Seize the Day Innovations LLC Announces Release of Contrast Matting: New Low-Vision Walkway Aid Creating ‘Pathways of Light’ for the Visually Impaired

May 6, 2019

WESTLAKE, Ohio–Seize the Day Innovations recently unveiled its signature product intended for those who need help securely navigating their walking spaces. Contrast Matting is a series of heavy-duty interlocking plastic tiles that can be snapped together to form highly visible custom pathways of light and dark colors. The tiles allow the visually impaired to more easily recognize safe walking spaces using the simple but effective concept of contrasting.

Contrast Matting is packaged by the box, with each Mat-in-a-Box containing thirty 12-inch by 12-inch tiles, along with tile safety ramps included—enough to form a 3-foot wide by 10-foot long pathway when fully assembled.

Heavy-duty interlocking tiles made with recycled plastics use an easy snap-together assembly. Paths can be created permanently, or moved and taken apart for reassembly elsewhere as needed. Benefits include:

• Slip resistant—reducing the instance of trips and falls.
• Eight different color tiles in both light and dark tones—tiles are durable and washable.
• Tiles feel different under the feet, helping to guide while walking.
• Tiles interlock to create a “Pathway of Light” visible to those with low-light vision, without need for wires, batteries, electric, track lighting, etc.
• Pathway is treated as a sacred space—no obstacles are permitted on the path, giving the visually impaired assurance that walkways are unobstructed and safe.
• Contrast Matting is perfect for homes, offices, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, community centers and other public spaces.

The National Institute of Health reports that millions of Americans suffer with low-vision, with an estimated total of 135 million low-vision sufferers worldwide. Low-vision is uncorrectable vision loss that interferes with a person’s ability to perform simple, daily activities. Age-related macular degeneration accounts for nearly 45 percent of cases of low vision, though low-vision can form from cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

Low-vision symptoms and severity vary from person to person, depending on each particular condition. But in many cases, people who suffer from low-vision can still see highly contrasting colors—especially light areas placed over darker regions. Contrast Matting works directly with this principle, forming “Pathways of Light” that low-vision patients can safely follow from place to place.

“Most people don’t miss them until they’re gone, but mobility and independence are two very important issues for those with low-light vision. Finding my way around the house was a daily challenge as my sight declined. Early on, however, I discovered the helpful tool of color contrast. Using recycled materials, I developed color contrasting pathways from our company’s Turtle Tiles, to help navigate my way throughout the house. And that’s how the prototype idea for Contrast Matting was created,” said Founder Tom Norton.

Customer reviews for Contrast Matting have already been overwhelmingly positive.

Seize the Day Innovations is a division of the Turtle Plastics Company, recyclers and makers of plastic-matting safety products. Seize the Day is dedicated to providing solutions and developing technologies that support improved quality-of-life for the visually impaired. The company’s signature Contrast Matting was developed when Tom became legally blind, prompting him to redesign a Turtle Plastics product to help him navigate through his home.