Accessible Exterior Surfaces Technical Article

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this research were to:

1. Determine the energy costs and perceived level of difficulty to negotiate a range of outdoor surfaces among a small group of subjects with and without disabilities;

2. Objectively measure the firmness and stability of the test surfaces;

3. Determine the relationship between the objective surface measures, energy costs, and level of difficulty; and

4. Propose preliminary recommendations for accessibility guidelines for the firmness and stability of exterior surfaces.