Accessibility Design Guide
Accessibility Design Guide
Accessibility Design Guide
A companion volume to Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 20092014
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program
A companion volume to Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 20092014
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aidprogram A Companion Volume to Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 2009-2014 With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and where otherwise noted, all material presented in this document is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0/au/) licence. The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website (accessible using the links provided) as is the full legal codefor the CC BY 3.0 AU licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0/au/legalcode). The document must be attributed as AusAID, Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program, January 2013, Registration Number 13. This document is online at: www.ausaid.gov.au/publications For further information about the Australian Governments international development program,contact: Communications Section AusAID GPO Box 887 Canberra ACT 2601 Phone (02) 6178 4000 Facsimilie (02) 6178 4880 Internet www.ausaid.gov.au Edited by Clarity Communications, Canberra Designed by GRi.D Communications, Canberra Printed by Blue Star Print, Canberra Principal Technical Advisor, Alexander & Lloyd Group, Sydney Other Technical advice, Michael Fox AM, Paul Starkey
These icons symbolise the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)eight goals representing an agreement by world leaders to reduce poverty and enhance human development by 2015. More information about the MDGs is available online at www.ausaid.gov.au/keyaid/mdg.cfm
Contents
Abbreviations About these guidelines Part A: Accessible design: importance to Australias aid program 1. Background 2. Definition of universal design 3. Inclusive development 4. Universal design in the Aid Management Cycle 5. Sectors of the aid program requiring universal guidelines Part B: Annexes Annex A: Built environment Annex B: Health Annex C: Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities Annex D: Energy solutions Annex E: Housing Annex F: Education Annex G: Information and communication technology Annex H: Transport systems and infrastructure Annex I: Rural development Annex J: Law and justice Annex K: Humanitarian action
Abbreviations
Australian Agency for International Development Be Saneamentu, Igene iha Komunidade (Community WASH) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations) Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (formally known as GTZ), federally-funded German aid organisation information and communication technology International Labour Organization United Nations United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization water, sanitation and hygiene World Health Organization
vi
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This guide is a rich resource of ideas which development practitioners can consider when applying universal design. The aim is to support Australias aid program so it minimises barriers and becomes more accessible to people with disability and other groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with a temporary illness or injury. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design internationally, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that each development project is unique and faces its own challenges, locally or otherwise, that may prevent it from applying all universal design principles to the letter. This Accessibility Design Guide supports Australias own commitment to people with disability and supports its international obligations. It has been developed to support the many players involved in designing, appraising, implementing, monitoring or otherwise managing Australian aid activities funded through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). Thisincludes: >> AusAID activity managers >> contractors >> non-government organisations, including Disabled Peoples Organisations >> development partners, including partner governments. It may also be of relevance to other donors and international aid organisations. This guide is divided into two parts: >> Part A discusses the importance of including people with disability in Australias aid program and how doing so supports Australian and international commitments. It also provides context for how disability inclusion is integral to sustainable development. >> Part B contains annexes providing practical guidance to consider across a range of sectors in which Australias aid program is involved. It includes checklists, diagrams and examples to help practitioners integrate universal design principles into different thematic areas.
vii
Acknowledgements
AusAID would like to acknowledge the many contributors to this document, including AusAID staff and advisers based in Canberra and overseas, technical experts, representatives from other donor agencies, Australian and international non-government organisations, including Disabled Peoples Organisations, and multilateralorganisations.
viii
Part A
1. Background
In producing the Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program, the Australian Government is responding to its national and international commitments in supporting people with disability, specifically through the physical (built) environment. In producing this guide, the Australian Government has taken another step forward in supporting its disability-inclusive development strategyDevelopment for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 20092014.1 Development for All marks a change in the way the aid program is designed and delivered. Its central premise is equality and the need to include people with disability in all aspects of development, to ensure that policies and programs are shaped to better take account of their requirements. This guide supports the implementation of Development for Alls first core outcome, which is Improved quality of life for people with disability.2 The Accessibility Design Guide also supports Australias response to An Effective Aid Program for Australia: Making a real differenceDelivering real results, published in 2011. In Effective Aid the government committed to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities as one of the 10development objectives of the aidprogram.3 Internationally, this guide supports Australian obligations under a range of UnitedNations (UN) agreements including, importantly, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).4 This is the first international Convention to include an article on development (Article 32). As a party to the Convention, Australia is committed to ensuring that development activities are inclusive of, and accessible to, people withdisability. These guidelines are consistent with the CRPDs definition of universal design, meaning that the design of products, environments, programs and services are to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. Universal design does not exclude assistive devices for particular groups of people with disability where this is needed.5 The World Report on Disability 2011 states that disability is a development issue because of its bidirectional link to poverty: disability may increase the risk of poverty and poverty may increase the risk of disability.6 An increasing body of research acknowledges that people with disability and their families are more likely to experience economic and social disadvantage than those without disability.7 The Australian aid program is committed to extending the benefits of development to all and to the promotion of dignity and wellbeing of people with disability.
1 Development for All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 20092014, Australian Government, 2008. 2 Principles of Universal Design and Universal Design Quick Reference, the Centre for Universal Design, North Carolina State University, 1997, last updated 30 May 2011. 3 An Effective Aid Program for Australia: Making a real differenceDelivering real results, Australian Government, 2011. 4 CRPD, 2008. The CRPD represents the culmination of decades of effort to ensure that rights of people with disability are promoted and protected through an internationally agreed legal framework. 5 Article 2 Definitions, CRPD, 2008. 6 World Report on Disability 2011, World Health Organization and World Bank, 2011, Geneva, WHO Press. 7 ibid.
While this guide primarily focuses on physical accessibility to the built environment it is important to also consider other dimensions of accessibility such as the social, communication and information systems within the built environment. This guide draws from the understanding of universal design as stated in the CPRD. While the concept of universal design emerged primarily with people with disability in mind, universal design helps everyone with support and assistance needs including the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with a temporary illness or injury. Thus the benefits of implementing universal design arewide. 8 Applying the seven universal design principles in Box 1 will support practitioners to better meet the needs of as many users as possible.9 When working in developing countries, it is important to also take into account cultural, economic, engineering, environmental, gender and social contexts.
3. Inclusive development
Inclusive development requires understanding and tackling the barriers faced by marginalised groups. This section: >> summarises some of the barriers faced by people with disability >> outlines Australias vision on disability-inclusive development >> explores international development partners approach to disability-inclusive development in line with the CRPD >> explores accessible infrastructure >> considers the cost of incorporating universal design >> considers the cost of not incorporating universal design >> discusses how the participation of local stakeholders helps reduce universal design costs.
10 World Report on Disability 2011, World Health Organization and World Bank, 2011. Geneva, WHO Press. 11 How to design and promote an environment accessible to all?, Policy Paper Accessibility, Handicap International, 2009.
The International Disability and Development Consortium, in its statement on CRPD Article 9 Accessibility12, noted that people with disability are largely overlooked in development policies and programs. This includes: >> physical and/or environmental accessibilityremoving barriers >> communication accessibilityproviding accessible formats in alternative modes and means ofcommunication >> intellectual accessibilityproviding reading formats and speaking in a way that is accessible to people with intellectual and/or learning disability >> social and/or attitudinal accessibilityremoving stigma and other negative behaviour against people with disability and their families and carers >> economic accessibility (also referred to as affordability)establishing this as a core requirement of a persons social and economic rights.13
3.3 The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The CRPD recognises that disability is an evolving concept, and that it:
. . . results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.14
The CRPD also recognises:
. . . the importance of accessibility to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment, to health and education and to information and communication, in enabling persons with disabilities to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedom.15
12 International Disability and Development Consortium Statement on Article 9 Accessibility, UN CRPD, prepared for the 4th meeting of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, October 2010. 13 See also M Schulze, Understanding the CRPD, Handicap International (Ed), 2010. 14 CRPD, Preamble (e), CRPD 2008. 15 ibid., Preamble (v), 2008.
As a human rights instrument with an explicit social development dimension, the CRPD is both a treaty and a development tool. It specifies that disability be considered in all programming, rather than as a stand-alone thematic issue. It requires all States Parties16 to implement measures ensuring full and equal participation of people with disability in society.17 The articles most relevant to universal design are highlighted in Table 1.
Article 4
Article 5 Article 9
Article 32
16 On their website UNICEF defines States Party as followsa State party to a treaty is a country that has ratified or acceded to that particular treaty and is therefore legally bound by the provisions in the instrument. Introduction to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Definition of key terms. States Parties is the plural of State Party. 17 Outcome of the World Summit for Social Development, Secretary General Report 63/133, July 2008; Realising the Millennium Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities, General Assembly Resolution 64/131, February 2009. 18 Discrimination on the basis of disability means any distinction, exclusion or restriction on the basis of disability which has the purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal basis with others, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. It includes all forms of discrimination, including denial of reasonable accommodation. Article 2 Definitions CRPD, 2008. 19 Reasonable accommodation means necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to people with disability the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Article 2 Definitions, CRPD, 2008.
Box 2 details Article 9 Accessibility, which enshrines the right of access. Accessibility should be seen as complementary to all CRPD articles.
Box 3 details a key CRPD Article, which deals with international cooperation and guides the implementation of the Development for All strategy. Article 32 states that countries agree it is important to work together to ensure the Convention is put into practice.
3.4
Accessible infrastructure
Making infrastructure accessible requires implementing and respecting standards and guidelines for accessible buildings and facilities, incorporating inclusive design at planning stages, constructing in compliance with standards, and training and raising awareness of stakeholders.21 Where the aid program is involved in planning and/or constructing new buildings, facilities, roads and transport, Australia will work with partners to ensure designs are accessible to all and, where necessary, will apply the principles of reasonable adjustment or reasonable accommodation as applied in the Disability Discrimination Act.22 Reasonable adjustment under Australian law is similar to the meaning of reasonable accommodation as applied in the CRPD.23 These guidelines support partner countries to incorporate accessibility requirements into their building codes. Working with partner governments is essential to sustainable change.
20 Article 32 International Cooperation, CRPD, 2008. 21 Article 9 Accessibility, CRPD, 2008. 22 Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth), Act no. 135 of 1992, s 4. An adjustment to be made by a person is a reasonable adjustment unless making the adjustment would impose an unjustifiable hardship on the person. 23 Article 2 Definitions, CRPD, 2008. Reasonable accommodation means necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disability the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The cost of not incorporating universal design can be significant to individuals and their communities. For example, people who use a wheelchair can face physical barriers, stigma and discrimination in their local communities. These barriers can lead to lost opportunities to contribute economically to family and community. Barriers can also mean people with disability need increased assistance to participate. Designing community facilities to be accessible provides opportunity for people to access education, employment and public life. It also means less reliance on others to be able to participate and it helps reduce stigma.
3.7.1 Approach
To succeed, universal design needs to start with planning and proceed through implementation, monitoring and evaluation. As this section outlines, it is important for universal design to avoid costly mistakes by: >> being participative, sensitive and inclusive >> being realistic >> considering regulatory, structural, human behaviour and operational practices.
. . . persons with disabilities should have the opportunity to be actively involved in decisionmaking processes about policies and programmes, including those directly concerning them. Realistic
The World Report on Disability 2011 notes that constructing an accessible environment is often best achieved when approached incrementally and in a realistic fashion. The aim is to build a culture of accessibility.30
29 CRPD, Preamble (o), CRPD, 2008. 30 World Report on Disability 2011, World Health Organization and World Bank, 2011. Geneva, WHO Press.
Since it is not possible to bring all infrastructure in any country, developing or otherwise, to a universal access standard immediately or at one time, it is necessary to be realistic and to prioritise interventions and investments.
Implemention of local policy, legislation and enforcement rules are needed for universal design principles to work. For rural markets to be effective, for example, those who sell and buy have to follow local rules and regulations such as hygiene, opening times and safety procedures. Lack of appropriate regulation, enforcement and maintenance can change pedestrian areas from being accessible and safe to being areas of danger and concern.
Structural
Universal design plays an important role in making markets work by providing physical structures, such as easily accessible entry points, wide entry doors, wide aisles, and ramps with railings and handles. It can also ensure selling surfaces are at the right height, water points have easy access levers and public toilets are designed for easy access.
Human behaviour
Without education and awareness, human behaviour can work against universal design and equal access. Taxi drivers and other transport operators can block road access, sellers can encroach on aisles with their produce, crowds can litter ramps and walkways and block or break water sources.
Operational
Poor operational practices, in new and existing infrastructure, can mitigate impact on universally designed infrastructure. For example, footpaths, ramps and other pedestrian facilities built in urban areas of developing countries, including in villages and rural towns, can become inaccessible if blocked by building materials, parked vehicles, rubbish or trading stalls.
Poor operational practice where pedestrian walkways are overtaken by non-pedestrian uses, primarily traders and their goods.
Photo: Paul Starkey, Consultant on Integrated Transport and Rural Livelihoods
10
AusAID structures the development of its aid programs using the Aid Management Cycle to ensure delivery within the parameters defined by Effective Aid.
Using wheelchairs is more difficult on dirt roads and can often stop those who are able to obtain a wheelchair from getting out and about, Timor-Leste.
