Accessibility advisory services

ACCESSIBILITYWhat does Accessibility mean? Accessibility refers to the ability for everyone, regardless of disability or special needs, to access, use and benefit from everything within their environment. An accessible environment is widely recognised as an essential component of an inclusive society, providing all people with the autonomy and the means to pursue an active and productive life.

Many people with disabilities are faced with barriers that exclude them from participating as equal citizens. To address these barriers, accessibility is best represented when features are “built in” as an integral part of the design and development process. Unfortunately, accessibility is often an afterthought and features need to be “retro-fitted”, or adapted to ensure compliance.

Dubai is aiming to be one of the world’s most accessible cities by 2020. Imagine a city where every person, building and community is truly accessible. In a physical sense, all people could go anywhere they wanted and in a social sense, we would accept all peoples’ abilities. Achieving this goal will require a partnership approach involving Dubai Government, Developers, Consultants, Contractors and other stakeholders working together.

Why is it important?

In addition to contributing to the fulfilment of an inclusive society, an accessible environment offers the following advantages, it:• Enables more people with disabilities to enter premises and/or use facilities• Improves overall safety in buildings, which has a direct impact on the number of

accidents• Helps organisations retain existing employees who may have a disability• Increases the pool of potential new workers that an employer can reach• Provides greater customer and employee satisfaction, improving public

perception and recognition globally.

How can we help?

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff is one of the world’s leading engineering consultancies and offers a range of accessibility services across the following areas:• Strategy and policy – defining strategic outcomes for accessibility and how they

will be achieved• Programme and project management – developing and delivering projects

to create accessible environments, including new developments and retrofit management

• Design management – embedding accessibility during the planning and design phases of projects

• Access auditing – undertaking physical access audits to evaluate building performance

• Training – delivering training to create awareness and build capability.

Our range of accessibility services provide a platform for the development of an inclusive environment aligned to Dubai’s vision to be an accessible Emirate by 2020.We look forward to working with you on Dubai’s journey

to be an accessible Emirate by 2020.

POLICY AND STRATEGY WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has worked closely with Dubai Government from the inception of Dubai’s vision to be an accessible Emirate by 2020; evaluating the existing situation, identifying priorities and proposing solutions to enable accessibility.

Accessibility strategies

New legislation and technical codes on accessibility have been drafted by Dubai Government and are expected to be implemented in the early part of 2017. Many organisations are already working to align their policy and strategy to these developments and allocating the resources and capabilities needed to be future-ready.

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff can support in reviewing existing approaches to accessibility and helping to define key strategic outcomes on accessibility. We can also assist with the execution of strategies by creating the operational plans needed to achieve accessibility goals.

Accessibility policies and procedures

The development of accessibility policies, procedures and standards is an important activity in creating a governance framework for accessibility. We can develop accessibility processes tailored to address local needs and benchmarked against international standards. We consider a range of sources to ensure our approach is reflective of the best practice for the built environment:• Dubai Universal Design Code 2017• UAE Federal Law, No. 29 for 2006 ‘In Respect of the Rights of People

with Special Needs’• Dubai Law, No. 2 of 2014 concerning the ‘Protection of the rights of

those with disabilities in the Emirate of Dubai’

• Requirements of Article 27 of the Dubai Municipality – Building Regulations

• Approved Document Part M of the UK Building Regulations 2010 ‘Access to and the use of buildings’

• British Standard (BS) 8300 2010 ‘Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled persons’

• The Centre for Accessible Environments ‘Designing for Accessibility’ 2012

• ADA Standards for Accessible Design 2010• UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice as well as relevant NFPA

codes• Approved Document Part B (Fire safety) Volume 2 ‘Buildings

other than dwellings’ (2006 edition incorporating the 2010 and 2013 amendments).

Fire and life safety

Fire strategies and evacuation arrangements should consider the needs of all building occupants. We utilise our experience in applying the current versions of local codes and international best practice standards for accessibility.

Our fire related accessibility services include:• Workplace fire risk assessments, policies and procedures• Fire strategies for disabled people• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has worked closely with Dubai Government from the inception of Dubai’s vision to be an accessible Emirate by 2020; evaluating the existing situation, identifying priorities and proposing solutions to enable accessibility.

