PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Navi-Tech Detectable Guidance Markers or DGM’s were developed through the benefits of decades of blind and visual impairment education and first-hand experience coming from Rob Cook and his many professional colleagues and friends who are also B/VI or mobility impaired. Since the day in 1979 when Rob became totally blind, he learned from a host of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) teachers and experts. Inevitably, Rob absorbed and utilized this information to helped develop the enhancements over a period of several recent years. Simply put, Navi-Tech DGM’s have been well thought out and developed by blind and associated folks, SPECIFICALLY for blind and vision disabled pedestrians.
**DGM DESCRIPTION
The Patent-pending dimensions of each DGM is exactly two feet long by three inches wide (2’ X3”) so as to adhere to the ADA detectability standard when they are used in patterns of two by two feet square, as in the DGM Crossing and Transit Patterns (see “Layouts.”) Properly secured, each Pattern will create a two by two foot detectable and directional guidance area, with the Crossing Pattern having two DGM’s extended at approximately thirty degrees out and away from the directional section and base, in a wing formation to enhance detectability and draw pedestrians who use canes into contact with the directional central portion of the Pattern. (See “Layouts.”)
The bus Stop and transit gate DGM pattern will consist of a total set of five DGM’s secured in a two by two foot square, with an overtly directional two DGM triangle set within the three DGM’s that define a three sided square border. (See “Layouts.”) The street-side or entrance side border is absent, allowing the point of the interior triangle to act as a directional guide towards the transit entrance, vehicle door or travel goal. This Pattern allows B/VI travelers to access bus, light-rail or train stops at stations or even in airports to designate ticket counters, gates or boarding areas. Bus and light rail travelers will not only be able to confirm they are at the stop and where to board the vehicle, but drivers can consistently place vehicle doors at entry points for the convenience and safety of any traveler with a disability.
A detectable pathway or end-to-end line of DGM’s can act as a linear guide for vision impaired travelers. In areas such as train or bus stations, within airports, negotiating distance is a difficult task , as is traveling along open pathways or across apartment or campus areas where orienting and locating a final goal can be tremendously confusing and difficult. The DGM product will allow pedestrians who are vision disabled to locate and distinguish between (and safely travel through) common objectives, like street crossings, bus and mass transit stops or terminals, and other spacious public access zones with safety and ease.
Navi-Tech DGM’s are surprisingly low-cost and are a relatively easy system to install and use. A typical four-way intersection with minimal signalization would cost less than the price of a 5-gallon can of commercial Cross-walk Paint and at a SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER COST THAN detectable warnings or Accessible Pedestrian Devices (APD’s.) At the individual DGM price of $22, Such an intersection should cost no more than $700 to $1250.
DGM’s are installed and secured by the use of one of the three commercial epoxies known as EAS-6, 13 or 14 series; the same securing agents use to place freeway or highway reflective markers upon our Nations roads. (This National Standard method of installation has been utilized on paved-surface roads in America since the late 1950’s and has over two-trillion miles of researched highway use. It is doubtful that any level of pedestrian use and contact with the installed and secured DGM’s will result in damage or separation from the surface of any Rights-Of-Way.) Public transportation crews or local private contractors can swiftly manage and complete the installations at a far less expensive rate than Detectable Warnings or signalized systems.
Navi-Tech DGM’s come in a diverse range of color for increased visual contrast and may be utilized in conjunction with APD’s or detectable warnings (DW’s = truncated domes.) Identification of and orientation TO THE CROSSWALK ZONE AND BETWEEN THE DW’S, can be achieved via the DGM’s through an average cane sweep, by standing upon the DGM, through a touch of the foot, or by noting the color contrast for those with low vision. Major enhancements for tactile recognition have been included in DGM design and the highly detectable linear guides cast into the DGM’s, create a huge improvement in way-finding.
Navi-Tech DGM™ Staff would enjoy hearing your comments or sales inquiries. Please call us direct at (541) 741-4367, or contact us via our website at:www.navi-tech.net or at N-T Owner, Rob@Navi-Tech.net
Contact info:
Navi-Tech LLC = Navi-Tech DGM(tm)
942 West L Street
Springfield, OR 97477
Office: (541) 741-4367
Mobile: (541) 510-6160
rob@navi-tech.net