Photo: Kathryn Outhred, AusAID
11
1. POLICY AND DIRECTION SETTING determine status of a countrys building code and legislative arrangements relevant to disability and universal design identify partner government implementation agencies and local Disabled Peoples Organisations to work with reflect on lessons learned from previous AusAIDfunded disability-inclusive infrastructure projects
4. REVIEW AND EVALUATION include disabilityinclusive indicators involve Disabled Peoples Organisations in monitoring and evaluation develop and circulate disability-inclusive lessons learned
AUSAIDS DISABILITYINCLUSIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES 1. active central role by people with disability 2. recognise and respect rights 3. respect and understand diversity 4. take into account the interaction of gender and disability 5. focus on children 6. support people to people links and promote partnerships
2. PLANNING AND DESIGN hold meetings between government, designers and Disabled Peoples Organisations to identify adjustments required allocate funding for inclusive design seek feedback from people with disability on final infrastructure design
3. IMPLEMENTATION AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT monitor activity implementation to ensure it incorporates appropriate universal design principles conduct final check by Disabled Peoples Organisations ensure procurement strategy includes universal design elements for buildings and products ensure employment opportunities for people with disability, where feasible
12
13
The Australian aid program provides assistance across a range of sectors including: >> health >> water, sanitation and hygiene >> energy >> housing >> education >> information and communication technology >> transport infrastructure >> rural development >> law and justice >> humanitarian action. Universal design plays an important role in the infrastructure components of each of these sectors. The annexes to this Accessibility Design Guide set out how universal design measures can be applied to support Development for All. Box 4 is a quick checklist of accessibility elements to consider under each sector. It is based on the Process of Access31, a concept based on extensive stakeholder consultations and discussions involving people with a range of disability. It recognises the essential and sequential links between accessible information, transportation, public domains, outdoor areas and the built environment. This benefits everyone since people with and without disability need reliable information, efficient transport and accessible public areas to reach any activity, building, destination or service. This checklist recommends that signage and information be provided as the first priority, followed by access to and within buildings and services (such as through car parking, pathways and roads).
14
Pathways
Rural roads
Car parking
Stairways
15
Box 5 shows top 10 tips that can be used by AusAID and its partners to promote universal design in Australias aid program.
16
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance that development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in the built environment. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to the built environment. This annex starts with a general description of the importance of the built environment. It then explores built environment accessibility guidelines relating to accessibility for people with disability under the followingheadings: >> sensory >> outdoor environments >> horizontal areas >> vertical areas. Recommendations on technical construction issues are included under each heading, based on information published by the United Nations (UN) Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNEnable website)32 and CBM33. The built environment annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in all other annexes of the Accessibility Design Guide.
32 UN Enables website has more recommendations on technical construction issues. 33 CBM, previously known as the Christian Blind Mission, is one of the worlds largest organisations working with people with disability in the poorest places.
17
2. General
Achieving equitable access requires understanding and applying all factors that can affect accessibility. The concept of Process of Access recognises the essential and sequential links between accessible information, transportation, public domains, outdoor areas and the builtenvironment.34 These guidelines define accessibility in the built environment in line with the definition found under Article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which means everyone should be able to: >> reach all places >> use and work their way around the built environment without assistance.35 In developing countries, this means accounting for local conditions and standards. It also means using appropriate and affordable materials and practices.
18
Constructing an accessible barrier-free environment is often better achieved if approached incrementally and can focus upon building a culture of accessibility36 and removing basic environmental barriers. As the concept of accessibility becomes more ingrained and familiar, and as more resources become available, it becomes easier to raise standards and attain higher levels of mainstream disability inclusion. Following the specific guidance under the four headings provided in this annex will result in a secure and accessible environment within and between buildings and in outdoor environments. This will promote opportunities for greater mobility and result in increased social and economic independence. This guidance is grouped under four design requirement headings: 1. sensory, including tactile warnings, guide ways and information 2. outdoor environments, including obstructions, signage, street furniture, pathways, kerb ramps, pedestrian crossings, parking and childrens playgrounds 3. horizontal areas, including doors, entrance areas and lobbies, corridors, handrails and railings, bathrooms and toilets 4. vertical areas, including ramps, lifts and stairs.
36 World Report on Disability 2011, World Health Organisation and World Bank, 2011, Geneva, WHO Press. 37 Promoting Access to the Built Environment: Guidelines, CBM 2008.
19
3.2.1 Obstructions
Obstacles, protruding elements and anything else obstructing the path of travel should be removed or relocated. This includes: >> overhanging obstructions, such as electric cables, light fixtures, shop awnings, signs andvegetation >> fixed objects on pathway surfaces, such as bollards, garbage bins, poles, trees and other streetfurniture >> unfixed objects on pathway surfaces, such as A-frame signs, commercial street furniture, planting tubs, retail and food carts, and stalls >> spaces below ramps and stairs. Ideally obstructions need to be relocated from pathway surfaces and outside the path of travel in a continuous line. The recommended minimum width for a clear path of travel is 900 mm, with aminimum clear height of 2 m. Guidelines to consider: If obstructions cannot be relocated this way, they need to be clearly detectable which means theymust: >> be a vertical shape rising from the pathway surface >> be placed on a 100mm raised platform where possible >> have tactile markings on the ground around the obstacle with a minimum 30% luminance contrast to surrounding surfaces. Other guidelines to consider: >> overhanging obstructions should be mounted at a minimum clear height of 2m >> fixed objects should be clearly identified with contrasting durable colour marking strips >> distance between bollards should be minimum of 1 m and have a regular vertical shape without protruding elements >> spaces below ramps and stairs should be blocked completely by protective rails, raised kerbs or marked with a tactile surface.
3.2.2 Signage
Signage includes direction signs, emergency and hazard warnings, information noticeboards and location signs. It must be clear, easy to read and understand, properly lit at night, visible and welllocated.
International Symbol of Access
20
Guidelines to consider: >> sign surfaces should prevent glare and be of durable weather-resistant material >> colours should contrast with the surrounding surface to avoid confusing people with low vision and blindness >> colour combinations should be red and green or yellow and blue to avoid confusing people with low vision and blindness >> letters should be sized in proportion to the reading distance >> International Symbol of Access symbol should be used where appropriate (for example, inparking and toilets for people with disability).
21
3.2.4 Pathways
Pathways include paved and unpaved footpaths. They must be safe for all users, particularly people with low vision and blindness or mobility disability. Hazardous pathways are those that: >> are uneven and/or unpaved >> have holes >> are of poor quality >> are not wide enough >> have many steps and/or changes in level. Guidelines to consider: >> clear of all obstructions >> seal or upgrade unpaved footpath surfaces, where possible, since these often become hazardous in adverse weather conditions >> construct slopes that do not exceed a gradient of 1:20 >> for slopes that exceed 1:20, install ramps and allow for landings with minimum dimension of 1m x 1 m every 9 m, to enable rest opportunities >> use smooth, continuous, non-slip and even surfaces for all pathways >> install a guide strip comprising a tactile line in a colour that contrasts with the pavement for people with low vision and blindness >> install tactile tiling on pedestrian routes of travel, with a minimum 30% luminance contrast to adjacent surfaces >> place tactile tiling at pedestrian crossings and around obstructions that are difficult for people with low vision and blindness to detect >> avoid stepped kerbs or, if required, ensure they are between 70 mm and 150 mm high >> place drains, grating and manholes outside pedestrian pathways to avoid potential changes in pathway texture and height >> cover all drains, gratings and manholes for safety, ensuring covers are level with the path surface and have narrow grid patterns >> choose plant varieties carefully, avoiding, for example, thorny and poisonous plants and plants that drop seeds and leaves.
22
>> position away from places where water might accumulate >> allow minimum width of 1 m and maximum slope of 1:10 (maximum 10mm lip where the kerb meets the lower pavement) >> choose construction material texture that distinguishes ramps from main paths >> choose construction material of a contrasting colour to guide pedestrians with low vision andblindness.
3.2.7 Parking
Parking includes parking spaces and drop-off zones. Parking problems faced by people with disability include no or too few spaces, spaces that are not wide enough and/or spaces located too far from a main building entrance. Drop-off zone problems include no specified zones or poorly located zones.
Parking spaces
Guidelines to consider: >> provide one disability-reserved parking space for every 50 general parking spaces, noting that some municipalities require more than this
23
>> locate disability-reserved parking spaces no more than 50 m from a main building entrance >> design parking spaces for people with disability that are a minimum width of 3.2 m (preferably3.6 m) with an adjacent minimum 2.4 m wide shared space for wheelchairtransfers >> provide same-level access from disability-reserved parking spaces to kerb ramps and pedestrian pathways where possible.
Drop-off zones
Guidelines to consider: >> design at a minimum 3.2 m wide for ease of mobility and safety >> make parking spaces for people with disability wide enough to accommodate two cars >> provide at transport stops, such as bus stops >> position within 30 m of accessible building entrances to reduce the need to travel longdistances >> provide shelter with seating facilities for weather protection >> provide kerb ramps to negotiate changes in level from parks to footpaths >> provide clear signage to reduce potential for confusion >> provide tactile guide strips for improved security and safety >> consider installing bollards to define zones.
38 Inclusion of disabled children in primary school playgrounds, Joseph Rowntree Foundation. 2006. 39 The Liberty Swing is a purpose-built swing accessible to people in wheelchairs. It enables a playground user to swing while seated in awheelchair.
24
3.3.1 Doors
Accessible doors include doors a person can operate in a single motion with little effort. Theyshould not: >> be too narrow >> have incorrect hinging >> be heavy and hard to operate >> have an incorrect door swing direction. Guidelines to consider: >> install each door with a door handle, extra pull handle, glazing, kick plate andsign >> select doors with a minimum of 2 m clear height to avoid head contact with the top of the doorframe >> install single doors at recommended minimum clear opening of 850 mm >> install door hardware, such as latches, locks, handles and pulls, that can be easily grasped with one hand >> provide lever-type handles, not knobs, for ease of use >> avoid thresholdsif required position so height is not greater than 10 mm (level thresholds no higher than 6 mm) >> position low windows on outward swinging doors and doors in public corridors so users can see oncoming traffic >> position bottom edges of windows so they are no higher than 1 m from finished floor level (750mm for children) >> use doors that swing outwards into public circulation spaces >> incorporate recesses at doors in corridors to avoid obstructing main traffic >> paint door and/or door frames in a colour of a minimum 30% contrast with the adjoining wall to help people with low vision and blindness identify them >> recess door mats flush with the floor finish and firmly fix so they are not a triphazard >> install automatic sliding doors, where possible, where circulation space is restricted >> have a reliable power supply for automatic sliding doors and regularly maintain doors so they continue to function properly >> avoid frameless glass doors but, if used, clearly mark with a minimum 30% contrasting strip 1 m high (this is also the case for fixed glazing of glazed partitions which need to be clearly marked and protected by internal railings) >> avoid spring-operated doors which are hard to pull open and can be a hazard when swinging back (if spring-operated doors are used, two-way opening doors with an adjacent window are preferred)
25
>> avoid door swings extending over steps or ramps and set back at least 1.5 m to avoid tripping and falling >> add an adjacent accessible door to a revolving door in case the revolving door gets stuck or cannot move >> position door swings to account for the space being entered (for example, with wheelchair access toilets, doors should open outwards or be sliding).
Entrances
Guidelines to consider: >> make at least one entrance, preferably the main one, accessible by people using wheelchairs >> connect accessible pathways to accessible indoor and/or outdoor parking areas, drop-off areas, local public transit stops and public footpaths >> provide adequate covered space in front of entrances for shelter and protection from adverse weather conditions >> paint entrance doors in a colour that contrasts with surrounding surfaces >> provide lighting at entrances and along accessible pathways.
Lobbies
Guidelines to consider: >> place reception desks in clear view of entrance doors >> make lobbies accessible for people using wheelchairs and provide enough space for theirmanoeuvrability >> construct counters 850 mm 20 mm high for ease of mobility and engagement with staff or communication items like telephones >> provide access to facilities such as mailboxes, public telephones and water fountains, with controls 850 mm to 1.1 m high >> provide public seating outside main circulation paths so people can engage socially, rest orwait >> choose furnishings of colours that contrast with the floor and surrounding walls for easymanoeuvrability >> provide at least 10% of seats with backs and armrests for adequate rest support.
26
3.3.3 Corridors
Corridors need to be well lit and unobstructed. Guidelines to consider: >> make length of corridors as short as possible >> design changes of direction at 90 degrees >> allow for an unobstructed clear path of travel with a minimum width of 1.5 m (preferably 1.8m), for ease of mobility and manoeuvrability with other pedestrians (low traffic corridors should be a minimum 1 m width) >> provide appropriate resting facilities (Box A1).
27
Disability-inclusive shower and toilet in the Elementary Teachers Training College, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea showing handrails and grabs bars and wheelchair turning area. A fixed drop-down seat is recommended for showering.
Photo: Rhys Gwillam, Alexander and Lloyd
28
Other technical guidelines to consider: >> install toilets to have a minimum dimension of 1.6 m x 2.4 m or 2.0 m x 2.7 m if a shower or bath is included (assuming an in-swinging door) >> locate toilets against the wall, diagonal from the entry door >> centreline toilets 450 mm to 500 mm from the wall >> firmly fix a grip rail next to the toilet, 800 mm high >> install accessories, such as mirrors, soap dispensers, tissue holders and towel-rails, at 900 mm to 1.1 m high >> firmly fix washbasins to the wall at a height of between 800 mm and 850 mm, with the centreline at least 450 mm from an adjacent wall >> fit single-lever mixer taps >> install showers instead of baths, where possible
Above: Accessible washbasin installed at Takeo Eye Hospital, Cambodia. Universal design features include wheelchair access to basin and taps at correct height. The project was funded under AusAIDs Avoidable BlindnessInitiative.
Photo: CBM Australia
Right: Accessible toilet and washroom installed to support patients and carers at Takeo Eye Hospital, Cambodia. The project was funded under AusAIDs Avoidable BlindnessInitiative.
