Access in the built environment
- Where can I obtain funding or support to provide access into a privately owned residence?
- How do I resolve an access problem?
- Where can I find out how to make modifications to kitchens or bathrooms?
- What are the correct dimensions of a ramp?
- What other environmental features assist people with physical disabilities?
Kerb Ramp
Step Ramp
Threshold Ramp
Walkway
On-grade Footpath
Crossfall
Step Geometry
Handrails
Circulation Space
Wheelchair Footprint
Underside Bench Clearance
Reach
- Where can I find information about the availability of accessible permanent accommodation?
- Where can I find information about accessible tourist accommodation?
- Can SCIA provide a letter for an owner or developer that will grant an exemption from providing access to a building?
- I’m opening a new store, what access facilities do I need to provide for people with disabilities?
- What access is required into heritage buildings?
- How do we create playgrounds that are inclusive for all?
- Do accessible toilets have to be reserved exclusively for people with disabilities?
- Can I lock my accessible toilets to prevent vandalism?
- Are Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) required at kerb ramps?
- What specialised tools are used to measure whether adequate access has been provided?
Where can I obtain funding or support to provide access into a privately owned residence?
Home and Community Care (HACC), Home Maintenance and Modification Scheme. Ciick here to find your local HACC outlet or contact SCInfo.
Many local councils and churches also have similar schemes.
How do I resolve an access problem?
Identify who is responsible for the facility and negotiate with them.
If a renovation is being or has recently been carried out to a shop or other public building and access is not provided, approach the local council or access committee to determine if access provisions were included in the Development Application. This includes lift access to the second story of a building, if an essential service (ie a doctor’s surgery) is located on that floor.
Any modifications or access provisions need to comply with AS1428.1–4, (the Australian Standard for Access), Section D of the Buiding Code of Australia 2005 and the Australian Human Rights Commission's (HREOC) Access to Premises Guidelines.
The council access committee can provide advice about what modifications need to be made.
If you are not satisfied, contact HREOC for information on how to make a Disability Discrimination Act complaint. (Complaints Infoline 1300 656419 or www.hreoc.gov.au).
Further advice, including a list of accredited access consultants, can be obtained from SCInfo.
Where can I find out how to make modifications to kitchens or bathrooms?
The Independent Living Centre of NSW (ILCNSW; ) has a CD for sale: A Guide to Planning Bathrooms and Kitchens. The ILCNSW website (www.ilcnsw.asn.au; 1 Fennel St, Parramatta NSW 2150; 1300 885 886) has an extensive catalogue of suppliers of specialist disability equipment. The ILCNSW also has a display of a modified kitchen, bathroom and related equipment and accessories. An occupational therapist is available by appointment.
For ILCs in other states see www.ilcaustralia.org/contactus.asp
Equipment for people with disabilities that isn't available 'off-the-shelf' or needs customisation, can be made or modified by volunteer engineers from Technical Aid to the Disabled (www.technicalaidnsw.org.au; 1300 663 243)
For TADs in other states see www.technicalaidnsw.org.au/about/tadAu.html
What other environmental features assist people with physical disabilities
- Kerb Ramp—As the names implies, is a ramp at a kerb. The minimum standard gradient is 1:8 ratio for a maximum distance of 1520mm. It must have a minimum width of 1000mm and have a level landing at the top and bottom at least 1330mm in length, clear of any building or obstruction. The bottom of the ramp must not have a gutter lip.
- Step Ramp—This spans one step and is similar to a kerb ramp in all its requirements (minimum of 1:8 gradient over a maximum distance of 1520mm, width of 1000mm and a level landing at the top and bottom of the ramp, see doorway circulation space requirements for more guidance on landing sizes).
- Threshold Ramp—This is a small ramp at a doorway. Its maximum slope is 1:8 over a maximum distance of 450mm or a maximum rise of 56mm.
- Walkway—This is an pathway which has a maximum gradient of 1:20 and whose width can vary from 1000mm to 1800+ mm depending on the volume of pedestrian traffic. Walkways at gradients less than 1:33 do not require level rest landings; those with steeper gradients do - at maximum intervals of 25 metres for a gradient of 1:33 and at maximum intervals of 14 metres for a gradient of 1:20 (AS1428.1). For walkways that have a gradient between 1:20 and 1:33 the frequency of level landings can be obtained by linear interpolation.
- On-grade Footpath—This is a pathway that is at the same gradient as the topography of the landscape. The width requirements are the same as for ramps and walkways—1000mm to 1800mm—depending of the volume of pedestrian traffic.
- Crossfall—Crossfall is the amount of sideways slope or camber on a pathway. Excessive crossfall makes it extremely difficult for people who use wheelchairs in particular to keep a straight path and avoid rolling off a footpath or into an object. The recommended minimum is 1:40.
- Step Geometry—For many people who are ambulant the issue of well designed step geometry, appropriately sized landings and provision of compliant handrails are vital to their safety as well as basic access needs.
- Handrails—The installation of handrails which comply with AS1428 is often overlooked. However, attention to the design and installation can be critical to ensuring good access for people who prefer to use steps rather than a ramp because of extra distance to travel.
- Circulation Space—This is the space required to manoeuvre a wheelchair when turning, for example, into a corridor or doorway or making a 180 degree turn to go in the opposite direction.
