accessible,inclusive,and safe communities · extend the traditional definition an accessible...

Accessible, Inclusive, and

Safe Communities

Introduction: The Accessible Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

About SPARC BC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Designing for Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Meeting the Needs of People with Mobility Impairments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Meeting the Needs of People with Visual Impairments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Meeting the Needs of People with Hearing Impairments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Meeting the Needs of People with Cognitive Impairments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Designated Accessible Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

What You Can Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Social Planning and Research Council of BC201 – 221 East 10th AvenueVancouver, BC V5T 4V3

PHONE (604) 718-7733FAX (604) 736-8697EMAIL [email protected] www.sparc.bc.ca

© 2005 SPARC BC

DESIGN & PRODUCTIONMatthew Beall

Contents

An accessible community works tosupport the independence, comfort, self-esteem, andsecurity of everyone, including people with disabilities.

In the past, accessibility efforts focused onlyon physical access requirements for a subset ofdisabilities. The diversity of the needs of people withdisabilities were not considered. In recent years inBritish Columbia, however, efforts have been made toextend the traditional definition an accessiblecommunity and to increase the application of inclusiveprinciples.

For people with disabilities to participate asfull members of the community, and before we cantruly call any community accessible, universal accessrequirements must be met. Everyone has thefundamental right of access to their communities. Forthousands of Canadians, this right is not being met.

This booklet focuses on issues of concern topeople with mobility, sensory, and cognitiveimpairments. Contained within are a set of minimumguidelines and best practices for design, policy, andeducation. We encourage all communities to meet andexceed standards described within. Contact SPARC BCfor more information.

Making Space for Everyone4

Introduction: The AccessibleCommunity

Components of an Accessible CommunityAn accessible community is an inclusive

community: a community that ensures accessible designspecifications are met, invites input from all citizens onissues of policy and governance, provides accessibleand affordable housing and public transit, mandatessufficient designated accessible parking, includeseveryone in public events and celebrations, and makesan ongoing commitment to reviewing and improvingaccessibility. To accomplish these goals, an inclusivecommunity provides and supports:

• Participation: An accessible communityincludes those directly concerned withaccessibility to be involved with improvementsto general community plans and facility plans.

• Defines accessibility broadly: An accessiblecommunity takes the perspective thataccessibility is more than physical design: it iscomplete social inclusion that makes acommunity a better place for everyone.

• Allocates resources: A communitydemonstrates its dedication to accessibility bycommitting resources to expanding access tofacilities, events, and services; by applyinguniversal design principles; and by taking thetime to understand the issues of accessibility.

Accessible, Inclusive, and Safe Communities 5

AccessibilityIncludes:

• Physical Access

• Access to Services

• Social Inclusion

• Equality and Respect

• Equity in Opportunities

The Social Planning and Research Councilof British Columbia is a non-partisan, independentcharitable organization whose members and Board ofDirectors are drawn from across the province. Since1966, SPARC BC has worked with communities inbuilding a just and healthy society for all.

SPARC BC’s vision includes the followingfundamental values:

• Equity: The recognition that some individualsor groups require more or less than others inorder to flourish, and that some individuals arecapable of contributing more than others toaddress social deficiencies and promote fairdistribution of services and resources.

• Social Inclusion: The recognition that both theright and the opportunity to participate in allaspects of human life enables individuals andcommunities to celebrate their diversity, andrecognize their responsibilities.

• Security: The recognition that individuals andcommunities flourish when they haveconfidence in their communities as safe,supportive, and stable environments.


For MoreInformation

Visit our web site at:

www.sparc.bc.ca

About SPARC BC

• Adaptability: The recognition thatsustainability requires resilience for bothindividuals and communities, and the ability torespond creatively to change.

SPARC BC’s WorkSPARC BC conducts public education on

priority issues identified by our Board of Directors andvolunteer committees. Currently, SPARC BC focuses itsefforts on the key social issues of income security,accessibility, and community development.

SPARC BC continually undertakes a variety ofaccessibility-related research, community support, andpublic education projects. Our projects include:

• Access Awareness Day is the first Saturday inJune

• Community Accessibility Contacts Initiative

• Community Dialogues on Accessibility

• Employment and Disabilities

• Living with Disabilities on Income Assistance


SPARC BC’sMission

“The Social Planning

and Research Council of

British Columbia works

with communities in

building a just and

healthy society for all.”