Photo: CBM Australia
29
>> firmly fix showers 800 mm high, with horizontal grab rails to two walls >> attach shower heads to flexible hoses and preferably a fixed slider fitting with vertical 800 mm to 1.8 m high grab rail >> install a drop down or removable seat in showers >> provide female hygiene facilities that are easily accessible >> provide at least one conventional cubicle in male and female toilets to help people with ambulant disability >> provide cubicles for people with disability that are 900 mm wide, with grab rails on both sides of the toilet and with the door opening out.
30
Box A2 provides guidance on when level changes may provide some protection for users.
31
Clement and his parents using the new primary school ramp, Papua NewGuinea.
Photo: Rhys Gwillam, Alexander and Lloyd
Box A3 showcases an example of how constructing an inexpensive ramp can make a big difference to people with disability, in this case in a primaryschool in Papua New Guinea.
32
Box A4 highlights the growing support for inclusive design by the National Department of Education in Papua New Guinea schools.
External ramp at Elementary Teachers Training College, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The ramp incorporates key universal design features such as correct slope and height railings and 90-degree turning bay.
Photo: Rhys Gwillam, Alexander and Lloyd
33
External covered ramp at the Pacific Eye Institute, Suva, Fiji, showing incorporation of key universal design features such as an all-weather cover, non-slip surface, railings and passing bays.
Photo: Kirti Permal, The Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand, Pacific Eye Institute
Guidelines to consider: >> Slope: 1:20 is the recommended minimum for a non-assisted person in a wheelchair. Theslope can be increased to 1:14 where the wheelchair user is assisted. Greater than 1:12 isconsidered ahazard. >> Width: Varies according to use, configuration and slope, but the minimum is 1 m. >> Landings: Provide at least every 9 m, at every change of direction and at the top and bottom of every ramp. Landing width should be a minimum 1 m and clear from obstructions. >> Handrails: Provide on both sides and along the full length of every ramp, 900mm to 1 m high, returning at ends or turning down to minimise injuries. Handrails should extend for a distance of minimum 300 mm at the top and bottom of ramps. For ramps wider than 3 m, an intermediate rail could be installed.
34
Surface and tactile markings: Surface material needs to be hard, non-slip and easy to maintain. Adequate drainage needs to be provided and ramp edges protected by a solid raised kerb. Toalert people with low vision and blindness, tactile indicators at least 600mm wide should be placed at the top and bottom of ramps, with minimum 30% luminance contrast to adjacent surfaces. A colour contrasting textual marking strip, at least 600 mm wide, should be placed at the top and bottom of ramps. Figure A2 shows the incorporation of universal design principles, including correct configurations for slope and width, provision of landing and marking strips at the foot and head of a ramp, as well as inclusion of a level rest area at a ramps turning point.42
35
36
Figure A3 shows specifications for the construction of stairs, incorporating the key universal design elements discussed in Box A5.44
37
4. Other resources
Many excellent manuals and guidelines are published by government agencies and nongovernment organisations for architects, engineers and designers. These provide basic information on, and the data necessary for, an accessible environment. Developed countries and some developing countries have accessibility codes and guidelines which must be adhered to for permission to build. As many developing countries do not have access to legislation, the guidelines and manuals described in this resources list will assist architects, engineers and designers to design accessible environments. The list is divided into general resources and then selected accessibility standards and guides.
General
How to Build an Accessible Environment in Developing Countries Handicap International France, 2008 This series of manuals is based on experiences in Cambodia. They promote understanding andknowledge of accessibility standards and techniques. www.handicap-international.org.uk/resources/library Design for AllImplications for Bank Operations H Snider and N Takeda, World Bank, 2008 This paper informs World Bank task team leaders about the benefits of universal design and recommends ways in which it can be integrated as a component in World Bank projects. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DISABILITY/Resources/Universal_Design.pdf Design Considerations for Accessibility S Whybrow and J Grooms, University of New South Wales and Home and Community Care 2006 This booklet provides an overview of basic features of accessibility for public buildings. Includes considerations for car parking, kerb ramps, pathways, stairways, handrails, doors and doorways, corridors and toilets. Access issues are highlighted with pictures from SriLanka. www.homemods.info/files/Design_Consideration1.pdf
38
International Best Practices in Universal Design: A Global Review Canadian Human Rights Commission, 2006 This document provides an international overview of the technical information on accessibility criteria for the built environment being used by countries as they prepare to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. www.gaates.org/009BestPract.shtml Promoting Access to the Built Environment: Guidelines CBM, 2008 These guidelines reflect on international standards and recommendations about accessibility in the built environment. They have been developed to assist in creating accessibleenvironments. www.cbm.org/article/downloads/74836/CBM_Accessibility_Manual.pdf Water and Sanitation for Disabled Persons and other Vulnerable Groups H Jones and B Reed, Water, Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University,2005 This book and CD-ROM focus on facilities for families in rural and peri-urban areas of low-income and middle-income countries. Many of the approaches and solutions outlined can also be applied in institutional settings, such as in schools and hospitals. They may also be applied in emergencysituations. http://wedc/lboro.ac.uk/wsdp/ Accessibility for the DisabledA Design Manual for a Barrier Free Environment UN Enable, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia,2004 This design manual, prepared by the Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut Central District, is available from the UN Enable website. It provides architects and designers with basic information and data for barrier-free environments. www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/designm/preface.htm Homes without Barriers: A Guide to Accessible Houses A Bulleyment, Building Research Association of New Zealand, 2001 This publication sets out guidelines for adapting existing homes to enable people with disability to live in their own home as long as possible. www.homemods.info/resource/bibliography/homes-without-barriers-guide-accessible-houses
39
40
ISO 924120: Ergonomics of human-system interaction, Part 20: Accessibility guidelines for information/communication technology equipment and services ISO, 2008 This document provides guidelines for improving the accessibility of information and communication technology equipment and services such that they will have wider accessibility for use at work, in the home, and in mobile and public environments. It covers issues associated with the design of equipment and services for people with a wide range of sensory, physical and cognitive abilities, including those who are temporarily disabled and the elderly. www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=40727 ISO 9241151: Ergonomics of human-system interaction, Part 151: Guidance on World Wide Web user interfaces ISO, 2008 This document provides guidance on the human-centred design of software web user interfaces with the aim of increasing usability. www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=37031
Australian standards
AS1428.1: The mandatory access standard, primarily for public buildings Australian Standards 2009 This document sets out minimum design standards for new building work, as required by the Building Code of Australia, to enable access for people with disability. It covers aspects of access to and within a building. www.equalaccess.com.au/page/AustralianStandards/ AS1428.2: Design for access and mobilityEnhanced and additional requirements Buildingand facilities Australian Standards 1992 These standards set out requirements for the design of buildings and facilities for access for people with disability. Where appropriate, these requirements are additional to the minimum requirements of AS 1428.1. www.equalaccess.com.au/page/AustralianStandards/ AS4299: Adaptable Housing Australian Standards 1995 This document presents the objectives and principles of adaptable housing and provides guidelines on planning and design. Adaptable housing is the basis for the development of the accommodation needs of users of all ages and abilities by making provision for future building modifications at minimum cost and disruption to the inhabitants. www.equalaccess.com.au/page/AustralianStandards/
41
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth) The Australian Disability Discrimination Act has been in effect since 1993 and prohibits discrimination against people with disability or their associates in a range of areas including transport, education, employment, accommodation and premises used by the public. www.comlaw.gov.au Disability (Access to Premises Building) Standards 2010 (Cwlth) Commonwealth, 2009 These standards were formulated in accordance with S.31 (Disability Standards) of the Australian Disability Discrimination Act and aims to achieve better access to a wide range of public buildings. Improving building access gives more people more opportunity to access employment, education and services, and to connect with, and participate in, the broader community. The standards commenced operation in 2011 and are one part of the Australian Governments 10-year National Disability Strategy. www.ag.gov.au/Humanrightsandantidiscrimination/Pages/DisabilityStandardsforPremises.aspx AS1428.1-2009, Design for Access and MobilityGeneral requirements for Access New BuildingWork Australian Standards, 2009 This document sets out minimum design requirements for new building work, as required by the Building Code of Australia, to enable access for people with disability. It covers aspects of access toand within a building. www.equalaccess.com.au/page/AustralianStandards/ Building Code of Australia Building Code of Australia, 2011 This code is produced on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments and has the status of building regulations by all states and territories. It is a uniform set of technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures throughout Australia and includes specific provisions in relation to access to and within buildings by people with disability. The code was revised in 2011 to align with the Disability Standards in the Disability Discrimination Act. www.abcb.gov.au/en/about-the-national-construction-code/the-building-code-of-Australia
42
European Union
The European Concept for Accessibility (ECA) 2003 European Commission, 2003 This publication has united experts from 22 European countries to establish a harmonised European approach to accessibility. The ECA has provided an increased awareness among architects, planners, designers of the principles of design for all and of universal access. Theconcept of universal design, as enshrined in the ECA is the cornerstone of a fully inclusive society. www.eca.lu/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=26
43
Annex B: Health
1. Purpose 2. General 3. Key universal design principles to consider 4. Other resources
Annex B: Health
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. Health facilities can include: >> aid posts (small, generally rural buildings for basic health administration) >> village clinics >> sub-health centres >> rural and district health centres >> provincial hospitals >> metropolitan hospitals. The primary users of these health facilities are people with disability, illness or injury, their families, carers and visitors, and staff. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in health infrastructure. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to health infrastructure. This annex starts with a general description of the importance of universal design and health infrastructure. It then explores how universal design principles can influence and support the planning, designing and constructing of health facilities to provide better access to and within these facilities. The health annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in annexes A: Built environment, C:Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, I: Rural development and K: Humanitarian action.
45
2. General
In some developing countries health facilities are physically inaccessible by people with disability, often because of the need to use stairs for access. Planning and designing health facilities using universal design principles supports users to recover from health issues more quickly and makes them more comfortable during their treatment and recovery. The design of health facilities in developing countries must satisfy local and national building codes as well as anti-discrimination laws where they exist. This is especially important since not all developing country governments have guidelines on the physical design of health facilities and the supply of furniture and equipment to ensure the needs of people with disability are met. Consulting widely with the user community, including people with disability and health care professionals, is a must. This includes consulting local Disabled Peoples Organisations. The design of some areas of health facilities, such as waiting areas, is as important for those caring for or visiting patients as it is for patients. So too is the type and placement of furniture. Some types of chairs, for example, may not suit the elderly or people with disability who have difficulty rising to a standing position from a low seat. The design of food preparation areas is also important, since in many countries preparing meals in health facilities is the responsibility of relatives, many of whom may be older or themselves with disability. Some hospitals provide basic facilities for food preparation and some of these are in line with universal design principles. An example is Papua New Guineas Buka Hospital in Bougainville where architects commissioned local craftsmen to build a Hauswin (gazebo) in the grounds in accordance with universal design45, so relatives of patients can prepare meals for patients andthemselves. Inclusion of universal design principles into new building designs presents an important opportunity for buildings to become accessible, often at minimal cost. Inclusions such as ramps and accessible toilet and shower facilities have a major impact.
45 AusAID-funded Bougainville Health and Education Restoration Project, 1997. Project managersSMEC International (previously known as Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation); ArchitectsAlexander & Lloyd Australia.
46
When starting a health program, it is important for stakeholders to: >> raise the issue of disability and vulnerability with target stakeholders >> provide information on accessible health infrastructure facilities >> encourage collaboration between Disabled Peoples Organisations, engineers, stakeholders and local authorities responsible for operating and maintaining the facilities >> encourage overall design to consider the needs of people with disability and other groups including the elderly, pregnant women, children and other people with a temporary illness orinjury. Guidelines to consider: >> Build the health facility as a single storey with a ground floor slab easily accessible from exterior pathways. Sometimes this is not possible because of issues such as land constraints, local terrain and weather conditions. In these cases install ramps and/or lifts, where they can be properly serviced and maintained. Ensure these comply with accessibility principles as a minimum pre-requisite. >> Consider locating outpatient care and emergency wards on lower floors, ensuring horizontal and vertical design are taken into account given the health facilitys role and how patients use the facility. This includes how patients proceed through registration, initial screening and diagnostic services, as well as how they pay and access the pharmacy. >> Design each floor so it is as level as possible or has minimal level changes. >> Pay special attention to designing main reception areas. For example, ensure knee space under counters is high enough to accommodate people who cannot stand. This helps facilitate communication and enables staff and patients to attend to paperwork. Make chairs readily available and provide plenty of open space for those using wheelchairs. >> Provide doors wide enough to accommodate people using wheelchairs and those helpingpatients. >> Install directional signage that is clearly visible and easy to understand. Use pictographs to help those who are illiterate.
47
>> Provide accessible and spacious toilet facilities in all wards and areas accessed by thepublic. >> Encourage use of appropriately designed equipment, such as hospital beds and chairs. >> Encourage use of elements that aid movement, such as ramps and handrails in corridors and near steps. >> Source low-cost alternatives to equipment that would normally be used, but which may prove unfeasible or impractical in developing countries. For example, where electric adjustable beds are impractical, use wedges, rolls and pillows to improve positioning and independent mobility in bed. Wooden blocks and slide boards also help patients get in and out of beds of differing heights on their own. >> Incorporate the needs of family members, carers and visitors, including by providing community food preparation areas, public ablutions, public shelters and waiting areas. Box B1 highlights the benefits of incorporating universal design during the primary design stage for the construction of health facilities under the Cambodia Health Sector Support Program 2.
