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Architectural barrier

The barriers in the society can be mainly classified into two: the environmental

& attitudinal barriers. The major environmental barriers are of two types:

Architectural and Communication. Lack of information is another major barrierfaced by Disabled People.

Architectural barriers in buildings include lack of Ramps, Railings, Signage,

Braille Print, Adequate Spacing, Slip Resistant Flooring, Accessible Toilets and

Chairs, Switches, Shelves, Wash Basins, Taps & Telephone at an accessible

height. This kind of infrastructure help disabled people to be at ease and do

their routines with minimum or no support. Apart from becoming self-reliant,

such an internal atmosphere boosts their self-confidence and avoidsunnecessary delay.

Decision making process for environmental modification involves 4 steps:

1. Determining patients need2. Constituting priorities3. Mobilizing available finances4. Getting the job done

Determining the patients priority:

1. Diagnosis2. Duration and severity of illness3. Types of prosthesis used4. Occupation5. Mental condition6. Motivation7. Balance and strength8. Mobility and coordination9. Location of each room10.Requirements and tastes of individual patients

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Defining priorities:

The process must focus both on present and future needs and abilities.

1. Life style2. Values3. Interests4. Family demands

Outline available finances:

Getting the job done: blue print or map.

Architectural design features and their accessibility:

Doors: 2.10, no step, folding doors, bathroom doors swing outward, lite

weigh

Stairs: landing between 2 flights, 10*6, uniform heights

Ramp: 5-8 degree, more than 30ft divided into sections.

Elevators: delayed closing, telephone, automatic floor announcement

Space enclousers:

Floors: friction, smaller size tiles, avoid uneven joints.

Windows: 28-32. Handle at proper height,

Lighting: 3 ft above the floor, near the door, higher lighting intensity

Special rooms relating to various activities:

Kitchen: counter 3 above, single lever handle, ventilator,

bathrooms: broader than normal, grab bars, showers accessible, hand held

shower.

Toilets: seat 3 ft height, grab bars, adaptable wheelchairs that can be rolled

back over the toilet.

Living room: spacious, chairs at the level of whhelchairs

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Furniture modification:

Cushioning, back support, foot rest

Furnitures are modified according to the condition, table corner should not be

sharp

Public places:

Public telephone: push button dial, amplifiers

Transportation: seat should be of the height of wheelchair seat, foot rest,

removable doors

Restaurants: ramp, elevators