Designing for Accessibility

Although full accessibility includes morethan physical access, accessible design is fundamentalto an inclusive community. The goals of accessibledesign go beyond access to facilities; they are:

• Freedom of movement: To go where youwant when you want is a central liberty of oursociety, one that most community members takefor granted. Accessible buildings and publicspaces and readily available, accessibletransportation are the foundation of access.

• Sense of inclusion: To support theindependence, comfort, and self-esteem ofcitizens with disabilities, communities mustmake an effort to include everyone at all levelsof decision making and in all public happenings.

• Equal participation: Communities shouldstrive to include, as equals, people withdisabilities in all activities and at all levels ofsociety, including employment.

• Equity in opportunities: As full citizens,people with disabilities must have equal accessto opportunities so that they may lead healthy,happy lives. This includes equal opportunities in


employment, education, health care, support,politics, planning, development, and recreation.

A Diversity of DisabilitiesAn accessible community accommodates all

types of disabilities. Planners need to consider theneeds of people with specific types of disabilities, aswell as those with multiple disabilities. The majority ofdisabilities that communities need to accommodate fallinto several categories:

• Mobility impairments: People whose disabilityaffects their mobility may use wheelchairs,scooters, walkers, crutches, or canes. Othershave hidden mobility impairments that impedetheir ability to move quickly, climb stairs, orwalk more than a short distance.

• Visual impairments: People with visualimpairments are either blind or have limitedvision and require special design considerations.

• Hearing impairments: Citizens with hearingimpairments require visual cues and specializedcommunications equipment.

• Cognitive impairments: These are invisibleimpairments like learning or developmentaldisabilities and impediments created by mentalhealth issues that need to be considered inaccessibility policies.


UniversalDesign

The principles of

universal design aim to

make products and

environments usable to

all people to the

greatest extent possible

without the need for

adaptation or

specialized design. The

application of universal

design benefits all

members of a

community.

Many design features can improveaccessibility. Ramps that make it easier for people withmobility impairments to get into buildings, doorwayswide enough to accommodate wheelchairs andscooters, doors that are easily opened, curb cuts toaccess ways and buildings, and handrails for steadyingand lifting are all design features that improve access.

But since each person with a disability hasaccess concerns specific to his or her situation, it makessense to discuss any plans, changes, or modificationswith the individuals the changes are meant toaccommodate. They can provide the best advice.

ConsiderationsIndividuals with mobility impairments

require distinct accessible design features:

• Space, pathways, and corridors: Ramps, curbcuts, automatic doors, smooth thresholds,wheelchair-reserved areas indoors; provide andenforce designated accessible parking.

• Room to manoeuvre: Provide extra-wideparking spaces, doors, corridors, and elevators;


Meeting the Needs of People withMobility Impairments

large bathroom stalls.

• The right tools for the job: Accessiblecomputers and software; low sinks, faucets,counters, door handles, levers, elevator controls;automatic or light, free-swinging doors; properhand rails; accessible washrooms.

• A respectful environment: Be courteous andrespectful, consider staff diversity andaccessibility training.

Safe RampsRamps that do not meet strict building code

design guidelines can be as hazardous and inaccessibleas a set of steep stairs. People with a wide variety ofdisabilities use ramps.

• A ramp is any slope greater than 1:20

• Slopes greater than 1:20 should not be morethan 9 m long

• Ensure that the ramp is at least 1.5 m wide

• Use hard, non-slip surfaces

• Put landings at the top, bottom, and where theramp changes grade

• Equip ramps with handrails on both sides

• Have an 8 cm curb at the sides of the ramp


B.C. BuildingCode

The minimum standards

for the design of

accessible housing units

and commercial or

public buildings is

controlled by the BC

Building Code and

local bylaws.

People who have visual impairments oftennavigate their own environments with little trouble.The goal of an accessible community is to make itpossible for everyone to participate safely, comfortably,independently, and with dignity in all aspects ofcommunity life.

The needs of individuals with no vision andthose with limited vision differ. Design features likesigns or aural clues which can be understood by peoplewho are blind or visually impaired.