48
4. Other resources
The Australasian Health Facilities Guidelines Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance, 2011 These standard guidelines are used by planners and designers of health facilities throughout Australasia and the Pacific. www.healthfacilityguidelines.com.au/guidelines.aspx
49
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to WASH facilities. This annex starts with a general description of how universal design principles can be applied to WASH facilities so they are inclusive of people with disability and other groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with a temporary illness or injury. It then explores how universal design principles can influence and support the planning, design and construction of WASH facilities in rural and peri-urban areas. In these areas access to domestic water supply and sanitation is especially challenging for people with disability and other vulnerable groups. The WASH annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in annexes A: Built environment, B: Health, E: Housing, F: Education, I: Rural development and K: Humanitarian action.
51
2. General
WASH facilities need to be well planned for people with disability, yet they seldom are. Poor water resource management and inadequate sanitation is a major cause of poor health outcomes and can even cause impairment. For example, using contaminated water or not applying hygienic practices can lead to blindness. Investing in WASH is a cost-effective way to improve health outcomes and reduce the prevalence of diseases leading to disability.46 Not investing in inclusive WASH can affect people with disability and other groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with a temporary illness or injury. Forexample, it can: >> exclude these groups from using communal facilities >> make these groups dependent on others for basic needs >> make these groups more susceptible to contracting disease. Box C1 highlights the benefits of applying a collaborative approach when designing WASH facilities. It focuses on the implementation of the AusAID-funded Timor-Leste Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Program. This program is more commonly known by its Tetun name, Be, Saneamentu, Igene iha Komunidade (BESIK), meaning Community WASH.
46 The Water Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University, has produced a wide range of publications, including fact sheets, papers and briefing notes, to support people with disability in a development environment. See also Annex A: Built environment.
52
Application of universal design principles: a ramp and wheelchair turning area was constructed to provide access to a washing area in a BESIK project, Timor-Leste.
Photo: Oliver Gaucherd, BESIK Phase 1
53
When starting a WASH program, it is important for stakeholders to: >> raise the issue of disability and vulnerability with target communities >> provide information on accessible water and sanitation facilities >> encourage collaboration between Disabled Peoples Organisations, engineers, stakeholders and local authorities responsible for operating and maintaining the facilities >> conduct baseline surveys, including questions relating to disability >> encourage overall design to consider the needs of people with disability and other groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with a temporary illness or injury.
54
A toilet in Haiti that has good external access and a ramp with handrails. It includes a wide door with handle and sufficient internal space to manoeuvre a wheelchair. Ideally the door handle should be lower for ease of access.
Photo: CBM
>> ensure size and layout of internal rooms for bathing and hand washing is appropriate, including an internal water source and conforming to the guidelines outlined in Annex A: Builtenvironment >> design bathing facilities at water sources, such as creeks or ponds, to provide comfortable access and a sheltered and secure environment >> design facilities to enable greater participation by people with disability in daily household activities, such as washing clothes, doing dishes and preparing and cooking food.
55
The special needs of designing WASH facilities in rural and peri-urban areas are covered in this section and include drawing water, transporting water, storing water and accessing stored water. This section also covers bathing facilities, washing clothes and dishes, and toilets.
47 Disability How to Note, Department for International Development, practice paper no. 118302007.
56
57
Guidelines to consider for bathing at a water source: >> provide an easily accessible water point to ensure safety of users >> provide a sitting area, such as a concrete platform, timber bench or seat, next to the water source so people with disability can bathe with less assistance and without needing to sit or lie on wet or dirty floors >> provide a place for water containers, soap and clothes at sitting areas >> install handrails (such as rope or bamboo ones) and steps to help negotiate slippery and muddy banks around natural water sources used for bathing >> provide a simple shower arrangement, such as an overhead bucket or rope-pull, for people who find it difficult to move their arms enough to scoop water over themselves >> provide adequate space for carers so they can help those they are caring for to bathe. Guidelines to consider for bathing in a separate area: >> provide opportunities for privacy to maintain dignity >> ensure size and layout of bathing rooms is adequate >> provide an internal water source where possible.
58
4.6 Toilets
A wide range of toilet options are used in rural and peri-urban villages, from open defecation to sanitary water-flush systems. Guidelines to consider: >> Use the guidance on the size and layout of inside toilets outlined in Annex A: Builtenvironment. >> Position out-house toilets close to the main house so they are easily accessible. >> Provide all-weather paths and ramps to avoid people slipping and falling. >> Position sanitation facilities close to main buildings to provide a safe and secure environment. This is especially important for groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with temporary illness or injury who can be at personal risk if sanitation facilities are located far away. >> Provide a level of privacy to maintain personal dignity. >> Install handrails in all toilets, using the guidance in Annex A: Built environment. Select handrails that meet user needs. Different types include bamboo poles, steel or wooden frames, and knotted ropes suspended from roof beams. Sturdy and stable furniture can alsoserve as a handrail. >> Install toilet seating to the best standards possible for needs and context. Fixed raised toilet seats or pedestals may be problematic, for example, when the other members of a household use squat pans. It may be more appropriate, therefore, to provide a bucket witha movable toilet chair, an adapted wheelchair or a commode. >> Provide a water point in toilet cubicles, where possible. This is particularly important for women and adolescent girls. Ideally the water point should be piped or a container supplied from which water can be scooped or drawn. >> Provide support options in areas where defecation in the open is the usual practice. Options can include fixed poles, movable bricks, tree trunks, walking frames and walking sticks.
This school toilet in Uganda includes an accessible toilet (on right with white door) with a wider entrance and additional cubical space to accommodate a wheelchair. The pathway to the toilet is even and free of obstacles.
Photo: CBM
59
5. Other resources
Water and Sanitation for Disabled Persons and other Vulnerable Groups H Jones and B Reed, Water, Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University, 2005 This book and CD-ROM focuses on facilities for families in rural and peri-urban areas of low and middle-income countries. Many of the approaches and solutions outlined can also be applied in institutional settings, such as in schools and hospitals. They may also be applied in emergency situations. www.wedc/lboro.ac.uk/docs/research/WEJFK/ Integrating Appropriate Measures for Persons with Disabilities in the Infrastructure Sector R Wiman and J Sandhu, Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), 2004 This report, commissioned by GTZ on behalf of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, provides an overview of key infrastructure issues including in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene, relating to people with disability and development. GTZ is now known as Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammanarbeit (GIZ). http://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/public/docs/en-disability-infrastructure-2004.pdf Sanitation for Primary Schools in Africa B Reed and R Shaw, Water Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University, 2008 This booklet was developed from a study of primary school infrastructure in Kenya. It includes assessment tools and guidelines for water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in Africa. wedc.lboro.ac.uk/resources/books/Sanitation_for_Primary_Schools_in_Africa_-_Complete.pdf
60
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in energy solutions. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to energy solutions. This annex starts with a general description of how universal design principles can be applied to energy solutions to make them affordable, locally produced, easy to install and accessible to people with disability. It then explores how universal design principles can be applied to suchsolutions. The energy solutions annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in Annex A: Built environment.
61
2. General
Around 3 billion people, many of whom are poor and live in developing countries, cook and heat in their home using open fires and leaky stoves. They do so by burning biomass, such as wood, cropresidues and animal dung, and coal. Nearly 2 million people a year die prematurely from illness attributable to indoor air pollution due to solid fuel waste.48 The resulting smoke turns kitchens in the worlds poorest countries into potentially harmful environments. This indoor air pollution can lead to acute respiratory infections, blindness, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, middle-ear infections, peri-natal conditions and pneumonia. Thereis also evidence of links between indoor air pollution and cancer, heart disease, low birth weight and tuberculosis. Acute respiratory infection from spending large amounts of time inside close to a cooking place is a major contributor to disability and a primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Most people with disability in the developing world live in rural areas where access to clean energy sources is limited. Most energy technologies available to them are inefficient and of low quality. In the absence of reliable grid power, local communities become self-generators, using diesel generators, kerosene lamps and lead acid batteries. Many of these sources emit pollutants with adverse climate, environmental and health effects. The time taken by women and children to gather fuel reduces the opportunity for women to engage in alternative activities and for children to attend school. Access to affordable household electricity can increase the potential for people with disability to earn income from home-based microenterprises. Inefficient energy production, such as three-stone hearths, and unsustainable fuels, such as coal and fuelwood that contribute to greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and climate change. Black carbon (soot) and particulates, such as smoke and dust, arealso atmospherewarming agents. People with disability are vulnerable due to their restricted mobility and/or limited resources due to entrenched poverty.
48 Indoor air pollution and health, Fact Sheet no. 292, World Health Organization, September 2011.
62
While not specifically designed for people with disability, many well-tried universal design principles for energy solutions are affordable, efficient, easy to install and locally made. Theseinclude renewable energy sources such as on-site produced biogas for cooking, simple solar, battery and LED light packs for lighting. These also include chimneys, smoke hoods, improved stoves and improved ventilation. It is also important to consider changing patterns of behaviour. A GTZ (now GIZ) study recommends that donors follow set strategies to benefit people with disability when using energy services.49 Guidelines to consider: >> provide greater funding priority to household energy in the context of health promotion and poverty reduction, targeting women, children and people with disability who are among the most affected by indoor air pollution >> collect models of good practice for locally-available cooking, heating and lighting equipment and include people with disability in the process >> involve local Disabled Peoples Organisations in identifying and designing safe and accessible cooking implements50 >> incorporate interventions into inclusive development programs that raise awareness of the effects of unsuitable facilities and habits, including safe cooking, heating and lighting practices which are accessible to people with disability >> support the development of locally appropriate and accessible housing design that incorporates ventilation and universal design principles >> use enabling social protection measures to support income-generating activities by people with disability (for example, support access to electricity and tools by people with disability to enable them to establish small-scale businesses or industries) >> use targeted subsidies as part of future social protection programs to enable families that include people with disability to use sustainable energy sources.
49 R Wiman and J Sandhu, Integrating Appropriate Measures for Persons with Disabilities in the Infrastructure Sector, 2004. 50 Intermediate Technology Development Group.
63
4. Other resources
Integrating Appropriate Measures for Persons with Disabilities in the Infrastructure Sector R Wiman, and J Sandhu, Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), 2004. This report, commissioned by GTZ on behalf of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, provides an overview of key infrastructure issues including the provision of energy services relating to people with disability and development. GTZ is now known as Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). http://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/public/docs/en-disability-infrastructure-2004.pdf
64
Annex E: Housing
1. Purpose 2. General 3. Key universal design principles to consider 4. Other resources
Annex E: Housing
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in housing. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. Itis also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to housing. This annex starts with a general description of how universal design can be applied when building housing. It then explores how universal design principles can be applied to housing to reduce dependency, make housing safer for all users and reduce the chance of accidents. Most importantly using these principles enables people to remain in the comfort and freedom of their houses for longer, which can also have economic benefits.51 The housing annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in annexes A: Built environment, C:Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and D: Energy solutions.
51 A Bulleyment, Homes without Barriers: A Guide To Accessible Houses, Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), 2001.
65
2. General
For people with disability and other groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with a temporary illness or injury, comfortable, accessible housing is especially important. This is because these individuals generally spend more time in their homes and face challenges looking after and maintaining them. Houses that create barriers with structure, layout and even placement of furniture can put people with disability at risk of injury and result in premature loss of independence and associated health problems. People with disability require housing that should be initially built with adaptable and liveable elements so modifications can be made without significant structural changes when required.
66
The universal design guidelines and guidance in Annex A: Built environment apply to housing. However, specific design elements need to be considered when designing and building accessible housing. This involves ensuring that the following components are designed and built for accessibility, including maximum comfort and ease of use: >> location >> entrances >> indoor circulation >> windows >> bathrooms and toilets >> kitchens >> bedrooms >> living spaces >> interior finishes. These individual components of housing are discussed in this annex.
3.1 Location
Residential housing designed and located in proximity to key infrastructure facilities and sited to take advantage of positive location aspects provides an easier and more secure environment. Guidelines to consider: >> locate close to amenities, such as community facilities, employment opportunities, schools, shops and transport >> locate in a secure and safe environment, particularly where inhabitants have limited physicalmobility >> locate on a relatively flat site for ease of access >> locate away from uncovered drains, flood plains or water courses which can result in hazardous and slippery conditions >> provide a pleasant outlook, given the amount of time often spent indoors >> shelter from prevailing winds >> include vehicle access right up to the house, to reduce travel distances and potentialhazards >> construct with minimal steps to enable increased mobility and reduce the need for externalsupport
67
>> construct with minimal level changesinside and outsidefor ease of mobility and independent movement >> locate on the ground floor, in the case of multi-storey residential buildings.
3.2 Entrances
Easy accessibility between internal and external spaces, and between internal spaces, provides a safe transit point for people with limited mobility and people who use a wheelchair. Guidelines to consider: >> make wide enough for wheelchair access >> provide adequate manoeuvring space >> install on level floor to reduce difficulty in moving from external to internal spaces >> provide built-in porch or canopy for shelter and protection from adverse weather conditions >> ensure well drained to avoid hazardous and slippery conditions >> provide even, non-slip surfaces >> provide ramped access for ease of dealing with more than one level and for easy entry from external to internal spaces >> design entrance to be visible from inside the house, for ease of access and ability to identifyvisitors >> provide seat or a parcel shelf for rest opportunities >> provide lighting for safety and security >> provide direct access to the garage at level, or by way of a ramp for safety and security >> install sounding devices, such as a door bell, to identify visitors >> install handrails on stairs to enable ease of access and for the safety of users.
