It’s likely you walk over, or even see, ADA tiles every day! Although they may be very common in all public areas, there may still be some things you don’t know about detectable warning tiles. While serving a critical role in public accessibility and safety, ADA tiles provide a myriad of additional benefits, and have an interesting history.

First Used in Japan
In the 1960s as his best friend started losing their vision, Seiichi Myake designed and developed early variations of today’s detectable warning pavers. Credited as the inventor of ADA tiles, Myake took inspiration from braille and used truncated domes, protruding from the walking surface, to signalize upcoming hazards.
Within a decade, ADA tiles were required in all rail stations in Japan, before becoming a requirement in the United States in the 1990s.
Provides Audible Feedback
In addition to being felt comfortably underfoot, truncated domes also provide an audible difference between ADA tile and surrounding walkway, when tapped with a guidance cane.
Truncated domes will make a unique sound, when tapped with a guidance cane, making the tile surface easily distinguishable from the surrounding walkway or path, providing another non-visual warning and path marking cue.
Not Just for Visual Impairments
Although intended to make public spaces truly accessible to all, no matter of ability, ADA tiles do not serve just those with visual impairments. For distracted pedestrians, ADA tiles can help call attention back to the immediate surroundings.
The noticeable change in walking surface catches pedestrians’ attention, giving the cue to look up and take in their surroundings before proceeding. Additionally, the bright color and stark visual contrast provided by ADA tiles calls attention from a distance, warning pedestrians to stay alert for any potential hazards or changes in the pathway.
Protects Against Slips
In addition to their critical role as a non-visual path marking cue, ADA tiles provide a non-slip grip, protecting pedestrians from slips and falls in all weather conditions. The micro-texture present on detectable warning tiles provides a non-slip grip which is not only helpful in wet and slippery conditions, but in sloped areas, such as curb ramps and wheelchair ramps, allowing pedestrians to gain traction before proceeding.
No Demolition Required for Installation
The installation of ADA tiles does not have to be timely or expensive! The easiest, and most cost-effective solution for brining existing areas up to ADA compliance is to install surface applied tactile warning tiles.
Installation of these ADA tiles does not require the disruption of the surrounding substrate and requires only a premier adhesive and fasteners to create a long-lasting and durable solution.
In addition to their role in creating truly accessible public spaces, ADA tiles provide important safety benefits to all pedestrians, and have a long history of doing so! Access® Tile provides the ultimate solution in detectable warning systems and allows for an easy and cost-effective way to enhance public safety. For new construction, replaceable cast in place detectable warning pavers are the ideal solution, while surface applied truncated domes can easily retrofit existing surfaces without having to disturb the surrounding area. For every project, Access® Tile offers the right solution in detectable warning surfaces!