floors, further enhances accessibility.
Deaf individuals often avoid using elevators due to a significant issue – the emergency call system (SOS) is typically designed as an audio-only connection, making it unsuitable for them. In case of a malfunction or emergency, they are completely cut off from accessible communication methods. To improve elevator accessibility for deaf individuals, emergency systems should be equipped with videophones, which, unfortunately, remain rare in practice.