68
3.4 Windows
Good natural light and ventilation is essential for any house and a high level of lighting is particularly important for people with low vision and blindness. Guidelines to consider: >> provide maximum intensity of lighting at floor level, with minimal strong shadow or glare >> provide effective ventilation of rooms, which is essential in hot climates, to maximise crossventilation >> install windows on opposite walls, preferably facing prevailing winds during the hot season >> design and place windows so they can be easily opened and closed for good cross-ventilation and to avoid accidents >> provide the right type of controls, such as levers, so windows can be opened and shut >> locate controls appropriately.
69
3.6 Kitchens
Kitchens are the heart of the home. They are places where food is prepared and they are places of social interaction. This means they need to be accessible by cooks and others who gather there. Guidelines to consider: >> provide work surfaces at a comfortable height for people using wheelchairs >> provide sufficient leg room under benches for people using wheelchairs >> strategically place regularly used equipment, such as the oven, cook top and sink, for easy access and safety of people using them, particularly when preparing hot foods >> provide low-level platforms, stools and seats for comfort and use by people with disability >> provide adequate ventilation for health and hygiene benefit, especially to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution from energy sources (Annex D: Energy solutions) >> provide ease of access to opening and closing of windows and doors.
3.7 Bedrooms
People who are ill or with disability can spend more time in their bedroom than other household members. Bedrooms therefore need to be designed and furnished well for maximum comfort and ease of use. Guidelines to consider: >> provide adequate room for comfort and manoeuvring around the bed and other furniture >> provide a pleasant outlook, where possible >> locate the bedroom close to an accessible bathroom >> provide accessible clothing and other storage facilities >> provide privacy >> provide natural lighting and adequate artificial lighting, including a two-way switch for ease ofaccess >> provide adequate good ventilation for health and hygiene benefit >> ensure windows and doors can be easily accessed for opening and closing.
70
Example of high-contrast doorways and doors in SriLanka painted to assist people with low vision navigate to an indoorspace.
Photo: CBM
71
72
4. Other resources
Homes without Barriers: A Guide to Accessible Houses A Bulleyment, Building Research Association of New Zealand, 2001 This publication sets out guidelines for adapting existing homes to enable persons to live in their own home as long as possible. www.homemods.info/resource/bibliography/homes_without_barriers_guide_accessible_houses
73
Annex F: Education
1. Purpose 2. General 3. What is inclusive education? 4. Key universal design principles to consider 5. Other resources
Annex F: Education
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in the education sector. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to education. This annex is designed to assist ministries of education to meet the universal design requirements in their national standards for all educational facilities, specifically those relating to providing accessible environments. It is of benefit to principals, teaching staff and others involved in school communities. It is also of benefit to architects, building contractors and others involved in planning the organisation of schools and school grounds to facilitate movement and participation of children with disability. Schools in this annex refers to pre-schools and daycare facilities, early childhood centres, as well as primary, high and secondary schools (unless otherwise stated). This annex starts with a general description of how universal design principles support inclusive education through planning and designing new schools and refurbishing existing schools. Itthen explores what inclusive education is and how universal design principles can be applied ineducation. The education annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in annexes A: Built environment and C: Water, sanitation and hygiene systems.
75
2. General
The World Report on Disability 2011 has reported that in low-income countries only 45.6% of males with disability and 32.9% of females with disability have completed primary school, compared with 56% of males and 42% of females without disability.52 Inaccessible school buildings with poorly designed steps, tight entry ways, uneven paths, inaccessible toilets and poor natural lighting compound this problem. They make it even more difficult for students with disability to develop their potential and fully participate in school and the wider community. Physical barriers often prevent children with disability from attending school. Without an education, people with disability become even more disadvantaged, including socially and economically. Schools often double as community refuge centres or marshalling points during a disaster or emergency, so making them accessible provides an opportunity for greater participation by the wider community. Schools are an important community resource in other ways. They are places in which community attitudes towards people with disability can be modified and changed.
52 World Report on Disability 2011, World Health Organization and World Bank, 2011. Geneva, WHO Press.
76
Understanding inclusive education is important for universal design. The conventional model for educating children with disability has been through specialised schools, organised around categories of disability. These schools are often in urban areas, frequently requiring children from rural and remote areas to enrol as boarders. Even when these arrangements provide specialised facilities and trained staff, studies show that relying on specialised schools often creates separate cultures and identities for people with disability.53 The inclusive education model is radically different. It caters for all children, including those from marginalised or excluded groups, with or without disability. Inclusive education focuses on effective learning for all children. The model recognises that each child is different and that schools and the education system need to change to meet the needs of all learners. It also helps provide teachers with the skills needed to support childrens learning in a flexible way. This includes using different teaching methods to respond to childrens needs, capacities and rates of development. The model calls for suitable pre-service and in-service training of teachers, related to disability. Itcalls also for alternative flexible teaching methods based on child-centred learning. In addition, inclusive education requires specific teaching aids and equipment and, ideally, parent and community involvement.54 Inclusive education has different levels, based largely on the level of support required. Somechildren attend regular schools and may, on a case-by-case determination, require special education such as one-on-one instruction. Some community and school-based issues can affect how accessible travelling to school and within the school environment is for children with disability. A number of these issues are listed inTable F1.
53 Schools for All. Including disabled children in education, Save the Children UK, 2002. 54 ibid.
77
Table F1: Issues affecting access of children with disability travelling to school and in the school environment
Issues willingness to go to school Relating to awareness campaigns, parental, teacher, administrative staff or peer attitudes, socialcontext availability of mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, for different levels of disability distance from home, path or road conditions building design, entrances, stairs, pathconditions attitudes of everyone involved, building design, furniture design, provision of teaching aids, room arrangements, school grounds
ability to go to school
access to school ability to enter and move around schoolpremises participation in school activities
78
Making school facilities accessible to children with disability involves a large number of elements which, together, create a child-friendly environment and maximise education performance. Elements include providing what children need to get to school, selecting an accessible school site, planning a school site and designing and building it. Creating a child-friendly learning environment is another element, which requires a range of considerations such as furniture design and selection, design of special areas (for example, science rooms and library resource centres) and visual comfort. Making school facilities accessible to children with disability goes even further and includes providing proper hygiene (toilet, shower and sink facilities), thinking about the school playground and taking into account the importance of providing for physical education. These elements are all discussed in this annex as is the cost of providing accessible schools for inclusive education.
79
80
>> maximise cross-ventilation by installing windows on opposite walls, preferably facing prevailing winds during the hot season >> reduce heat in buildings by planting trees to keep the ground cooler and provide a cooler breeze into school rooms >> plant trees to provide shade for outdoor play, although not too close to buildings because they will block natural light into school rooms.
81
82
83
>> plan and identify a place outside the classroom where children can be taken if violent outbursts happen, so the safety of children is not compromised >> tape rugs and mats down to prevent slipping or tripping, especially for children with low vision and blindness >> design flexible seating arrangements for lower grades (for example, cushions, mats, and wooden blocks) so children are encouraged to work in small groups >> provide non-slip floor surfaces, especially for outdoor pathways exposed to rain >> provide a calming corner in each classroom with relaxing colour shades, a mat and pillows where children can lie away from furniture or hard surfaces that could potentially causeinjury >> install hooks and other hanging devices at various heights to display charts and work >> install storage areas in which to store possessions >> provide at least two exit doors if capacity in teaching and assembly spaces is above 50people, for safety and evacuation >> avoid fully glazed doors which are hazardous, especially for children with low vision andblindness >> protect glazed windows with mesh (preferable) or bars to avoid breakage and injury.
84
>> locate shelves along walls so children can get to them easily >> safely install computers along end walls or parallel to end walls to avoid glare fromwindows >> install wiring and electrical appliances to run along the top of walls or hide and tuck them away from walking areas to avoid tripping and potential danger >> install the height of computer tables to accommodate those using wheelchairs >> provide spaces for terminals to promote the use of computer-assisted learning.
85
>> select colour schemes carefully with a preference for pastel shades, which provide visual comfort >> follow manufacturer specifications with artificial lights to achieve the best distribution of light and light levels, noting that the recommended light level for educational activities is a minimum 540 lux55 >> install on external pathways and in internal corridors uniform lighting, at a minimum light level of 200 lux >> provide signage in all rooms, especially to assist children with low vision and blindness, by: locating signs at eye level of the average child or between 1.2 m and 1.5 m from floor level placing signs about 200 mm from the door on either side of the handle locating signs consistently for all doors around the school keeping marking simple, using a colour code for each room or type of room providing good colour contrast, such as black on a white background providing sound and visual alarms for safety during evacuations and other non-routinemovements.
55 Lux is a measurement of the light intensity falling on a surface, as perceived by the human eye. Australian Standard 1680 outlines minimum lux levels for a wide range of built environments.
86
>> take into account toilet numbers in school planning for matters such as growth in student numbers. In school planning, factor in the need for accessible toilets, even if a school does not have a child with disability enrolled >> provide a shower and a changing and/or washing area, which could be attached to the toiletarea >> provide at least one accessible toilet per floor in multi-storey buildings >> attach toilets to classrooms in pre-schools so teachers are in close proximity to supervise and enforce proper hygiene >> install door locks, but only if they can be released from the outside. If they cannot, erect anOccupied Vacant sign >> install a sitting toilet for children who use a wheelchair, even where squat toilets are used byothers, to assist with safe transfer onto the toilet and increase hygiene levels.
87
>> install a single lever action tap, rather than a twist action tap, where possible, so people who are sitting, including in a wheelchair, have easy access >> fix handles or bars firmly to the wall to help with transferring a student from a wheelchair tothe toilet seat.
External ramp linking separate school buildings, showing handrails and 90-degree turning bay at Tibawa School, Ilomata Vaillage, Tibawa sub-district, Gorontalo District, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia.
Photo: AusAID
56 D Werner, Disabled Village Children: A guide for community health workers, rehabilitation workers, and families, 1999, chapter 46. 57 ibid., Ideas for playground equipment and many other resources.
88
Box F1 highlights the increasing impact of including universal design principles in the construction of schools throughout Indonesia under the Australia Indonesia Basic Education Program (200611).
External ramp linking separate school buildings, showing handrails and all-weather cover. Bontonompo School, Bontobiraeng Village, Bontonomp Sub-district, Gowa District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.
Photo: AusAID
89
External ramp linking separate school buildings, showing handrails. Madrassah Balarajam (Public Junior Secondary School), Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia.
Photo: Maria Siahaan, AusAID
Accessible toilet showing handrails and wheelchair turning area. Janapria Public Junior Secondary School, Central Lombok, West Nusa, Indonesia
Photo: Maria Siahaan, AusAID
90
58 UN Enable, Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities. 59 Education For All: The Cost of Accessibility: (Education Notes), World Bank 2005. 60 USAID, John Grooms, Motivation, Disability Organisations Joint Front (DOJF), 2006.
91
Teacher facilities provide accessible toilet for teachers provide level access to teachers staff room (no steps) Canteen provide level access (no steps) provide serving counter at 700 mm above floor level provide adequate lighting at serving counter organise furniture in room so it leaves clear space for easy passing Car parking provide accessible car parking space close to entrance
92
5. Other resources
Improving Accessibility of Schools USAID, John Grooms, Motivation, Disability Organisations Joint Front (DOJF), 2006 This booklet focuses on how existing school facilities can be upgraded to include people with disability. http://www.homemods.info/general_access_for_schools.pdf Child Friendly Schools Infrastructure Standards and Guidelines, Primary and Tronc Common Schools Rwanda Ministry of Education, 2009 These guidelines set out infrastructure standards for Rwandan schools. They include accessibility standards. http://www.iiep.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Cap_Dev_Technical_Assistance/p df/2010/ Rwanda_Child_friendly_schools_infrastructure_standards_and_guidelines_ May_20091.pdf National Infrastructure Guidelines for Elementary and Primary Schools Papua New Guinea National Department of Education and AusAID, 2009 This booklet, targeting school boards, provides guidelines for constructing schools in Papua New Guinea. It includes accessibility guidelines. www.alexanderandlloyd.com.au Education for All: The Cost of Accessibility (Education Notes) World Bank, 2005 This study provides guidance on how cost is not a significant barrier to accessible design, although it is often perceived to be so. http:siteresources.worldbank.org/DISABILITY/Resources/280658-1172610312075/ EFACostAccessibility.pdf Education in Emergencies: Including Everyone, Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies, Geneva H Pinnock, Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies, 2009 This pocket guide outlines key principles for inclusive education and strategies for inclusive education in humanitarian emergencies. http://toolkit.ineesite.org/toolkit/Toolkit.php?PostID=1007
93
Sanitation for Primary Schools in Africa, Water Engineering and Development Centre B Reed and R Shaw, Water Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University, 2008 This booklet was developed from a study of primary school infrastructure in Kenya. It includes assessment tools and guidelines for water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in Africa. http://wedc.lboro.ac.uk/resources/books/Sanitation_for_Primary_Schools_in_Africa_-_ Complete.pdf Schools for All: Including disabled children in education Save the Children, UK, 2002 These guidelines are primarily aimed at education staff developing inclusive education practices, and focusing on including children with disability in schools. http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/resources/on-line-library/schools-for-all-includingdisabled-children-in-education Educational Buildings Digest 18: Anthropometric Data and its use for Educational Building and Furniture Design United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 1984 This resource compiles anthropometric data from Asia and the Pacific as applied to educational buildings and furniture designs. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0008/000819/081972eb.pdf Educational Buildings Digest 20: Safety Considerations in Educational Buildings and FurnitureDesign UNESCO, 1988 This digest outlines how design principles and materials can be used to safeguard users of educational buildings and furniture. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0008/000819/081974EB.pdf Embracing Diversity: Toolkit for Creating Inclusive, Learning-Friendly Environments UNESCO, 2004 This toolkit contains six booklets of activities and tools for creating inclusive education environments. http://unesco.org.pk/education/icfe/resources/res5.pdf Minimum Standards for Education: Preparedness, Response, Recovery Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies, 2010 This handbook sets out 19 minimum standards, enhances the quality of educational preparedness, response and recovery, and increases access to safe and relevant learning opportunities. www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/trainings-events/edu-materials/v.php?id=14414 Disabled Village Children: A guide for community health workers, rehabilitation workers andfamilies D Werner, Hesperian Foundation, 1999 (reprinted 2009) This guide is primarily written for therapists, professionals, and community groups interested in rehabilitation. It outlines issues related to children with disability. www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/global/david/dwe002/dwe00201.html
94 Accessibility Design Guide Part B: Annex F
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to ICT. This annex starts with a general description of how universal design principles can be applied. It then explores the design elements to consider to improve access to ICT systems for people with disability. It discusses how communication and information-access systems must be planned and configured so all users can send and receive information, regardless of ability, age or other challenges. It then discusses how accessibility forms an important component of procurement for aid projects. The ICT annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in Annex A: Built Environment.