ConsiderationsAccommodate individuals with visual

impairments by implementing a variety of consistentphysical, aural, and visual features:

• Space, pathways, and corridors: Simple,open floor plans; corridors free of obstructions;bright, non-glare lighting; bright colour codingfor design features and similar-use areas.

• Accessible communications: Braille controlsand written alternatives; well-lit signs withlarge, clear lettering; informational listening


Meeting the Needs of People withVisual Impairments

devices; accessible computer software.

• Safety and emergency considerations: Stafftraining for emergency procedures.

• Respectful environment: Ask individuals ifthey require assistance, do not interfere with anindividual’s or his or her guide dog’s routine.

Reducing HazardsOne of the principal accessibility concerns of

people with visual impairments is the safe navigationof foreign spaces. Accessibility efforts to accommodatevisually impaired users need centre around reducinghazards. Such efforts should include:

• Visual, aural, and tactile cues that identify safetyfeatures or warn of hazards or obstructions;

• Consistent colour-coding for safety features;

• Consistent visual and auditory alarms;

• Cane detectable warnings of any hazards;

• Corridors free of obstructions

• Large, plain type-face and/or braille informationsigns and directions for facility use;

• Lighting and surfaces designed to reduce glare;

• Provide information online about spaces andpotential hazards.


WebAccessibility

The World Wide Web

Consortium

(www.w3c.org)

manages the Web

Accessibility Initiative

(WAI), a set of design

standards that maximize

the accessibility of

information on the Web.

For more information,

visit: www.w3c.org/WAI

Technology exists that can extend thecommunication possibilities of people with hearingimpairments. This technology must be made widelyavailable. Safety is also a prominent accessibilityconsideration for people with hearing impairments.

ConsiderationsIndividuals with hearing impairments require

special design and communications accommodations.

• Signage: Clear, readable signs; visual feedbackfor interactive equipment.

• Communications: Telephones withamplification; TTD stations; live captioning; livesign language translations at public events.

• Safety measures: Visual alarm signals;procedures for alerting deaf persons; visualequivalent to emergency instructions; sfafftraining.

Specific AccommodationsMaking facilities fully accessible for people

with hearing impairments mostly involves maximizingvisual communications and implementing proper safety


Meeting the Needs of People withHearing Impairments

standards. Some accommodations for specific placesand items are:

• Public telephones:

• Accessible telephones clearly identified

• At least one telephone in any public space

has amplification control

• TDD (Telecommunications Device for the

Deaf) is available

• Meeting rooms:

• Non-glare, non-reflecting, and non-blinking

lighting

• Meeting room is equipped with a FM system

• Live captioning and sign language translation

available

• Guest rooms:

• Telephones with amplification available

• Pre-arranged system for alerting deaf persons

for a wake up or in case of emergency

• Public transit / elevators:

• Consistent visual signals


Many individuals have invisibleimpairments, like learning or developmentaldisabilities. Meeting the needs of this group of peoplerequires careful and respectful consideration.

Accommodating people with cognitiveimpairments often requires fewer physical designconsiderations than required for people with physicalimpairments. Unfortunately, many places are lessaccessible to and inclusive of people with cognitivedisabilities than those with other types of disabilities.

ConsiderationsWhen increasing accessibility for people

with cognitive impairments, consider the following:

• Promote understanding: Use plain languagein all communications, provide time fororientation, encourage questions andengagement. Use multisensory approach in anypublic presentation and provide opportunitiesfor individuals with these needs to do the same.Don’t rely on printed information only; usevisual and other methods to communicate ideas.


Meeting the Needs of People withCognitive Impairments

• Respectful environment: Understand theneeds of people with cognitive disabilities andbe open to different ways of understanding andabsorbing information.

Being InclusiveMany groups and individuals have questions

about how to engage individuals with cognitiveimpairments. Here are some tips on how to includepeople with disabilities:*

• Ask the individuals you wish to include. Theycan tell you what works for them.

• Find a resource person who knows aboutdisabilities and ask them for information andfor help developing your skills.

• Choose activities that do not limit participation.Brainstorm on how to adapt exisiting activitiesto be more inclusive.

