Handrails are commonly found alongside stairs or ramps, providing crucial support and guidance to individuals who are blind/low vision as they navigate their surroundings, or elderly who may find stairs or ramps challenging. The handrails offer a sense of security and assist in maintaining balance, ensuring a confident and independent travel experience.

In this video, Tim will talk you through the two types of handrails, and the best way to measure them.

Some handrails have additional accessibility features such as having a curved end and/or a dome to indicate where stairs stop and start.

Below are examples of curved handrails. They have a curve at the end of the rail which is a useful indicator to someone who is blind/low vision that it is coming to an end.

Take a look at the ends of the rails in the images below!

Domed handrails have a little button-like raise to indicate that there will be a change in levels between steps and stairs. These will be found on top of the rail so they can be felt by those who are blind/low vision.

Let’s test your understanding and see how well you understood the handrails feature.