Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is providing a new navigational resource for people who are blind or have low vision. MSP is the first airport in North America to offer tactile maps for its entire suite of public restrooms to help travelers better understand the layout of key fixtures within each facility.
“This adds another layer of wayfinding to remove barriers in navigating the airport, which can be more challenging for individuals who are blind or have low vision,” says Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC) CEO Brian Ryks in a prepared statement. The commission owns and operates MSP. “We’re proud of the partnership and innovation that led to this latest large-scale advancement in our accessibility efforts, which help all airport users have a better experience at MSP.”
Nearly 150 tactile maps—which measure approximately 2 to 3 feet square—have been installed near each restroom entrance at a height between 48 and 60 inches from the floor, an optimal reach range based on Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
The MAC partnered with members of its MSP Travelers with Disabilities Advisory Committee to develop tactile maps symbols, since there are no national standards. Along with lettering and braille, the map symbols—including square, triangle, line and oval, and diamond—note locations for stalls, urinals, accessible stalls, sinks, and other fixtures. Every map marks a “start here” entrance location with a raised-dot path to orient users how to move through the restroom.
“To be able to put your hands on something and get a basic idea of what a room looks like is a game changer in terms of feeling comfortable and independent,” says Ken Rodgers, president of the American Council of the Blind of Minnesota, who is blind. Rodgers consulted on the project as part of MSP’s advisory committee. “I can’t tell you how many urinals I have touched in places you’re not supposed to touch—and that requires good hand-washing.”
One of the biggest challenges in developing the tactile maps program is the volume and variety of restrooms at the airport, which served more than 36 million passengers last year.
“We had to work with a prebuilt environment where all but two restrooms were unique in their layout and fixture locations,” says Phil Burke, MAC assistant director of customer experience. “In essence, each map had to be custom-designed and precise to the touch to create the maximum benefit for individuals who can’t always rely on a companion to assist them in navigating our restrooms.”
Travelers, visitors, and airport employees will find the new tactile maps near all restroom types across MSP’s two terminals. These include men’s, women’s, accessible, companion care, nursing, and lactation rooms. The signs also are located outside service animal and pet relief areas.
MSP has earned the highest level of accreditation for passenger accessibility by Airports Council International, a global organization representing more than 1,900 airports in 170 countries. In partnership with the MSP Travelers with Disabilities Advisory Committee, the airport has deployed nearly 25 accessibility initiatives over the last decade to strengthen its commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for all travelers.
