Accessible Pedestrian Signals

Streets and sidewalks should be accessible to everyone. Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) help people cross intersections safely and independently. These signals are part of the effort to meet the standards set by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).


 

How they work

When you want to cross, you press the APS button at the intersection. The signal will:

  • Make locator tones from the pushbuttons to help people locate the button
  • Make a sound or speak to let you know in what direction it is safe to cross
    • A cuckoo sound (accompanied by the walking person display) means that you can cross in the north/south direction
    • A chirp sound or Canadian melody (accompanied by the walking person display) means that you can cross in the east/west direction
  • Vibrate the raised arrows on the pushbuttons. The arrows point toward the direction of travel.
  • Provide enough time to cross the street safely

Accessible pedestrian signals in Niagara Falls

When a new signalized intersection is built, it must have accessible pedestrian signals. Installations are managed by the Niagara Region and may coordinate with new road construction projects. If you have questions please contact the Niagara Region.