Ensuring intercom systems comply with accessibility regulations

Disability compliance: a growing need

Our market research indicated that 62% of installers deal with projects requiring disability compliance ‘at least sometimes’, with 21% encountering such requirements ‘always’ and 12% ‘often’. This highlights the pervasive need for intercom systems that cater to diverse user needs, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. 

Of course, the requirements vary from country to country (as well as the intensity of the need for them) but generally speaking, there are some key requirements that you should ensure are met. 

Which features must your intercom system have to be regarded as accessible?

Pictograms: intercom call state signalling 

The most frequently required feature, cited by 43% of respondents to the survey, involves the use of pictograms or signalling. These visual aids, shown on intercoms, show users what call state the intercom is in, making it easier for the hearing impaired (or even foreign visitors who don’t speak the language) to understand and follow the calling process whilst they are trying to access the building.

Multiple 2N door intercom systems can meet this requirement. Showing the intercom call status (ringing, in call, door open) comes as standard in the 2N IP Style, 2N IP Verso (and 2N IP Verso 2.0) and 2N IP Solo  intercoms as part of the main units– and the 2N IP Force and 2N IP Uni  are also equipped with pictograms in certain versions.

Audio prompting and navigation

Audio prompts and navigation support are required in 36% of MDU projects. These systems provide spoken instructions and feedback, ensuring that visually impaired users can navigate the entry process without relying solely on visual cues. 2N intercoms include this feature – they can play instructions (such as directions to the reception or to the elevator) after granting access.

A great feature of the 2N IP Style is bi-directional video  – and this can be used in much the same manner as audio prompts, but for the hearing-impaired! Not only does allowing receptionists to communicate visually with visitors add a unique personal touch to entrances, but it also allows for effective lip reading and/or sign language aids to be given to the hearing-impaired. To enable this feature in your project, you’ll need the reception to be equipped with a 2N IP Phone D7A  with a USB camera.

Dedicated button for calling reception

Another critical feature is the dedicated button for calling reception, essential in 36% of projects. This button offers immediate assistance to users who may need help, enhancing the overall accessibility of the intercom system. The 2N IP Force and 2N IP Verso (+2.0) intercoms have this feature!

Induction loop module

An induction loop module , needed in 21% of projects, is vital for users with hearing aids and cochlear implants. This feature transmits sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants equipped with a telecoil, reducing background noise and improving clarity. 

It’s needed not only in intercoms but also in indoor stations! Thus, to cater to the needs of the hearing-impaired at entrances or garages, choose the 2N IP Verso 2.0 with an induction loop module or the 2N IP Force with an inbuilt induction loop accessory. For inside apartments, use the 2N Clip with an inbuilt induction loop.

Plus, all our other IP intercoms (e.g. 2N IP Style, 2N IP Safety, 2N IP Solo) and selected answering units (2N Indoor View, 2N Indoor Compact, 2N Indoor Talk) can be equipped with the 2N Induction Loop , an external device that makes these products more accessible.

Marked "5" key

Marking the "5" key was a requirement noted by 10% of respondents. This helps visually impaired users orient themselves on the keypad, making it easier to input codes or make selections accurately. The mechanical keypads on all of our intercoms have a marked 5 key. 

If you would like an intercom with advanced features, you can add a mechanical keypad  to the 2N IP Verso 2.0 – meaning you’ll meet both disability requirements as well as growing demands for modern capabilities.

Helping the disabled in elevator emergencies

While not an immediate part of an intercom system, if you’re creating an entire building access control system, elevators are likely a large part of that system. 

It’s vital that you consider the needs of the hearing impaired in elevator emergencies – which is why we developed 2N Sentrio  – a new IP elevator emergency communicator that has a multi-lingual chat function. This chat allows the hearing impaired to communicate with the operator, in their chosen language, and thus receive prompt assistance. 

2N Sentrio also features, as standard, braille on the alarm button – allowing visually impaired to easily notify the operator when an emergency happens. They can then communicate and get assistance via clear VoIP audio. 

Additional considerations

While the features listed above are the most commonly required, it's essential to recognize that other elements may also play a role in ensuring an intercom system can aid those with different needs effectively. 

Flexibility is key! Your intercom system should have options for customization (such as adjustable volume control) as well as multi-language support. 

2N also have a clever feature we believe could help people with limited vision (the elderly, for example) – Adaptive Face Zooming . This feature, available on the 2N IP Style, 2N IP Verso 2.0, and 2N IP One intercoms means the camera detects faces in the frame and automatically zoom in so that the user can clearly identify their visitor on their indoor station.

To sum it up

Ensuring that intercom systems comply with accessibility regulations is crucial for creating inclusive environments in multi-dwelling units. By incorporating the features mentioned above, installers can significantly improve the user experience for individuals with disabilities. As regulations evolve and the need for accessible technology grows, staying informed about these requirements and integrating them into intercom designs will be vital for success in the industry.