Accessible Housing

Published on: July 10, 2017 | Author: Alan Downey

Contents: To jump to the topic you would like, click on the links below

Introduction
Organizations & Companies That Can Assist With Universal Design & Access
- Inclusive Design
Public Buildings
Making Your House Accessible
Dave Lewis Guest Lodge
Disclaimer
References

Introduction

"Accessible Housing" refers to the construction or modification of your home, through renovation or home modification of housing, to enable independent living for persons with disabilities. Accessibility is achieved through Universal Accessible Design, but also by integrating accessibility features such as modified furniture, assistive devices, shelves, cupboards, electronic devices and Home Automation Products.

Access is typically defined within the limits of what a person sitting in a wheelchair is able to reach with arm movement only, with minimal shifting of the legs and torso. Most houses in South Africa are not originally designed to accommodate wheelchair users or the elderly. Homeowners may therefore be challenged by the need to find designers and renovators familiar with accessible design issues.

Organizations & Companies That Can Assist With Universal Design & Access

There are however individuals, organizations & companies such as Inclusive Design that focuses on implementing Universal Access solutions in a wide variety of architectural and urban design projects, as well as providing Access Solutions on accessibility issues in higher education environments, workplaces, housing and urban design.

Inclusive Design

Inclusive Design is a company founded on the fundamentals of the South African Constitution and aims to serve as a driver of social inclusion for positive and effective change in the lives of people with diverse human needs. Our philosophy is guided by individual and shared needs of people and not that of special needs. Universal Design serves as a means in which to create and enhance the functionality of environments, services and products, for the widest range of users, recognizing diversity of the human condition. Inclusive Design as a company, recognises the importance of awareness raising and the dissemination of information on diversity and inclusion as an integral deliverable to achieve Universal Access and improving lives.

What we do:

Inclusive Design serves as a mechanism to audit, review, design, create and advise on adaptations and/or enhancements for the functionality of environments, transport, technology, education, services and operations, and products for all users, to accommodate the full spectrum of human diversity. Inclusive Design specialises in providing practical, sensible advice on issues relating to Universal Access and works on the premise that environments, services and facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities are equitable in the eyes of the law, makes business sense, as well as being easier and more comfortable for all users, irrespective of their functional requirements.

1. BUSINESS CONCEPT:

Inclusive Design works with clients to find viable, feasible means of incorporating universal design into their environments, services, facilities and products. In a field of consulting where amateurs are rife and claim expertise, Inclusive Design has gone to great lengths to prove their competency on an international level. Headed by a consultant who is the highest certified Universal Access Consultant in South Africa, as verified by IAAP (International Association of Access Professionals) and with a plenary of examples and experience, Inclusive Design delivers, on time with exceptionally detailed results and recommendations. We put effort into making reports and findings legible, easy to understand and implementable to enable clients to positively affect change to becoming universally accessible and inclusive.

Services:

Image Courtesy of Inclusive Design

Universal Access Consulting:

Consulting serves to advise clients on the options, requirements and areas where Universal Access can and should be achieved. With experience and knowledge of both South African building regulations for Persons with Disabilities, supporting equality legislation and international access requirements, Inclusive Design makes for the perfect collaborator to achieve Universal Access. Our consulting services serve to impart knowledge with clients on aspects, features and implementation of Universal Access to increase awareness of the requirements of people with disabilities as well as the broader range of beneficiaries including, pregnant women, people with young children, elderly people and people with temporary disabilities or recovering from surgery.

As part of our consulting services we also offer specific research, skills transfer and mentorship related to Universal Access and assist our clients wherever possible to progress towards a viable, feasible and desirable means of implementation to achieve equality. In line with the social model of disability, our emphasis has shifted away from the concept of being ‘disability’ focused, to that of being focused on ‘Universal Access’, which acknowledges that the benefit thereof goes beyond the classification of people with disabilities. Universal Access Consulting can take place in numerous fields, including:

built environment (architecture and planning)
systems, services and operations
marketing, communication and information sharing (online, print media and presentations)
transport and all associated and supporting infrastructure and systems
Policy development, reviews and updates

Universal Access Auditing:

Image Courtesy of Inclusive Design

Auditing is the examination or inspection of various aspects of the environment, service, facility or product to determine compliance with local and/or international requirements. Audits are conducted through physical inspection and are followed by reports to indicate short-falls, areas of improvement and areas of non-compliance. Universal Access Auditing is largely conducted in the built environment in South Africa, where SANS 10400 Part S (2011): Facilities for Persons with Disabilities is the deem to satisfy requirement, which is supplemented with ISO21542 in areas where more details are required or environments which are more specialised. This process is detailed, and the audit is conducted meticulously and often includes discussions with users of the facility regarding usability, which leads to a custom report with bespoke recommendations for both built infrastructure and operations.