95
2. General
Accessibility of ICT has improved dramatically in recent years, with significant benefits to people with disability. Telecommunications has become an essential tool for participating in all aspects of society. Access to ICT enables people with disability to be gainfully employed and more independent. Digital and multi-sensory information supports literacy through, for example, increasing access to books and enabling people to manipulate and read text. Despite recent advances, people with disability can be excluded from accessing many ICT products and services. All people should be able to use products as shipped by manufacturers without having to modify them or acquire additional technologies to make them work for their needs. ICT products and services rely on communicating and interacting through the three senses of seeing, hearing or touching. Relying on one sense only may exclude many people from gaining access from ICT. As examples, the use of colour to convey meaning needs to be supported by text, and information presented in images needs to be provided in text.
96
Providing accessible ICT environments and equipment involves many elements, including telephones, public access terminals, television, information technology, and websites.
3.1 Telephones
Fixed line telephones should provide ease of access and be easy to use by an individual alone. Guidelines to consider: >> large buttons with raised numbers >> volume control >> time-out control for slow dialling >> easy hold receiver >> large type >> high colour-contrast instructions >> extra socket to connect to computers. Public telephones should also provide ease of access and be easy to use by an individual alone. Guidelines to consider: >> standard key placement >> volume control to reduce ambient noise >> card insert that is easily accessible by a person in a wheelchair >> folding seat. Mobile phones should be easy to use by an individual alone. Guidelines to consider: >> same attributes as a fixed phone >> easy to hold >> specific function so menu contents can be read aloud to users >> screen with large characters >> screen with high contrast.
97
3.3 Television
LED-backlit and plasma television sets and controls are usually user friendly for people with disability, although applying universal design principles can increase accessibility. Guidelines to consider: >> select the right size of screen for group or individual use >> use subtitles and sign language or audio description if available >> ensure disaster warnings and information on other life-threatening events are available.
98
>> Promote best-practice material on universal design learning. >> Update material to expand opportunities for people with disability through the innovative use of computer technology (such as www.cast.org).
3.5 Websites
Websites developed using universal design principles focus on accessibility. These are more usable for everybody, not just for people with disability. Web accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the web. This includes auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech and visual disabilities. Creating accessible websites is not necessarily difficult. It involves four main principles for web developers and designers to consider when creating or improving web pages, as outlined below. These principles cover considerations such as plain language, clear layout on a web page, sufficient contrast and not relying on colour to convey meaning. Guidelines to consider: >> Create perceivable information61 and user interface by: providing text alternatives for non-text content creating captions and other alternatives for multi-media creating content that can be presented in different ways making content easier to see and hear. >> Develop operable user interface and navigation by: making functionality available from a keyboard giving users enough time to read and use content not publishing content that can cause users to have seizures62 designing so users can easily determine where they are on a site and then easily navigate through it to find content. >> Develop understandable information and understandable user interface by: creating text that is readable and understandable to the broadest possible audience making content appear and operate in a predictable way helping users avoid and correct mistakes. >> Post strong content that can be reliably interpreted by: creating content that is compatible with current and future user tools. AusAID contracts require potential website content (such as reports from contractors) to be provided in an accessible format. Guidelines are available on AusAIDs website to assist contractors in providing accessible documents63.
61 Perceivable information: Perceive is to become aware of something by the use of senses. Web accessibility is based upon the assumption that people need to be able to perceive web content. They need to be able to input the information into their brain so they can process it. Ifthe information cannot get into the brain, it is inaccessible. As obvious as that statement may sound, it is a principle frequently ignored by developers. Too many sites contain web content that cannot even be perceived by some who would like to access it. The webaim website provides a definition of Perceivable information. 62 Individuals who have photosensitive seizure disorders can have a seizure triggered by content that flashes at certain frequencies for more than a few flashes. Flashing refers to content that can trigger a seizure (if it is more than three per second and large and bright enough). This cannot be allowed even for a second or it could cause a seizure. Turning the flash off is not an option since the seizure could occur faster than most users could turn it off. Therefore content of any size on a web page that flashes more than three times per second can cause seizure and should not be used. The W3 website provides further details on photosensitive seizure disorders. 63 Web content accessibility guidelines for contractors, AusAID, 2012.
99
4. Procurement
Accessibility forms an important component of procurement for aid projects. When conducting ICT procurements to provide infrastructure and services to people with disability, the procurement documentation (for example, request for tender documentation) must expressly outline the accessibility requirements for end-users. When procuring ICT services, including the development or maintenance of websites on behalf of AusAID, procurement documentation must require service providers to ensure the websites comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.
Peter Wasape from the St John Blind Service, using his Braille notetaker at Papua New Guinea Electoral Commissions Consultation Workshop supported by AusAIDs Papua New Guinea Electoral Support Program, June2011.
Photo: Christina Parasyn, AusAID
100
5. Other resources
Building an Inclusive Development Community: A Manual on Including Persons with Disabilities in International Development Programs Mobility International USA, 2004 This manual includes a section on website access. http://www.miusa.org/publications/books/inclusivedevelopment Web Accessibility Initiative W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) 19942012 This online initiative is a continuously updated working resource on international web accessibilitystandards. http://www.w3.org/WAI/ Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), 2012 These guidelines cover a range of recommendations for making web content more accessible. Following these guidelines will make content accessible to a wider range of people with disability, including those with blindness and low vision, deafness and hearing loss, learning disability, limited movement, speech disability, photo sensitivity and combinations of these. http://www.w3.org/tr/wcag/ Circular 20122015 Australian Government Information Management Office, 2012 This circular states that all Australian Government websites need to conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, Level A, by 31 December 2012 and conform to Level AA by 31 December 2014.
101
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in the transport systems and infrastructure sector. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to transport systems andinfrastructure. This annex starts with a general description of how universal design principles can be applied, including to transport systems and infrastructure. It then explores the design elements to consider in support of better planning and design. The transport systems and infrastructure annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in annexes A: Built Environment, B: Health, C: Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, F: Education and I: Information and communication technology.
103
2. General
Inclusive transport that applies universal design principles is an important part of any comprehensive strategy to ensure the inclusion of people with disability. Transport infrastructure and means of transport that exclude people with disability limit educational opportunities, participation in the labour market and access to health and other social services. Transport barriers start with the paths and walkways linking peoples homes to public transport systems. Transport infrastructure design is often inadequate, which presents major structural barriers to mobility. This includes: >> pedestrian crossings >> bus stops >> train stations >> terminals used by minibuses >> other public transport vehicles. In many developing countries, a high percentage of the population live in rural areas. While there may be modern buses and minibuses on some inter-urban trunk roads, travel to villages is often in old, multipurpose vehicles that have to negotiate poorly maintained roads while carrying people and goods. These vehicles are not easily accessible or comfortable, although some permit wheelchair transport. Rural means of transport do not reach all villages. For example, it is estimated that more than one third of the population of Papua New Guinea live more than 10 km from a road.64 In Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and other developing countries, significant numbers of people with disability living in villages are isolated by a lack of access roads, poor footpaths and difficult river crossings. Often they can only travel if others are prepared to carry them for many hours. Most means of transport and transport infrastructure are based on a compromise between conflicting interests such as quality versus cost, number of operators versus number of passengers and number of motorised versus number of non-motorised systems. When applied, universal design principles can lead to different design decisions, alternative compromises and betterresults. Universal design principles should be applied to all means of transport, paths, roads and terminals. Doing so can make life much easier and more inclusive. The extent of potential problems was revealed in a review of access in India, Latin America and Southern Africa (Box H1).
64 BJ Allen and M Lowe, Papua New Guinea Roads Priority Study: Review of national roads in Papua New Guinea, 2005, report for AusAID, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University, Canberra 2005.
104
65 CVenter et. al, 2002, Enhanced accessibility for people with disabilities living in urban areas. Unpublished Project Report PR/iNT/248/02. Department for International Development. Engineering Knowledge and Research Project (United Kingdom).
105
The universal design guidelines and guidance outlined below should be applied to all transport systems and infrastructure. This includes the following three broad categories which people with disability need for personal mobility as well as for education, health, social and work reasons. 1. Walking and carrying forms of transport, including backpacks, crutches, sticks, stretchers and walking frames on crossings, footbridges, footpaths, handrails, ramps and stairs. 2. Intermediate means of transport, including animal-drawn carts, bicycles, canoes, hand carts, motorcycles, motorised three-wheelers (such as autorickshaws and tuk-tuks), riding animals, small boats, tricycles, trolleys and wheelchairs. 3. Large-scale motorised transport, including airplanes, buses, bus rapid transit, ferries, largeboats, minibuses, multipurpose trucks, taxis, trains and trams. Universal design principles should be considered when designing and implementing programs for: >> transport infrastructure and associated traffic management systems >> transport policy >> public transport, including train and bus transit stations and water and air transport.
106
>> build so infrastructure is environmentally friendly for users by using appropriate materials, distinguishing between various uses, ensuring safety of users and maintaininginfrastructure >> build in a sustainable manner to ensure long-term use.
107
Guidelines to consider for people using public transport: >> provide tactile information, such as floor markings, and an accessible bell for stopping the bus, for people with low vision and blindness >> install steps that make it convenient for passengers to enter (for example, 800mm wide, 200mm deep and start at 250 mm from ground level) >> provide a retractable first step, manual ramp or movable stool at bus entrance for semi-ambulatory passengers >> provide a convenient area for small bags. Guidelines to consider for people using wheelchairs: >> seek low-cost options such as permitting friends or the driver to help a person using a wheelchair get into a vehicle and fold the wheel chair >> consider higher-cost options, such as lift-equipped buses and mechanical liftingdevices >> explore opportunities for using low floor buses or high-floor buses with bridges that can serve all passengers from high platforms.
108
>> collect and assess disaggregated data on accidents and their causes >> gain public support for enforcing key safety practices by vehicle operators to reduce accidents and injuries caused by bad driving, passengers having to board or descend from moving vehicles, and/or passengers having to cross traffic lanes to access a vehicle.
109
Specific universal design elements need to be considered when designing and building transport infrastructure that supports the pedestrian environment, including how people get from their home to transportation stops and hubs to their workplace, community and social services. Elements include providing pathways and supporting infrastructure to promote safe and accessible journeys. Facilitating safe and accessible rural transport infrastructure is strengthened by good design and consistent maintenance programs. The design and construction of rural roads can facilitate safe use of roads by pedestrians through a number of simple construction inclusions that separate various users. Construction techniques and systems that segregate and protect roads, footpaths and bridges from weather elements and constant use should be included at the planning and design stage to support the safety of users and longevity of facilities.
4.1.1 General
Guidelines to consider: >> apply the accessibility guidance in Annex A: Built environment, to the pedestrian environment, notably Open spaces and recreational areas that surround buildings >> apply universal design standards to new construction as it can be achieved at lower cost when compared to retrofitting existing infrastructure.
110
111
4.1.7 Quality street lighting in and around transport terminals and stops
Good street lighting is necessary to ensure transport operators, drivers, passengers and visitors can clearly see destinations and signs. Good lighting, particularly at terminals and stops, is a safety measure for all users, particularly passengers.
112
Guidelines to consider: >> correctly position street lighting at terminals and stops to maximise lighting benefit >> put in place an ongoing maintenance program for lights, including swift replacement of broken light bulbs.
113
Guidelines to consider: >> construct cross drains, side drains and shoulders so they are wide enoughthis is fundamental to road design and vital for managing water flow >> consider customary land ownership and automatic public road reserve rights when providing space for pedestrian paths and drainage structures >> plan small modifications to road design for restricted road reserves, by increasing land use by 500 mm to 2.5 m, to avoid protracted disputes and compensation claims >> provide, in peri-urban and settlement areas, safe and adequate footpath access and access across roadside drains >> provide, in peri-urban and settlement areas, adequate space for drainage.
114
115
116
4.9 Ramps
Ramp construction supports easier movement between levels, including from road level or to a formal footpath, from a footpath to a building, and in accessing a bridge or footbridge. Guidelines to consider: >> design and construct ramps so they are accessible for people using wheelchairs and other wheeled transport >> build ramps from precast concrete, stone packing or other local resources to ensure they are secure and will not erode or wash away >> ensure ramps crossing side drains have gentle slopes of 5% to 6%.
