Demystifying Accessibility – A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners and Managers in Australia

Demystifying
Accessibility: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners and Managers in
Australia

Creating accessible spaces is not just a legal requirement; it is a crucial step towards building an inclusive and welcoming society. For property owners and managers in Australia, understanding the intricacies of accessibility is essential to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and to ensure that their properties can be accessed and enjoyed by people of all abilities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the legal requirements, design considerations, and the benefits of embracing accessibility in your properties.

Legal Requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992:

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) holds significant importance in Australia as it prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Its coverage extends to various areas, such as public spaces, employment, education, and the provision of goods and services. As property owners and managers, it is your responsibility to ensure that your properties comply with the accessibility requirements outlined in the DDA. This entails incorporating features like accessible parking, entrance ramps, and accessible bathrooms, among others. Familiarise yourself with the DDA and consult legal experts when necessary. This legislation provides consistent protection against unfair treatment for people with disabilities in Australia and also extends to their associates, such as friends, carers, or family members.

When a person with a disability wishes to access premises, including buildings, outdoor spaces, car parks, pathways, and facilities, it is essential to provide equitable and dignified access. The DDA mandates implementing appropriate changes to facilitate access. Failure to provide adequate access may result in a complaint being filed under the DDA. In disability access matters, the DDA takes precedence over State legislation, Standards, and Guidelines.

Considering that roughly 20% of the Australian population either has or will be impacted by a permanent disability, and many others face access challenges due to aging, it is crucial to prioritize excellent access in the design and development of all elements in the built environment.

Rather than confining access issues to wheelchair users alone, we should adopt a broader perspective encompassing the entire community. Access barriers or considerations will affect individuals who use prams and strollers, delivery trolleys, assistance animals, as well as people of diverse sizes and abilities. The goal now is to strive for universal access, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, ability, body size, mobility aids, etc., can experience equal accessibility.

By designing buildings and products with the needs of as many users as possible in mind, the need for modifications and the associated expenses can be significantly reduced. Moreover, incorporating accessibility into the built environment allows more people in the community to actively participate in various activities, leading to improved social, health, and economic outcomes. Enabling people to engage in daily activities enhances their quality of life and expands lifestyle opportunities.

Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010

The Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 were implemented as minimum access requirements for new buildings and those undergoing significant upgrades in Australia starting in 2011. If a building owner or lessee applies for a building or construction approval, the new part as well as the affected part (which includes a continuous accessible path of travel from the main entrance to the new works area) must adhere to the Premises Standards. This ensures that there is non-discriminatory access and use of these buildings and areas being upgraded. The 2010 Standards aim to provide clarity and guidance to the building industry regarding the accessibility requirements for new constructions and renovations.

Building Code of Australia (BCA)

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is applicable to new buildings as well as buildings undergoing significant refurbishment or alterations. Within the BCA, there are detailed building classifications and corresponding accessibility requirements for each class, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate accessibility to buildings.

Australian Standard (AS1428) – Design for Access and Mobility

AS 1428 outlines the necessary guidelines for ensuring physical access in the planning, development, and construction of all buildings and facilities. These standards serve as a comprehensive reference for incorporating appropriate accessibility measures into the design and implementation stages of a project.

Design Considerations for Accessible Spaces:

Creating accessible spaces involves careful planning and design. Here are some key considerations:

a) Entrance and Pathways: Ensure that entrances are wheelchair accessible, with ramps or lifts where necessary. Pathways should be wide, even, and free from obstacles to accommodate mobility aids.

b) Step-Free Access: Minimize the number of steps or provide alternative routes, such as ramps or lifts, to enable easy access to all areas of your property.

c) Doorways and Hallways: Ensure doorways are wide enough for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility aids. Hallways should be spacious and clutter-free, allowing for appropriate circulation space, turning space and passing space.

d) Restrooms: Design accessible restrooms to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including wider doorways, grab bars, lower sinks, and accessible toilet cubicles.  Where sanitary facilities are provided, accessible toilets and showers should also be provided.  Compliance with the relevant Australian Standards is crucial when installing accessible toilets, as many people with disabilities may be unable to use the facilities unless they meet the minimum Standards..

e) Lighting and Signage: Adequate lighting helps individuals with visual impairments navigate your property safely. Use clear and accessible signage to provide directions and information.  Signage should be clear, concise, easy to read and display the blue international symbol for access, as appropriate, to assist people with intellectual and cognitive and sensory issues.

f) Contrasts: By incorporating luminance, colour, and textural contrasts within the built environment, we can greatly enhance accessibility for individuals with low vision or those who struggle with object interpretation, fixtures, fittings, surface changes, and clear pathways. These visual cues help individuals navigate their surroundings more easily. Additionally, the implementation of warning Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) serves as an important tool for alerting people with low vision to potential hazards, such as stairways, ramps, or overhead obstructions. These indicators provide a tactile indication, ensuring they can safely navigate and avoid potential dangers. Overall, the strategic use of contrasts and TGSIs greatly improves accessibility for individuals with low vision, helping them to move through the built environment with greater confidence and safety.

g) Floor / Ground Surfaces: In order to facilitate safe and smooth movement within a building, it is essential to have floor and ground surfaces that offer firmness and slip resistance. These surfaces must meet the necessary standards not only in dry conditions but also in wet conditions, ensuring they remain suitable and reliable regardless of environmental circumstances. Additionally, it is important for these surfaces to exhibit effective contrasting properties when compared to adjoining surfaces. This contrast helps individuals perceive and differentiate between different areas, promoting better navigation and safety throughout the building. By prioritizing appropriate surface characteristics and contrasts, we can create environments that are more accessible and conducive to everyone’s well-being.

h) Hearing Augmentation:  Assistive listening systems play a vital role in enhancing auditory accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These systems are particularly crucial in various settings, such as meetings, presentations, lectures, theatre performances, sporting events, and other similar activities, where it is essential for these individuals to hear effectively.

Benefits of Creating Accessible Spaces:

Apart from meeting legal obligations, embracing accessibility offers several benefits:

a) Expanded Customer Base: By making your property accessible, you open doors to a broader customer base. People with disabilities, their families, and friends will feel encouraged to visit or utilize your property, thereby increasing potential revenue.

b) Positive Reputation: Committing to accessibility demonstrates your commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity. It helps build a positive reputation, attracting both customers and employees who value diversity and inclusivity.

c) Enhanced User Experience: An accessible environment not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also provides a better experience for all users. It improves convenience, safety, and overall satisfaction, making your property more attractive.

d) Long-Term Cost Savings: Incorporating accessibility features during the design and construction phase can be cost-effective in the long run. Retrofitting can often be more expensive and disruptive.

Due to the diverse access needs of individuals, there exists a multitude of design considerations to accommodate and enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. These considerations not only cater to specific needs but also have broader benefits that extend to everyone. This recognition of diverse requirements allows for the creation of inclusive designs that foster equal access and improved user experience for all individuals. It’s remarkable how implementing such considerations can positively impact the lives of people with disabilities while benefiting the wider population as well.

Promoting accessibility within your properties is both a legal obligation and an opportunity to create an inclusive environment. By adhering to the requirements outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and considering the design considerations mentioned above, you can ensure that your properties are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their capabilities. Embracing accessibility not only fosters a sense of belonging and equality but also attracts a wider customer base and enhances the overall user experience. Let’s work together to create inclusive spaces that benefit everyone.