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Access Awareness
Access in this sense refers to issues relevant to disabled peoples
access to
the “Built Environment”, and in particular:
- The journey from private homes, flats and places we live, to
public buildings through roads, footpaths, kerbs, crossings,
- The buildings themselves,
- The facilities within buildings, and,
- The systems that enable the journey (transport and parking)
Access also include issues relating to Disabled People being able
to move about and within buildings and function and carry out normal
activities and processes. Part of the focus on buildings
includes the usability of facilities inside the buildings, that
is, toilets, lifts, reception desks, money machines, kitchens, laundries,
taps, door-handles, just to name a few.
The role of Access Co-ordinator at CCS Bay of Plenty is to work
to remove barriers to access for disabled people by:
- monitoring the development of new and modified streetscapes,
buildings and facilities to ensure building codes are complied
with and that people with disabilities can access and use the
buildings and their facilities.
- Work collaboratively with representatives of the disability
community to identify barriers to access and use and develop solutions
for the removal of those barriers.
- Work collaboratively with the local city or district council
to remove barriers to access for disabled people.
- Promote the knowledge of issues for disabled people which relate
to access especially the notion of Universal Design.
How YOU can help !!!
You can help by being part of the eyes and ears of the disability
community. If you hear of
- A new proposed building or see a building beginning construction
- A building being altered
- A building whose use is being changed
- Someone who needs advice on designing something to be accessible
Then, please contact me by phone or email so that I may audit it
for access for disabled people and eliminate any barriers which
may be being proposed or built. The earlier I enter
the process the easier and more likely it is that we can ensure
access for disabled people.
Universally Design: A concept or idea which is to discover
designs of landscapes, buildings and products that are able to be
used by all people especially people who have disabilities.
Follow these internet links below to discover more
http://www.trace.wisc.edu/world/gen_ud.html
http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/
http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/
http://www.ncaonline.org/
http://www.universaldesign.net/
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