Even Grounds began as an accessibility consulting company in 2023, but its roots run much deeper.
“I have been an accessibility consultant for over 25 years,” says founder Tom Babinszki.
Originally, Even Grounds focused on digital accessibility. But that quickly evolved.
“Originally I offered digital accessibility consulting services, but soon it expanded to holistic accessibility, all you need to do to be inviting for people with disabilities.”
Holistic accessibility. Not just compliance. Not just websites. But the full, lived experience of being welcomed into a space.
And then, travel changed everything.
A Blind Traveler Missing Out on Famous Architecture
Tom is a blind travel enthusiast. And like many travelers, he loves visiting landmarks and historic buildings.
But there was a problem.
“When I was visiting different buildings, I didn’t know what they looked like.”
So he did what innovators do: he built a solution.
“I hired a 3D designer and a 3D printing company to create replicas for a few famous buildings.”
When he shared them with friends, the response was immediate.
He began creating additional replicas and tactile maps, tools that became especially relevant for museums and educational organizations looking to offer meaningful inclusion, not just verbal descriptions.
Today, Even Grounds’ tactile products are being used and exhibited on four continents.
“One of our greatest achievements is the work with the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. We sent tactile maps and educational objects to African schools.”
Access to understanding space shouldn’t depend on sight and this work proves what’s possible when inclusion is designed intentionally.
The Icky Restroom Problem No One Talks About
“For me, when I visit a restroom in order to find my way around, I have to touch so many things I’d much rather not.”
It’s something sighted people rarely consider. Navigating a public restroom often means trial and error and physical contact with surfaces you’d rather avoid.
“Thus, we created a 3D representation of a restroom so that blind people can understand the layout of the restroom before they enter.”
Instead of exploring by touch inside the restroom itself, a person can study the layout in advance.
“Instead of finding their way around, they know exactly where everything is — down to the detaisl of knowing where the flush button is or where the soap is at the sink.”
That level of spatial awareness changes the experience from uncertain to confident.
How Do You Find A Sign You Can’t See
Tom is used to this question.
“This tactile map is designed to be placed by the ADA restroom sign so that people who look for the restroom would find it without having to look for it.”
Most importantly, the design goes beyond braille.
“The innovation is that all objects are so tactile that even if you don’t read braille, you could feel what they are.”
This matters. Because not all blind or low-vision individuals read braille and inclusive design needs to account for that reality.
What’s it Worth?
True inclusion means understanding space, feeling oriented, and entering a room without anxiety.
“Since all restrooms are different, anywhere from a single family restroom to a large complex, the pricing differs.”
The basic order begins at $300, with significant discounts available for similar layouts, such as men’s and women’s restrooms or identical floor plans across multiple levels.
“What we need is a drawing of the location, and a few photos or videos so that we understand the sizes and proportions.”
From there, Even Grounds creates a tactile model tailored to the space, turning an everyday necessity into an accessible experience.
Learn more and order your tactile maps at https://evengrounds.com/accessible-tactile-3d-printed-restroom-maps/
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