- Wheelchair Footprint—A footprint is the floor space a stationery wheelchair takes up, width includes space for hands on the push rims of a manual wheelchair. The A90 footprint is 1300mm x 800mm and refers to the space taken up by a wheelchair whose size is in the 90th percentile of all wheelchairs. AS1428.2 is based on A90 and AS1428.1 is based on the smaller A80 footprint of 1250mm x 740mm.
- Underside Bench Clearance—This is the space between the floor and the underside of a bench or table which provides knee clearance for a person using a wheelchair—820mm+ 20mm.
- Reach—This is the dimensions of a person’s reach when he or she is sitting in a wheelchair. It includes reaching up or down to shelves, lift buttons, controls and switches, vending machines.
Where can I find information about the availability of accessible permanent accommodation?
There is very limited information kept about the total stock of accessible accommodation throughout Australia. From time to time people notify disability organisations. Contact SCInfo for details.
Where can I find information about accessible tourist accommodation?
- SCInfo database of accessible accommodation.
- Tourist Information Centres and disability organisations at the location may provide local access guides, maps and brochures
- Easy Access Australia by Bruce Cameron is a travel guide to Australia highlighting tourism for people with mobility disabilities. It is out of print but a copy may be borrowed from the SCIA Library.
Can SCIA provide a letter for an owner or developer that will grant an exemption from providing access to a building?
No. The role of SCIA is to provide information concerning access and to encourage owners and developers of buildings to comply with the objectives of the DDA and the HREOC Access to Premises Guidelines.
Applications for exemptions up to five years can be made with HREOC, but HREOC does not have the power to grant unjustifiable hardship. A binding decision on what constitutes an unjustifiable hardship can only be made by the Federal Court or Federal Magistrates Court.
Issues of “unjustifiable hardship” are determined in the first instance by negotiation between the council and the owner undertaking the building or renovation. All relevant factors must be taken into account and may include the cost of eliminating barriers; any technical problems such as space availability; significant heritage issues; and the effect on all parties of removing the barriers.
Something may constitute an unjustifiable hardship for one organisation but not for another. For example, putting in a lift in a two storey building may constitute an unjustifiable hardship for a small family run business, but possibly not for a large commercial enterprise.
I’m opening a new store, what access facilities do I need to provide for people with disabilities?
- Level or ramped access through the main entrance.
- Automatic doors or doors that are kept open.
- A continuous accessible path of travel to all areas of the store, at least 1000 mm wide. This includes check-out aisles
- A low section of the counter at a maximum height of 850 mm.
- Good consistent lighting and use of colour contrast to highlight key facilities for people with vision impairments.
- If only one toilet is installed, make it a unisex accessible facility.
- Staff trained to communicate with and assist people with disabilities.
Further information is available in Missed Business
What access is required into heritage buildings?
The DDA requires equal access for people with disabilities to all buildings used by the general public—this includes heritage buildings.
Every opportunity must be taken to provide equal access. When conducting major renovations councils will require access provisions be made unless “unjustifiable hardship” can be demonstrated.
All efforts must be made to protect the heritage significance of the building.
Further information can be obtained from the Australian Heritage Commission. Improving Access to Heritage Buildings by Eric Martin can be downloaded from www.ahc.gov.au/publications/generalpubs/access
How do we create playgrounds that are inclusive for all?
- Playground equipment that conforms to AS1428.3, the Australian standard for children and adolescents with disabilities.
- The USA Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has guidelines and a website dedicated to inclusive playground design. www.ncaonline.org/playgrounds
Do accessible toilets have to be reserved exclusively for people with disabilities?
It is not possible to reserve accessible sanitary facilities to one sector of society. Preferably those who can should should use general toilets.
Can I lock my accessible toilets to prevent vandalism?
All toilets should be kept open during business hours and maintained in a clean and safe manner.
If you need to lock your accessible facilities after hours consider participating in the Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) scheme. Information about MLAK is kept on the SCIA website @ www.scia.org.au/faqs/the_community_and_sci
Do barriers have to be permanent to be unlawful?
During maintenance of footpaths it is important to provide temporary ramps (1:8 gradient) and walkways that are a minimum of 1000mm width.
Other common discriminatory practices include placing bins in front of the lift landing call buttons and too close beside toilet pans, placing obstructions such as fire extinguishers and notice boards in narrow corridors.
Are Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) required at kerb ramps?
AS1428.4, Appendix C states:
Where the upper entry point of a fully compliant ramp with a gradient of between 1:8 to 1:8.5 is within 3 m of the property line, TGSIs are not required.
Where the gradient is shallower than 1:8.5, warning TGSIs should be provided in accordance with Clause 2.2 and Figure C1.
For further information on the correct placement of TGSIs refer to the standard, AS1428.4 or contact the Guide Dogs Association's advisory service (Phone: 02 9412 9300).
What specialised tools are used to measure whether adequate access has been provided?
- Gradient of a ramp is measured with a digital level or digital protractor.
- Light is measured with a lux meter.
- Safety of floor surfaces is measured with a slip tester.
- Strength required to open doors is measured with a force gauge.
Use the terms in bold for a web search to locate suppliers.