PROGRAMME AND PROJECT MANAGEMENTWSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff adopts a life-cycle risk-management approach to ensure that accessibility is considered throughout the various stages of programmes and projects. This entails particular emphasis during the planning and design phases to avoid the need for expensive retrofitting at later stages.

We offer turn-key solutions from the concept stage, in terms of what contractors are being asked to design and build, through to the appointment and oversight of contractors delivering the project, ensuring that accessibility requirements are met in practice.

Once the Dubai Universal Design Code becomes law in 2017, developers and building owners will be subject to a transitionary period to ensure that all assets are accessible and usable to the widest range of people in society, regardless of disability.

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff is uniquely placed to assist with this challenge. Our accessibility consultants are supported by considerable business expertise across property and buildings, transportation and infrastructure and programme and project management. Collectively, we have the requisite skills to help organisations adequately plan for code compliance in a structured, considered and cost effective manner.

Retrofit management

Key services in relation to retrofit programme management include:• Retrofit strategy development:

• Identifying the scope of the programme• Determining priorities and phasing of works• Establishing what can be undertaken in house or needs

to be sourced externally• Defining procurement strategy for products and

contractors.• Retrofit programme management:

• Implementing operational plans• Working with Consultants, Designers, Project Managers

and Cost Consultants• Supporting with business continuity challenges• Dealing with communication and awareness issues.

Our accessibility consultants are supported by considerable business expertise across property and buildings, transportation and infrastructure and programme and project management.

DESIGN MANAGEMENT The design stage typically offers the best opportunity to consider opportunities for accessibility. Effective design management can be valuable in:• Avoiding potentially costly corrections once construction is under

way or complete• Recognising possible obstacles to disabled access and devising

solutions• Identifying necessary adjustments in the services provided to

disabled customers to meet the requirements of international best practice standards.

Design codes

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has the capability to develop design codes for clients with specific building performance expectations or requirements to ensure the creation of an inclusive environment. Our design codes are particularly relevant for organisations that engage Consultants, Architects, Planners and Developers and need to ensure that these parties are consistently addressing key accessibility requirements, aligned to international best practice.

Our approach to develop design codes for accessibility ensures:• Key concepts and terminology is clearly defined• Human diversity and difference is acknowledged• People are placed at the heart of the design process• Parties involved in design coordinate to ensure accessibility• Accessibility is synonymous with providing a high quality and safe

environment.

Design appraisals

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff can undertake design appraisals to establish how well a building will perform in relation to access and ease of use by a wide range of potential users prior to construction.

Our approach involves studying access provisions from the earliest stage, reviewing plans and providing advice at a point where corrections and improvements can be easily made.

All appraisals are pan-disability, as far as practicable, to include the needs of people with physical, sensory, cognitive and learning disabilities and impairments.

Key considerations during design appraisals include:• External environments and approach• Horizontal and vertical circulation• Sanitary conveniences• Acoustics and assistive equipment• Lighting and glare control• Means of escape• Fixtures and fittings• Wayfinding and signage• Information and communication.

Our approach involves studying access provisions from the earliest stage, reviewing plans and providing advice at a point where corrections and improvements can be easily made.

ACCESSIBILITY AUDITING Physical access audits

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has substantial experience in undertaking physical access audits to assess compliance with legal requirements and international best practice for accessibility.

Our approach involves application of various standards, including the Dubai Universal Design Code 2017, ‘Approved Document’ Part M UK Building Regulations 2010 ‘Access to and Use of Buildings’, British Standard 8300 ‘Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people’ and the Centre for Accessible Environments ‘Designing for Accessibility’ 2012.

Our audits assess facilities based on the following factors: • Access to buildings – including access from designated car parking areas to the

principal building entrance• Access into buildings – involving the accessibility of principal entrances and

lobbies• Horizontal and vertical circulation – relating to sufficient space for wheelchair

users • Facilities in buildings – including switches, controls and communication aids• Sanitary accommodation – relating to ambulant and wheelchair toilet facilities• Means of escape – considering physical evacuation arrangements for those with

disabilities.

