Evaluating Stairway Designs for Individuals With Vision Impairment

The goal of this study is to learn if contrast frequency on step tread-edges influences foot clearance measures, a marker of fall risk, in older adults with and without visual impairments. The main questions that aim to be answered are how foot clearance measures change across different frequencies of stair contrast, and how experiences and perceptions of different stair contrast frequencies are evaluated. Researchers will compare individuals with and without visual impairments to see if contrast frequency on step tread-edges changes. Participants will attend one visit during which their vision will be measured, and they will be asked to ascend and descend laboratory stairs at different contrast frequencies. An optional second visit will entail a focus group meeting to better understand how contrast affects mobility in their home and everyday life.