4.10 Footpaths
Footpaths separate vehicular and non-vehicular areas and are used by people from all walks of life, particularly for shorter journeys. Ongoing maintenance of footpaths, including removing overgrown vegetation and filling potholes, is critical. Guidelines to consider: >> construct footpaths on one or both sides of the road where appropriate1.5 m to 2.0 m >> build footpaths using local, all-weather materials which can be easily traversed, such as cement blocks, concrete, stone packing or sun dried bricks >> design roads so vehicular traffic cannot encroach onto footpaths and ramps or other access elements built for people with disability by, for example, including a kerb or guardfence.
117
118
5. Other resources
Pedestrian Planning and Design Guide New Zealand Transport Agency, 2007 This is New Zealands comprehensive official guide to planning and design for walking. It sets out ways to improve New Zealands walking environment. www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/pedestrian-planning-guide/ Improving transport accessibility for all: guide to good practice European Conference of Ministers of Transport, 2006 This guide covers universal design and policy issues and includes references to technical standards. It also provides details on some resource organisations. It was prepared for wealthy countries, although some principles and policies are relevant to developing countries. http://internationaltransportforum.org/pub/pdf/06TPHguide.pdf Enhancing the mobility of disabled people: Guidelines for practitioners (Overseas Road Note 21) Department for International Development, Transport Research Laboratory Limited, 2004 These guidelines aim to improve mobility of urban and rural poor to help meet their livelihoodneeds. www.transport-links.org/transport-links/filearea/Publications/ Access Exchange International This website includes a wide range of information and documentation promoting accessible public transport for people with disability. It covers topics that this non-government organisation, based in the United States, deals with. This includes promoting, planning and implementing accessible bus, rail, and paratransit services for seniors and passengers with disability. http://www.globalride-sf.org/rnl.html Design for AllImplications for Bank Operations H Snider and N Takeda, World Bank, 2008 This paper informs World Bank task-team leaders about universal design benefits and recommends ways in which universal design can be integrated into World Bank projects. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DISABILITY/Resources/Universal_Design.pdf
119
Inclusive Access and mobility in developing countries and transport strategy to improve accessibility in developing countries M Kunieda, World Bank, Consultant, Transport and Urban Department, and P Roberts, World Bank, Lead Infrastructure Advisor, Transport and Urban Department, 2006 This paper advocates the need to mainstream the pedestrian environment into transport. It also describes an outline for the inclusive transport indicators needed to monitor accessibility and improve transportation, especially pedestrian infrastructure. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTTSR/Resources/07-0297.pdf Transport Strategy to Improve Accessibility in Developing Countries Japan Society of Civil Engineers, RW Roberts and J Babinard, World Bank, 2009 This paper outlines guidance for addressing the access and mobility needs of people with disability and the elderly. It is written in the context of the World Banks mission to reduce poverty and discusses the main challenges for providing inclusive transport. It draws attention to opportunities to learn from transport interventions and to current research. The paper was initially presented to the 10th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled People, Japan, 2004. It was updated in 2009. http://trid.trb.org/view.aspx?id=891027 Integrating Appropriate Measures for Persons with Disabilities in the Infrastructure Sector R Wiman and J Sandhu, Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), 2004 This report on key infrastructure issues, commissioned by GTZ on behalf of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, provides an overview of key infrastructure issues relating people with disability and development. http:unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/public/docs/en-disability-infrastructure-2004.pdf Promotion of Non-Handicapping Physical Environments for Disabled Persons United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, 1995 This publication is intended for reference by decision-makers and program personnel working on human settlements issues, especially those in architecture, research and training, supporting self-help initiatives and non-government organisation networking, and in urban planning and management. Self-help organisations of people with disability and rehabilitation personnel involved in addressing access issues may also find the publication useful. http://www.independentliving.org/docs2/escap1995.html Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines United States Forest Service, 2006 These guidelines are designed for maximising the accessibility of trails in the National Forest System of the United States. www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility/FSTAG.pdf
120
Sustrans (sustainable transport) Sustrans (a United Kingdom based charity), 2012 This comprehensive website covers a range of topics including developing and promoting safe, user friendly and practical opportunities in the built environment for cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users. www.sustrans.org.uk/ Review of the Suspension Bridge Programme Phase VI in Bhutan Swiss Resource Centre and Consultancies for Development (Skat), 2009 This review covers a program implemented by Skat, which led to the construction of safe river crossings and rehabilitated suspension bridges to provide access and mobility to thousands of beneficiary households across Bhutan. www.skat.ch/publications/prarticle.2005-09-29.1166988426 Travelling together: Disability inclusive road development in Papua New Guinea Research coordinated by the Nossal Institute for Global Health and the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne, in partnership with Divine Word University, CBM Australia, the Papua New Guinea Assembly for Disabled Persons, and Cardno 200913 This research investigates how rural and urban road projects have impacted on the lives of people with disability and how people with disability are involved in road planning. It includes recommended approaches for engaging people with disability in road consultations, planning and management. www.ni.unimelb.edu.au/inclusive_development/travelling_together_disability_inclusive_road_ development_in_png Summaries of First Research Findings Mobility and Health, 2007 The document collates summaries of the initial findings of the Mobility and Health Programme that explored the links between mobility and health in poor communities in developing countries. The program brought together 25 researchers from Africa, Asia and Latin America. This version is a draft and authors request that initial findings not be quoted. Final documents can be requested. www.mobilityandhealth.org Universal Design- Transportation Systems That Accommodate All Users, Including People With Disabilities and Other Special Needs The Victoria Transport Policy Institute, 2012 These resources can help improve transportation planning and policy analysis. They were prepared by Victoria (Canada) Transport Policy Institute, an independent research organisation dedicated to developing innovative and practical solutions to transportation problems. http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm69.htm
121
World Report on Road Traffic Injury and Prevention World Health Organization and World Bank, 2004 This World Report covers road traffic injury and prevention. It notes that road traffic injuries are a major but neglected public health challenge requiring concerted efforts for effective and sustainable prevention. Unsafe road traffic systems are seriously harming global public health and development. http://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/public/docs/en-disability-infrastructure-2004.pdf
122
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in the rural development sector. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to rural development. People with disability face particular challenges in rural areas, including generally poorer access to the social and economic facilities and services available in urban areas. Rural development is a process that includes facilitating income generation by increasing agricultural productivity, stimulating non-farm employment, improving access to markets and managing natural resources in sustainable ways. This allows poor people of all abilities to build assets, reduce vulnerability to disasters and improve food security.66 This annex starts with a general description of how universal design principles can be applied to rural development and how they influence rural development planning at all levels. It then explores the universal design elements to consider in support of better planning and design, including: > rural development issues and the need to mitigate remoteness > rural development infrastructure > resources available to assist understanding of universal design in rural development. The rural development annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in annexes A: Built environment, B: Health, C: Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, F: Education and I: Rural development.
66 Income generation for the rural poor: the Australian aid programs rural development strategy, AusAID. Canberra 2000.
123
2. General
124
Technical artisan in a wheelchair, living near the roadside for better livelihood opportunities, Rasuwa, Nepal.
Photo: Paul Starkey, Consultant on Integrated Transport and Rural Livelihoods
>> community facilities, health centres, markets, schools, shops and religious buildings that are not accessible or constructed in line with universal design principles >> lack of specialised public services related to low population densities and high unit costs >> lack of specialised technical services such as technicians who can make and/or repair audio mobility and visual aids >> difficulty in accessing larger centres and external services, due to poor transport infrastructure, inadequate public transport and great distances >> limited employment opportunities and livelihood options. Some people with disability in rural areas have overcome these barriers by moving to areas that offer better livelihood opportunities and where transport options are greater. However, many people with disability cannot to afford to move to such areas. In recent years mobile phone technology, solar-powered electrical systems and internet availability in some rural areas have had a positive impact on the lives of many rural people. Although
125
Wheelchair user living close to a main road for easy access to livelihood and transport, OeCussi, Timor-Leste.
Photo: Paul Starkey, Consultant on Integrated Transport and Rural Livelihoods
coverage is still limited in remoter areas, mobile phones have allowed people to access financial resources, healthcare support, market information and transport services. They have also enabled people with disability to access specialised support and participate more in economic activities. Universal design for information technologies and innovative physical infrastructure are therefore important components of rural development. This is discussed further in Annex G: Information and communication technology.
67 BJ Allen and M Lowe, Papua New Guinea Roads Priority Study: Review of national roads in Papua New Guinea, 2005, report for AusAID, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University, Canberra 2005.
126
Not many advisers, researchers or program implementers, national or expatriate, visit the more remote areas. They find it difficult to justify the significant time and money needed to do so. Consequently, rural development planning and implementation is often based on visits to places just one or two hours away from a town that can be easily accessed by a motor vehicle (ormotor boat). Many aspects of these accessible villages are similar to the more remote villages. However, among the key differences will be those that are most important to people with disability, including the disempowering implications of extreme geographic inaccessibility. Guidelines to consider: >> encourage rural development personnel at all levels to visit remote villages to understand the barriers faced by people with disability in these areas >> listen to people with various disabilities in more remote villages and bring their concerns and needs into rural development planning processes >> plan for addressing the specific access requirements of people with disability in remoteareas.
127
128
>> Energy solutionsthe distribution, supply and use of energy sources should incorporate universal design principles. Biogas generators, distribution systems for bottled gas, improved cooking stoves, mains electricity systems, micro-hydro systems, photovoltaic equipment and transport of fuel wood require designs and procedures that minimise hazards and are simple and intuitive to use (AnnexD: Energy solutions). >> Housinghousing projects and/or staff housing should ensure dwellings are accessible. Theyshould also ensure suitable locations with appropriate internal and external spaces. Horizontal and vertical access should follow universal design principles. This means manageable and protected access that requires low physical effort and allows for comfortable, efficient and flexible use (AnnexE: Housing). >> Educational servicesrural school buildings and compounds should be built to universal design standards with appropriate, flexible, intuitive and simple equipment and operational practices. Appropriate and accessible transport options may be needed (Annex F:Education). >> Communications and information technology servicesdevelopment of mobile communication systems, public media, such as radio and television, and rural Internet services should support a wide range of preferences and abilities (AnnexG: Information and communication technology). >> Transport infrastructurebridges, footpaths, jetties, quays and roads, such as crossings, islands and road shoulders, should be designed to be safe for all users. This includes pedestrians of various abilities (Annex H: Transport system and infrastructure). >> Means of transport that are vital for rural developmentmeans of transport should be appropriate and accessible to all users with universal design principles applied to a wide range of transport. This includes: large-scale motorised transport such as buses, ferries, minibuses, multipurpose trucks, rural taxis and trains intermediate means of transport such as animal-drawn carts, bicycles, canoes, hand carts, motorcycles, riding animals, small boats, tricycles and wheelchairs walking aids. >> Humanitarianpreparing for potential disasters, including disaster management activities, should incorporate all seven universal design principles (Annex K: Humanitarian action).
129
Guidelines to consider: >> maintain and keep roads, tracks and village paths free of obstacles and vegetation >> maintain and clear pathways in and around markets >> keep entrances to shops and other buildings clear and free of obstructions >> maintain drains on roads, tracks and village paths so water runs off instead of forming mud >> compact areas of loose gravel and eliminate sandy sections of paths >> provide simple handrails, which may be constructed using local materials, on footbridges, ramps, steep paths and steps, as well as on paths close to open drains or other hazardousdrops >> maintain access paths to bathing areas, sanitation facilities and water sources so they are accessible, clear and safe >> install operating mechanisms that are intuitive and simple to use >> provide footpaths and drainage ditch crossings next to roads running through villages >> make community centres, clinics, public buildings and schools easily accessible with handrails, ramps, tactile markings and wide doors as well as accessible toilet facilities (notethat building refurbishment can often be achieved using local materials) >> make toilet facilities easily accessible with grab rails, enough manoeuvring space and suitably designed seats.
130
4. Other resources
The publications overviewed in Annex A: Built environment, are all relevant to the rural development sector. There is a need to take account of how local materials can be used to minimise costs and increase the involvement of local communities. Similarly, all publications relating to rural transport in Annex H: Transport systems and infrastructure, are directly relevant to accessibility issues in rural development, including references relating to the design and maintenance of footpaths and trail bridges. The following publications and websites include specific information on issues and infrastructure relating to people with disability in rural environments. Improving Rural MobilityOptions for Developing Motorised and Nonmotorised Transport in Rural Areas, World Bank Technical paper No.525 P Starkey, S Ellis, J.Hine, A Ternell, 2002 This report focuses on improving rural mobility by facilitating the provision of affordable means of transport and transport services. To deliver significant economic and social benefits, investment in transport must take an integrated approach. World Bank, Washington DC. Travelling together: Disability inclusive road development in Papua New Guinea Research coordinated by the Nossal Institute for Global Health and the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne, in partnership with Divine Word University, CBMAustralia, the Papua New Guinea Assembly for Disabled Persons, and Cardno 200913 This research investigates how rural and urban road projects have impacted on the lives of people with disability and how people with disability are involved in road planning. It includes recommended approaches for engaging people with disability in road consultations, planning andmanagement. www.ni.unimelb.edu.au/inclusive_development/travelling_together_disability_inclusive_road_ development_in_png
131
Handbook: Accessibility and tool adaptations for disabled workers in post-conflict and developingcountries ISBN 9221095118 D Dili, International Labour Organization, Geneva, 1997 This handbook describes a number of adaptations that can be made to common hand tools and provides some accessibility guidelines for buildings. www.ilo.org/skills/pubs/WCMS_107950/lang--en/index.htm
132
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles in the law and justice sector. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to law and justice. This annex starts with a general description of how universal design principles can be applied to law and justice. It then explores the design elements to consider when planning, designing and constructing accessible law and justice facilities for people with disability. The law and justice annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in annexes A: Built environment, C: Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and D: Energy solutions.
