Providing luminance contrast in building elements helps to ensure that people with low vision, those easily visually confused, or those people distracted (including people using their mobile phones) can identify accessible features in the built environment.

It’s not just about providing a colour contrast, it’s about making sure that a product, sign, handrail, toilet seat, stair tread, or the like, can easily be recognised by ensuring a contrast is provided between the luminance reflective values (or the way light bounces off each surface).

This approach can improve safety, but it also aligns well with the principles of universal design.

Compliance can now be confirmed by using the Luminance Contrast Assessment Tool (LCAT) to check the Luminance Reflective Values of these products or materials.

You can get a copy of the LCAT here