Tactile Map Accessibility Project logo

A youth-led access campaign in Surrey, England. Founded 2025.

The June 29 speech

Universal Accessibility Through Tactile Maps. In this talk, Hayley shares a powerful personal experience that reveals a bigger issue in public accessibility: many accessible toilets are still designed without enough consideration for blind and visually impaired users.

Occasion
Launch of the Tactile Map Accessibility Project and its petitions
Date
29 June 2026
Speaker
Hayley X., founder, age 15
Talk
Universal Accessibility Through Tactile Maps

Watch the speech

Hayley delivering the talk on 29 June 2026. Duration 4 minutes 24 seconds. Download the video (MP4, 24 MB). The key points below summarise the talk for anyone who prefers to read it.

Key points

  • A personal story about accidentally triggering an emergency alarm in an accessible toilet.
  • A second example showing how confusing toilet layouts can create unnecessary stress in public spaces.
  • The problem: disabled toilets are often designed by sighted people for sighted users.
  • A proposed solution: tactile maps on accessible toilet doors.
  • Why tactile maps matter: they are low cost, easy to install, and can improve safety, confidence, and independence.

Main idea

Hayley argues that tactile maps could make accessible toilets more usable for blind and visually impaired people by clearly showing layout details like the sink, bin, flush type, and emergency cord.

Why it matters

This idea could help reduce embarrassment, improve safety, and make public spaces more inclusive for everyone.

Call to action

Hayley encourages support for the tactile map initiative and asks listeners to sign the petition for broader adoption in schools, shopping centres, and other venues.