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Designing for Disability Access -
Introduction
Commercial |
Residential
Aging baby boomers and the growing acceptance that people have diverse physical and mental abilities have stimulated international interest in accessible and universal design.
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Almost twenty percent of Australians have a long-term disability. As the Australian population ages, this percentage will increase. Most people with a disability experience some restriction in relation to their core activities of personal care, schooling and employment. However, most are able to live in their own home and retain their independence. Family and friends are their main carers. |
The picture is one of people with disabilities and the elderly, living independently and with the support of families in their communities. In this scenario accessible environments must be developed.
| Our understanding of these issues as a society is changing. Instead of thinking of access issue being relevant to someone else who uses a wheelchair, we are thinking more broadly and personally. We are now thinking in terms of universal access -providing access for all people irrespective of ability. |
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Universal Design
The following information about Universal Design is extracted
from the website of the Center for Universal Design at
 |
Universal Design is the design of products and
environments to be
usable by all people, to the
greatest
extent
possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized
design. |
The Principles of
Universal Design
Principle 1: Equitable
Use
The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse
abilities.
Principle 2:
Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a wide
range of individual preferences and
abilities.
Principle 3: Simple
and Intuitive Use
Use of the design is easy to
understand, regardless of the
user's experience,
knowledge, language
skills, or current concentration level.
Principle 4:
Perceptible Information
The design communicates necessary
information effectively to
the user, regardless
of ambient conditions.
Principle 5: Tolerance
for Error
The design minimizes hazards and the
adverse consequences of accidental or
unintended actions.
Principle 6: Low
Physical Effort
The design can be used efficiently and
comfortably and with a minimum of
fatigue.
Principle 7: Size and
Space for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and space is provided
for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body
size,
posture, or
mobility.
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Designers must also incorporate other
considerations such as economic,
engineering, cultural, gender,
and
environmental
concerns in their design
processes. These Principles offer
designers guidance to better
integrate features that meet the needs of as |
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Bruce Bromley Design knows that communication between designer owner and builder is the key to the successful outcome of any project. We utilize state-of-the-art computer aided design, enabling the firm to work on all size projects, while providing clients with the personal service they deserve.
Bruce Bromley is an
Accredited
Disability Access Consultant
registered with the Association of Consultants in Access
Australia inc.
Registration #MN187
