On Monday, March 18th, Google Doodle featured the Japanese inventor of detectable dome tiles, Seiichi Miyake. His invention changed the world by empowering and protecting individuals with visual impairments to cross streets with greater ease. Fifty-two years have passed since the first dome tiles were installed, and these detectable warning tiles are now part of many cities throughout the world.

Life’s tough. For those who live with disabilities, life can be tougher. Sometimes it can be difficult to envision how everyday situations and interactions can be even more complicated for people who live with low or no vision. Here are a few of the most common issues that people with impairments deal with on a daily basis.

Cities and businesses are scrutinizing pedestrian walkways to determine how to best increase the ADA compliance of public spaces. ADA compliant sidewalks make businesses and public areas more accessible to individuals with disabilities. A key component of an ADA compliant sidewalk is the truncated dome tiles that warn pedestrians of a change in the sidewalk, whether an intersection or a ramp.

These truncated dome tiles have two common ways of being installed: cast-in-place or surface-applied.