Inclusive Design also offers companies an advantage through a proprietary Universal Access Application™ which enables large areas of the built environment to be audited in a systematic, accurate, thorough and detailed process (for example: a campus). Saving clients time and money as the UA App captures vast amounts of data, with measurements, photo evidence and SANS 10400 Part S (2011) compliance in an easy to read, tabulated format, in a matter of days. This process conventionally takes a vast number of human hours to capture, process and write-up by a highly experience UA Auditor, but with the Universal Access App™ it is simplified, quickened, accurate and unbiased.

Universal Access Auditing can take place in numerous fields, including:

built environment (architecture and planning)- with the UA App™
systems, services and operation
marketing, communication and information sharing (online, print media and presentations)
transport and all associated and supporting infrastructure and system
policy and implementation plans

Universal Access Awareness:

Image Courtesy of Inclusive Design

The Great Father of our Nation, Nelson Mandela said that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is our belief, at Inclusive Design, that by teaching principles of good design, that we can make a significant impact upon our society. It is therefore always a recommended deliverable in our work to transfer skills and educate others on Universal Design and Universal Access. The capacitation of more people with the knowledge and understanding of the value that inclusive design offers to staff, clients and society, is part of our vision and what we strive to achieve. What we term Universal Access Awareness, can be customised to the clients’ needs, and can vary from an introductory presentation to an in-depth training session on specific aspects. Universal Access cannot be achieved without at least the basic understanding of the paradigm that leads to equality.

Additional Services:

Disability Awareness Training (also known as Disability Awareness Training or Sensitisation)
Disability Specific Monitoring and Evaluation (Qualified M and E services)

Business Competitiveness:

Universal Access is a broad concept that requires understanding, application, implementation, experience and governance around various sectors, such as the built environment, services, facilities, transport, technology, regulations and more. Inclusive Design has explicit experience in Policy, Guideline and Framework writing and advising, Technical Requirement writing, Implementation Plans, Onsite Auditing, Plan Drawing Auditing, Architectural and Planning Consulting, Auditing and Consulting in the realms of Transport, Marketing and Communication, and Training. Inclusive Design is not focused on a specific area of disability, and therefore offer holistic recommendations in order to accommodate a spectrum of users, irrespective of their abilities. Inclusive Design practice good business principles, deliver on time, communicate directly with clients, and offer superior project deliverables.

If there are any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at Inclusive Design on Tel: +27 72 027 3623 or Email: colette@inclusivedesign.co.za at Cape Town (HQ) ● Pretoria (Administration), or visit our website at: www.inclusivedesign.co.za

Public Buildings

The Government have put laws in place to insure that new public buildings are designed and build with certain features to make them accessible to persons with disabilities. The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act deals with facilities for persons with disabilities, and includes access to public areas. City streets, public buildings and restrooms are some of the more visible changes but also included, are the installation of elevators, automatic doors, wide doors and corridors, transit lifts, wheelchair ramps, curb cuts, and the elimination of unnecessary steps where ramps and elevators are not available, thus allowing persons who use wheelchairs and other Assistive Devices to be able to use public sidewalks and public transit more easily and safely.

These features that have been introduced by the Government, are referred to as "Accessible Features" and are dealt with in detail on our "Accessible Features" Page, however many public areas and buildings are still not compliant to regulations, while some new buildings walkways and parks are still being designed and built without consultation from a Universal Access Consultant and are therefore often not compliant. This ultimately leads to disappointment when these facilities are not accessible and further costs to alter these venues to become accessible to all persons with disabilities.

If you are going to be altering or building a new place of residence or business, please do the right thing and contact a Universal Access Consultant such as Inclusive Design to make sure that your new residence or business is compliant, or please Contact Us if you know of any new public buildings or venues are not accessible.

Making Your House Accessible

Disability can effect anyone at any time, and many people struggle later in life due to old age, which often leads to the need in creating an accessible hazard free home. Many senior citizens try to retain their independence by staying at home for as long as possible by adding ramps, handrails, grab bars, etc. throughout their home to improve accessibility and reduce the risk of falling.

In your own home you're not necessarily limited to the government standards set aside for public buildings, but these regulations are put in place for your own safety and before making these types of adaptions to your home, you should acquire the services of Universal Access Consultants and builders who specialize in accessibility, to make sure that any adaptions done will assist you as much as possible. You may also require plans or permits for the adaptions that you want to make.

There are a variety of areas where adaptations and assistive devices can improve accessibility for persons with mobility impairments, especially for those in wheelchairs, they include:

Ramps
Gates, Doors & Doorways
Light switches & other controls
Multi-Story Homes
Accessible Bedrooms
Accessible Bathrooms

Ramps

Depending on the design of your home, your type of wheelchair, and your physical abilities, ramps can take on different sizes and shapes. Various size ramps can be purpose built out of wood, cement or metal, while a variety small 1 or 2 step Pre Manufactured Ramps made out of rubber or metal are available to purchase from various companies in South Africa, these include small thresh hold Ramps to get you over that half a step, as well as slightly longer Ramps to get you over a full step. Visit our "Hoists, Lifts, Ramps & Transferring Aids - Pre Manufactured Small Ramps section" to find out more about these types of ramps and the companies that sell them.