ACCESSIBILITY TRAINING Training is important in developing levels of awareness and competency in relation to the rapidly changing accessibility landscape and supporting in achieving the accessibility vision of Dubai. Training also helps develop understanding of the role that everyone has to play in ensuring those with disabilities have equal access to services and are kept safe during emergencies.

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff offers a range of training courses on accessibility, with the ability to tailor training to address industry and organisational specific needs:• Accessibility awareness• Accessibility for designers• IOSH access and inclusion• IOSH fire safety and disability• Access auditing.

We also offer a range of health, safety and environment courses that complement accessibility considerations to ensure the safety and welfare of people with disabilities.

PROJECTSExecutive Council of Dubai – Physical Access Audit and Design Appraisal for Emirates Towers

In June 2015, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff was appointed by the Executive Council of Dubai to undertake physical access audits of their offices on the 28th and 38th floors, including the external areas to the Office Tower. The project also entailed design reviews of the 20th floor of Emirates Towers prior to it being refurbished.

Executive Council of Dubai – The Dubai Government Excellence Programme Awards 2016 & 2017

In February 2016 and 2017, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff was engaged by the Executive Council of Dubai to assist with the Dubai Government Excellence Programme (DGEP) in the development of an inaugural ‘accessibility friendly’ award for 2016 and the second year of the award in 2017. In 2016, the project involved the development of accessibility criteria for the award against which 28 Dubai Government entities were audited. In 2017, the project criteria was updated to include the requirements of the Dubai Universal Design Code.

Emirates NBD – Design Appraisals of Six Branches

In December 2016, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff was appointed by Emirates NBD to undertake design appraisals of six of their branches in Dubai. The project was a social responsibility objective and conducted in anticipation of changing legislation to ensure the branches are accessible for people with disabilities.

Federal Authority of Government Human Resources – Criteria and Judging of Accessibility Awards

In October 2016, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff was appointed by the Federal Authority of Government Human Resources to develop a scoring criteria and evaluate entries for the Emirates Award for Accessibility. The project involved an evaluation of interventions that have contributed to providing accessible environments at Federal entities who submitted entries for the award.

Dubai Public Prosecution – Physical Access Audit of Main Headquarters

In December 2016, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff was appointed by the Dubai Public Prosecution (DPP) to carry out a physical access audit of their main headquarters in Dubai. The audit assessed the current level of accessibility and usability of the facility for those with disabilities, including people with limited mobility and dexterity, visual and hearing impairments and wheelchair users.

An accessible environment has been recognised as a core element of an inclusive society, providing people with the autonomy and the means to pursue an active and productive life.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES)

GAATES is a leading international organisation dedicated to the promotion of accessibility of the built and virtual environments. GAATES has played a key role in Dubai’s accessibility strategy in studying, evaluating and rehabilitating standard facilities as per Universal Design Standards, as well as developing a final form for accessible design criteria as per Dubai’s requirements. WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has worked closely with GAATES during these studies and consultation exercises.

Place Dynamix

Place Dynamix is a specialist consultancy providing planning, design, landscape and other services with the objective of creating great places and lasting value. Place Dynamix offer accessibility strategies that begin with a thorough understanding of how people use and move through the built environment using innovative techniques of journey mapping and detailed site analysis. WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has joined Place Dynamix on various working parties relating to accessibility for government entities and developers.

Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE)

CAE is the UK’s leading authority on inclusive design, assisting clients to create and manage built environments that everyone can use and enjoy. CAE offer a wide range of access consultancy services tailored to meet the needs of clients. WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has teamed up with CAE on various accessibility projects ensuring our clients are offered the best advice on creating inclusive environments and services.

KEY CONTACTS

Rob Cooling

robert.coling@wspgroup.ae+971 56 838 6977

Steve Carpenter

steven.carpenter@wspgroup.ae+971 55 179 9405

Elie Ghoussoub

elie.ghoussoub@wspgroup.ae+971 56 678 9006

For further information on accessibility advisory services, please contact the accessibility team on +971-6-598-1724 or email at: me.healthandsafety@wspgroup.ae www.wsp-pb.com | www.wsp-pb.ae