Too often, accessibility is something that gets bolted on at the end of a project. A ramp here, a tactile there, maybe a sign if the budget allows. The trouble is, when accessibility comes last, it usually costs more, works less effectively, and leaves people behind.
Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) — those raised dots and strips you see near crossings, stairs, and platforms — are a great example of why accessibility needs to be part of the design conversation from the start.
The cost of doing it later
We’ve all seen tactiles installed in the wrong spot — too far from the hazard, incorrectly aligned, or laid without enough colour contrast. Mistakes like these usually happen when accessibility is treated as a box to tick at the end.
The fix? Pulling them up and starting again. That means wasted money, wasted time, and often ongoing liability risks if someone trips or gets hurt. Planning them in early avoids those headaches.
Tactiles done right vs done wrong
When tactiles are installed properly, they’re simple but powerful. They give people with vision impairments independence, helping them move safely and confidently.
But when they’re rushed or poorly placed, they confuse or even endanger the very people they’re meant to support. The difference comes down to whether accessibility was considered as part of the design, or bolted on after.
That’s why at ESP Australia, we’ve designed our products, like Access® Tile, around ease of installation and long-term compliance — helping contractors and facility managers get it right the first time.
Beyond compliance
Standards like AS/NZS 1428.4.1 set minimum requirements, but meeting the bare minimum doesn’t always mean the space is truly accessible.
Real inclusivity comes from thinking about how people actually use a space. Are tactiles positioned correctly? Do they contrast clearly with the surface around them? Will they last under heavy use and weather?
Choosing durable, high-contrast products like Access® Tile can make a big difference. They’re designed for reliability, which means fewer replacements and greater safety for the community.
The bigger picture
Good accessibility isn’t just for those who rely on it every day. It makes public spaces better for everyone. It also builds trust with communities, reduces liability risks, and saves money on retrofits down the line.
In other words, planning accessibility properly isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do.
A shift in mindset
Accessibility shouldn’t be a checklist item or an optional extra. It should be part of the foundation of every project. That means considering features like tactiles at the planning table, not at the last minute.
When we plan with accessibility in mind — and use solutions built for long-term performance, like ESP’s Access® Tile — we move past compliance and create spaces that are truly inclusive. And that benefits all of us.