133
2. General
Access to law and justice is fundamental to human rights. It is important that everyone, including people with disability, has access to and can participate in law and justice services. Universal design principles should be used to design the buildings that facilitate the delivery of such services. Law and justice facilities include: >> court buildings >> police stations and lockups >> correctional services buildings >> community justice centres and legal aid offices.
These external ramps provide access to the ground floor of the Battambang Court House in Cambodia. It was funded under the Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Project Phase 3.
Photo: Sok Chea, AusAID
134
Physically accessible legal facilities not only assist people with disability, but contribute to greater access to justice services for others in the community such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with a temporary illness or injury. Guidelines to consider: >> provide a barrier-free public environment in and around all law and justice facilities >> provide accessible toilets and washing facilities in all law and justice facilities >> provide public counters that are easily accessible by people using wheelchairs >> provide public access through doors, entrances and ramps to secure private waiting rooms, public areas and court rooms >> provide interactive facilities in court rooms to accommodate people with hearing disability or people who have low vision and blindness. Cambodia has a high proportion of people with disability, including through injuries caused by exploded ordnances. Box J1 highlights how the Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Project has incorporated universal design, including accessible infrastructure.
Detail of external ramp leading to ground floor of the Battambang Court House in Cambodia. It was funded under the Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Project Phase 3.
Photo: Chhuon Navuth
135
Box J1: Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Project support to universal design
Since 1997 the AusAID-funded Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Project has worked to improve access for all Cambodians to the legal system. From 2010, capital works projects funded under the third phase of the project have incorporated some key universal design principles. This includes access ramps and public toilets accessible to people with disability in new construction and in renovations to community police posts, judicial police buildings and combination court facilities in a number of provinces. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has worked in partnership with Solomon Islands government agencies to design, construct and refurbish a range of government buildings. Under the AusAID-funded RAMSI Law and Justice Program, this has included rehabilitation of key law and justice facilities such as correctional centres, courthouses and offices. This work has included universal design features such as construction of ramps and accessible toilets for people with disability for the: >> National Analytical Public Health Laboratory >> Sheriffs Office >> Solomon Islands Court House in Auki, Kalala Haus (this building houses the ministries of police and of justice) and the Ombudsmans Building. Installation of ramps on the ground floor has been the most cost-effective approach for improving accessibility in Solomon Islands infrastructure to date. RAMSIs infrastructure projects have generally followed the Building Code of Australia. RAMSI is now supporting the Ministry of Infrastructure Development to update its national code to include accessibility for people with disability.
External ramp leading to front rooms of the Solomon Islands Court House, Auki, Honiara.
Photo: Greg Eames, SKM Reeves
136
4. Other resources
How to Build an Accessible Environment in Developing Countries Handicap International France, 2008 This series of manuals is based on experiences in Cambodia with building accessible environments. They promote understanding and knowledge of accessibility standards and techniques. http://www.handicap-international.fr/fileadmin/documents/publications/Manual2-2_light.pdf Design for All-Implications for Bank Operations H Snider and N Takeda, World Bank, 2008 This paper informs World Bank task team leaders about the benefits of universal design and recommends ways in which universal design can be integrated as a component in World Bank projects. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DISABILITY/Resources/Universal_Design.pdf Design Considerations for Accessibility S Whybrow and J Grooms, 2006 This booklet provides an overview of basic accessibility features required in Sri Lankan buildings and public spaces. www.homemods.info/files/Design_Consideration1.pdf International Best Practices in Universal Design: A Global Review Canadian Human Rights Commission, 2006 This document provides an international overview of the technical information on accessibility criteria for the built environment being used by countries as they prepare to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. www.gaates.org/009BestPract.shtml Promoting Access to the Built Environment: Guidelines CBM, 2008 These guidelines reflect on international standards and recommendations about accessibility in the built environment. They have been developed to assist in creating accessible environments. www.cbm.org/article/downloads/74836/CBM_Accessibility_Manual.pdf
137
Water and Sanitation for Disabled Persons and other Vulnerable Groups H Jones and B Reed, Water, Engineering and Development Centre: Loughborough University, 2005 This book and CD-ROM focuses on facilities for families in rural and peri-urban areas of low and middle-income countries. Many of the approaches and solutions contained within may be applied in institutional settings, such as schools, hospitals and in emergency situations. Accessibility for the DisabledA Design Manual for a Barrier Free Environment UN Enable, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, 2004 This design guidebook, prepared by the Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut Central District, is available from the UN Enable website. It provides architects and designers with basic information and data for barrier-free environments. www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/designm/preface.htm Homes without Barriers: A Guide to Accessible Houses A Bulleyment, Building Research Association of New Zealand, 2001 This publication sets out guidelines for adapting existing homes to enable people with disability tolive in their own home as long as possible. www.homemods.info/resource/bibliography/homes_without_barriers_guide_accessible_houses
138
1. Purpose
Accessibility Design Guide: Universal design principles for Australias aid program provides guidance on enabling people with disability to participate equally in social and economic life through the design and implementation of development initiatives. This annex provides guidance development practitioners can consider when applying universal design principles with humanitarian action. While based on good practice and successful implementation of universal design, this guide is not meant to be prescriptive. It is based on the reality that the barriers people with disability face vary between developing countries and between locations in-country. It is also based on the reality that development projects are unique and face their own challenges, locally or otherwise, relating to humanitarian action. This annex describes how universal design principles can support inclusive disaster risk reduction and humanitarian preparedness, response and recovery throughout planning, implementing and evaluating humanitarian activities. This includes people working on the link between recovery responses and longer-term development. The humanitarian action annex ends with a list of resources. This annex should be read in conjunction with the guidance in the other annexes of the Accessibility Design Guide.
139
2. General
People with disability are often among the most affected by disasters and conflict yet they are often ignored or excluded in the preparation for, response to, and recovery from disasters and conflict. They are also the most likely to be left behind during displacement and return home. People with disability are a diverse group and planning, designing or implementing activities relating to disasters and conflict needs to take this into account. The lack of reliable statistics and data on people with disability in most developing countries is an issue for humanitarian response. It makes it difficult to identify people with disability. This challenge has an impact on the ability of responding stakeholders to develop appropriate disaster preparedness and response plans that incorporate the needs of people with disability. There are many challenges in making humanitarian action inclusive and accessible to all, including: >> failure to identify all needs or take into account the diversity of peoples own resilience andabilities >> lack of adequate planning and education in disaster preparedness and response >> few specialised services, such as rehabilitation and assistive devices, available in crises >> inaccessible mainstream assistance and information available to sections of the community, including but not limited to people with disability >> lack of awareness within humanitarian agencies on the impact of programs on people with disability, with many emergency shelters, toilets and health facilities inaccessible >> harassment, discrimination and social stigma which can leave people with disability isolated and open to exploitation.
140
The Australian Governments commitment to providing support to preparedness and response to natural and man-made disasters is reflected in several AusAID policies, including: >> Humanitarian Action Policy68 >> Investing in a Safer Future: A Disaster Risk Reduction Policy for the Australian Aid Program, which defines disaster risk reduction as it is used by AusAID (Box K1)69 >> Framework for Working in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States.70 The Humanitarian Action Policy, in particular, outlines the strategic framework for Australias humanitarian action, including preparing for, responding to and recovering from natural and man-made crises. These policies are implemented in accordance with other AusAID policies, notably Development for All. Many partners AusAID works with in humanitarian action have aimed to ensure their work is inclusive and accessible to people with disability.
Box K1: Definition and use of disaster risk reduction as used by AusAID
Disaster risk reduction Disaster risk reduction is defined as the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyse and manage the causal factors of disasters. It includes reduced exposure of hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events. Disaster risk reduction involves integrating vulnerability and resilience considerations across the spectrum of development and humanitarian programming. All disaster risk reduction planning and programming should therefore incorporate the needs of people with disability. Inclusive humanitarian action is achieved by planning, designing, implementing and evaluating disaster risk reduction and humanitarian activities that take into account a diversity of needs, including for people with disability. It also takes into account the abilities, skills, resources and knowledge of communities. At every stage of a disaster risk reduction activity the needs of all members of affected communities should be addressed as a whole. People with disability should not, in other words, be considered as a separate group.
68 Humanitarian Action Policy, AusAID, 2011. 69 Investing in a Safer Future: A Disaster Risk Reduction Policy for the Australian Aid Program, AusAID, 2009. 70 Framework for Working in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States: Guidance for Staff, AusAID, 2011.
141
The Humanitarian Action Policy identifies three phases of humanitarian action: >> disaster preparedness >> disaster and humanitarian response >> recovery. This annex provides guidance on what to consider at each phase. It is important to note, however, that these phases are interconnected and can occur concurrently in practice. The absence of inclusive programming during all stages of humanitarian action can have additional negative consequences for people with disability. For example, marginalising people with disability during decision making can lead to significant longer-term implications. It is also important to consider people with disability during all stages within each phase. This includes analysis, data collection, design, implementation and evaluation. How to identify and include people with disability also needs to be considered. How to make activities accessible to all members of an affected community does too.
142
A semi-permanent shelter constructed after the Haiti earthquake with key features including an accessible position with good wheelchair access by way of a ramp, a wide entrance through double-leaf doors and a pathway from the rear door to an accessible toilet.
Photo: CBM
143
4.3 Recovery
Recovery activities need to increase peoples resilience to disasters and crises, rather than rebuilding infrastructure that contributed to the vulnerability in the first instance. Recovery through building back better helps ensure that infrastructure and other projects are accessible to all. Recovery needs to consider current and future risks, including those from climate change. Much of the guidance provided under Preparedness applies to rebuilding and developing recovery activities. Guidelines to consider: >> consult all community members, including people with disability and their families and Disabled Peoples Organisations, to determine their current abilities and needs to be resilient torisks >> apply the guidance included in all Accessibility Design Guide annexes to recovery activities >> determine how best to address the specific needs of people with disability in humanitarian crises when designing recovery and longer-term development activities >> determine how to identify people with disability and understand their needs before a crisis >> promote how people with disability can access mainstream assistance services >> promote a process for reunification of people with disability with their family members and carers as soon as possible.
144
5. Other resources
Design for All-Implications for Bank Operations H Snider and N Takeda, World Bank, 2008 This paper informs World Bank task team leaders about the benefits of universal design and recommends ways in which universal design can be integrated as a component in World Bank projects. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DISABILITY/Resources/Universal_Design.pdf The Impact of Climate Change on Persons with Disabilities The Global Partnership for Disability & Development and the World Banks Human Development NetworkSocial Protection/Disability & Development Team, 2009. This publication summarises an e-discussion hosted by the above partners. www.dpiap.org/resources/article.php?id=0000391&year=2010&genreid=09 Disability Checklist for Emergency Response Handicap International, 2005 These general guidelines cover the protection and inclusion of injured persons and people with disability. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lc-ccr/centrepublications/staffpublications/Impact_of_Climate_Change_ on_Disability-ReportHow to Include Disability Issues in Disaster Management Following the Floods 2004 in Bangladesh Handicap International, Dhaka: Handicap International & European Commission, 2005 This booklet provides practical information, tips and guidelines on good disaster preparedness. It focuses on how sharing information and remedial practices can help avoid undesirable situations during disasters. http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/rb?&=cmis/browser Ageing and Disability in Humanitarian Response, A Resource Book of Inclusive Practices Waqas Ashfaq Qureshi (Ed) Ageing and Disability Taskforce (ADTF), 2011, supported by CBM This resource book outlines the commitment of ADTF members towards mainstreaming disability in humanitarian response and recognising the need for focused action and the development of technical guidelines, initially for health, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and shelter. www.reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ADTF_report.pdf
145
Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response Sphere Project, 2011 This internationally-accepted set of minimum standards covers core areas of humanitarian response. They incorporate themes relating to the needs of children, people with disability andthose living with HIV and AIDS. It also covers gender and psychosocial issues. http://www.sphereproject.org/dmdocuments/handbook/hdbkpdf/hdbk_full_sp.pdf Humanitarian Action Policy AusAID, 2011 This policy highlights the need for development programs to take into account the risks posed by disasters and conflict to the achievement of poverty reduction, sustainable development andsecurity. www.ausaid.gov.au/Publications/Documents/ausaid-hap-dec-11.doc Investing in a Safer Future: A Disaster Risk Reduction policy for the Australian aid program AusAID, 2009 This policy provides a framework for achieving reduced vulnerability and enhanced resilience of countries and communities to disasters. www.ausaid.gov.au/Publications/Documents/disasterriskreduction.pdf Displacement and resettlement of people in development activities AusAID, 2012 This statement outlines the key principles underpinning AusAIDs approach to developmentinduced displacement and resettlement. www.ausaid.gov.au/aidissues/Documents/displacement-resettlement.pdf Guidelines: Integrating displacement and resettlement safeguards AusAID, 2012 These guidelines outline AusAIDs roles and responsibilities when working with different partners. They include a checklist of issues AusAID staff need to consider during displacement and resettlement planning. http://ausaid.gov.au/aidissues/Documents/displacement-resettlement-guideline.pdf Framework for workings in Fragile and ConflictAffected States: Guidance for Staff AusAID, 2011 This framework prepared to help AusAID make better strategic and programming decisions on development assistance in complex situations of fragility and conflict. http://www.ausaid.gov.au/Publications/Pages/1345_8687_9985_5238_2253.aspx Inclusion Made Easy: A quick program guide to disability in development CBM, 2011 A guide focussing on disability -inclusive development principles and disability inclusion across a range of development sectors or program areas. http://cbm.org/Inclusion-Made-Easy-329091.php
146