• Find out if someone with experience in workingwith people with disabilities can volunteer tohelp with your activities.

• Have confidence that supporting participantswith disabilities can work and that the processitself helps everyone learn and grow.

* Adapted from 12 Inclusive Activities: A Guide for Youth Group

Leaders (2004) from the BC Association for Community Living.


Where accessible public transport is notyet available, and for individuals for whom publictransport is not workable, accessible parking is anecessity, as many people with disabilities cannot just“park anywhere.” Unfortunately, accessible parking iseither insufficient or unenforced in much of theprovince. The alternative for many people with amobility impairment is to simply go home.

Parking areas have often been designedwith able-bodied drivers in mind. People usingwheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids, can findit impossible to get in and out of the narrow spacescommon in most parking lots. Some people withdisabilities need side room to manoeuvre themselvesand their gear in and out of vehicles; others need to beclose to the entrance of the building.

Municipalities can enact parking bylawsconcerning designated accessible parking for peoplewith disabilities. SPARC BC believes that sufficientspaces for both on- and off-street parking should bedesignated and enforced for appropriate use.


Designated Accessible Parking

What a Municipal Bylaw Should ContainMunicipal bylaws designating parking for

people with disabilities should:

• Require owners or occupiers of land to provideparking spaces for people with disabilities,wherever the public is invited.

• Specify what portion of parking spaces will bedesignated for people with disabilities (10% isrecommended).

• Authorize the ticketing and removal ofunlawfully parked vehicles.

• Designate SPARC BC as the agency to issue andcancel parking permits on behalf of themunicipality.

Designing Designated Accessible ParkingIf designated parking is to work, here are

the specifications that need to be met:

• Locate spaces within 15 m of an accessibleentrance;

• Provide 1.25 m of transfer space in addition tothe required parking stall width;

• Mount an enforceable designated accessiblesign parking on the post at height of 1.54 m;


EnforceableSignage

It is illegal under the

Motor Vehicle Act to

park without displaying

a valid permit in a space

marked by a designated

accessible parking sign

(as depicted above).

• Slope walkways in parking area a maximum of1:20 (any slope greater is considered a ramp)and make walkways at least 1.54 m wide;

• Leave a 1 m level passageway at the end of eachspeed bump;

• Ideally, have an 8 cm curb at walkway edge;

• Locate curb cuts so that they will not be blockedby vehicles;

• Make sure ramps/curb cuts make it possible forpeople in wheelchairs to get from parking areato walkway;

• Make sure the designated accessible parkingarea can accommodate the height of specializedvehicles;

• Designated parking spots need to be marked bysigns that meet provincial standards and aretherefore enforceable.


Working for an inclusive and moreaccessible community benefits everyone, not just itscitizens with disabilities.

We can all help make our communities moreaccessible to and inclusive of all members of ourcommunities. We can begin by acknowledging thatpeople with mobility, sensory, and cognitiveimpairments have access needs, and that they are theultimate authority on how those needs can be met.

By working together to improve accessibility,we can make British Columbia a safer, happier, andmore inclusive place to live. For everyone.

RecommendationsEvery community in B.C. can improve its

accessibility. SPARC BC encourages communities to:

• Recognize that the ultimate experts onaccessibility issues are those people with livedexperiences of disabilities.

• Ensure that bus stops, curb cuts, and otheraccess areas are free of vehicles and obstructionsso that all community members can come and


What You Can Do

go freely.

• Create and support municipal advisorycommittees that include members of thecommunity.

• Use the accessibility lens when designingbuildings and building communities.

• Renovate existing facilities to upgradeaccessibility.

• Support organizations that advocate on behalfof people with disabilities.

• When designing private and commercialbuildings, create space that can be adapted tomeet a variety of personal circumstances andaccommodate people’s needs as they age.

• Encourage the government and public transitorganizations to expand their accessible services.

• Conduct local public education on theimportance of accessibility.

• Celebrate Access Awareness Day every year onthe first Saturday in June!


Social Planning and Research Council of BC201 – 221 East 10th AvenueVancouver, BC V5T 4V3

PHONE (604) 718-7733FAX (604) 736-8697EMAIL [email protected] www.sparc.bc.ca

© 2005 SPARC BC

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