When it comes to “Disabled Access” I am a stickler for political correctness. The correct term for my profession is an "accessibility consultant". Why is ‘accessibility’ so important to describe elements of the built environment? Because many people who benefit from accessible environments, don’t even have disabilities! This would include:
- parents with strollers or nursing mothers;
- emergency services personnel;
- maintenance or service personnel;
- people with sporting or lifestyle injuries;
- people who suffer from fatigue.
Therefore accessibility in the built-environment has a universal appeal.
As an accessibility consultant I have been fortunate to consult on some of the biggest events and building developments in Australia - I’ve assisted a myriad designers, engineers, planners and project managers on how to provide accessible infrastructure, services and operations.
Throughout the consultancy process, we ensure that the objectives of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992, which references the Australian Standards (1428 series) technical requirements and the Draft DDA Access to Premises Standard, are integrated into any building design, event or service.
In layman’s terms, I consider accessible design to be very simple.
Imagine your Grandma. She may have difficulty hearing, have poor eyesight, have difficulty standing for long or moving over long distances, have reduced hand strength or sometimes become confused. Then look at the components of a building or event and think about what would Grandma need.
Some things to think about are:
- Accessible transport or parking areas within close proximity to a pathway to the entrance that allow mobility aids to be assembled free from passing traffic;
- Pathways with a distinctive textural and color contrast with rest seating to that lead to main entrances of the building, that have minimal gradients and cross falls close to undercover areas that are well lit;
- Main entrance, including a reception or foyer that has easy to open doors, rest seating with back rests and clearly signed directory boards;
- Unisex accessible toilets with a height adjustable baby change table that allows both sexes and families to use the facility;
- Lifts, that have delayed closing mechanisms, grabrails and a lower operational panel;
- Natural lighting with some spot lighting where administrative tasks are performed;
- Appropriate counter heights with enough circulation spaces;
- Common zone lift buttons, security scanners, ATMs and signage boards;
- Signage boards in clear locations that extensively use pictograms;
- Food and beverage area with clear pathways, moveable seating, appropriate height checkout counters.
We’ve helped Bovis Lend Lease and Hassell, design new accessible facilities within the ANZ development at the Docklands - the largest commercial space in the Southern hemisphere.
Another rewarding project, was working with the Chinese Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, on how to make the Great Wall of China accessible. Earlier this year, we discovered a dirt pathway, that was roughly 1 in 14 gradient to one side of the Wall. This has since been sealed with rest seating -perhaps when they built the Great Wall of China in 200BC, someone was already planning for accessibility. The Great Wall can now be experienced by anyone, regardless of age or ability, which brings to life, the concept of universal design.
Apart from being a director of MGAC, Nick also is a director of www.accessibility.com.au which has been in operation for 10 years.