Longer metal ramps are also available and can be bought from a number of companies in South Africa. These ramps can be permanent or temporary and can be removed at a later stage, if the ramps are no longer necessary. Visit our "Hoists, Lifts, Ramps & Transferring Aids - Pre Manufactured Long Ramps section" to find out more about these types of ramps and the companies that sell them.

If you choose to build a ramp, the government standard for ramps is 1:12, in your own home you are not necessarily limited to the government standard. A steeper or less steep ramp may be preferred when evaluating space limitations or other considerations, you may require a longer gradual ramp, if you use a manual wheelchair, or a slightly steeper ramp if you are restricted with space, however the government standards are put in place for your safety, so you should get the advice of a Universal Access Consultant such as Inclusive Design to make sure that any adaptions that you make, do not put yourself or others in danger. You would also need to ensure that your ramps are slip resistant and are not dangerous to other people who have to walk up them, installing handrails can assist with this. To view other safety tips and the government regulations for ramps, stairs & Hand Rails, click the "Ramps" button on the top-left of the page or click on the link below to find out more.

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If you need advice or are unsure about what design would best suite you, we recommended you consult a Universal Access Consultant who can help you design a ramp that is safe and meets your particular needs. To view information about ramps that are available to purchase in South Africa, please visit our "Hoists, Lifts, Ramps & Transferring Aids - Ramps" Page

Gates, Doors & Doorways

Gates: Due to the high crime rate, many people choose to have automatic security gates installed, which are not only handy to keep you safe, but can also provide you with easy access to your property and house. You can attach a control for your front gate to your wheelchair, so that you can come and go as you please. These controls can also be fitted to the security gate or on your front door. Please Contact Us if you require any further information.

Doorways & Hallways: Most wheelchairs are generally built narrower than the width of a doorway, so under most circumstances you should not have a problem getting through doorways with a wheelchair, unless you are required to turn around sharp corners, however some security gates on front doors, make the doorway narrower so this can make it very difficult for some wheelchair users to exit or enter these doorways. You may need to adapt these gates to give you more space, or you can even use special off-set hinges to allow the door to open further.

As mentioned above, going around sharp corners can also prove difficult if you use a wheelchair, some off-road Motorized wheelchairs can make this even more difficult, so you should take this into consideration when you're choosing what type of wheelchair to buy or where you are going to live if you use a wheelchair. You may however have to do some remodeling, if you want to be able to drive directly into a room, contact a Universal Access Consultant such as Inclusive Design to make sure that any adaptions you have done, will give you the most benefits, or Contact Us if you require any information about the different types of wheelchairs that are available in South Africa.

Unlocking & Opening Doors: When it comes to unlocking and opening doors, there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on the degree of your disability and the amount of money you have available to spend. Various solutions include:

Lowering the door handle: Door handles can be lowered or changed, so that they are easier reach and open. Straps can also be fitted to the door handle that can assist with this.
Installing number-code locks with key pads on your doors: They are easier to negotiate than keys and can allow you to provide access to the house to people if you can't get to the door. You can tell them the code over the phone.
Automatic door openers: There are a wide variety of different types of door openers available. This is dealt with in detail on our "Home Automation Page" on the "Door Openers" section.

Light Switches & Other Controls

Image Courtesy of Edit Microsystems

Light switches and other controls, like those used to control alarm system, music, heating, air conditioning, etc. can all be moved so that they can be reached and should not be below or above the reach of a persons who use a wheelchair.

Home Automation is another solution that allows older adults & persons with disabilities to control there environment. Homes that are automated are called Smart Homes, they offer the elderly and persons with disabilities a wide variety of benefits including:

Independence: By supplying the elderly or persons with disabilities control over their environment, they are able to gain independence and therefore re-gain their confidence and determination.
Safety: Smart Homes can also provide both older adults and persons with disabilities many different types of emergency assistance systems, security features, fall prevention, automated timers, & alerts. These systems allow for the individual to feel secure in their homes knowing that help is only minutes away. Smart home systems will make it possible for family members to monitor their loved ones from anywhere with an internet connection.

Thanks to these benefits and others the elderly are able to stay in their homes where they feel comfortable, instead of moving to a costly health care facility. If you decide to opt for Home Automation, you may want to consider a generator as a backup in case the power goes out, which is a real concern here in South Africa during these times. There are a variety of companies that specialize in the supply and installation of Home Automation products in South Africa. To find out more about the different types of Home Automation products and most common elements, please click the Home Automation button on the top left or on the link below.

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Multi-Story Homes

Unfortunately some persons who are staying in a home or apartment that has 2 or more floors (Multi-story home) may get a disability, or develop a Mobility Impairment as they get older. If this is the case, it often becomes difficult or impossible for them to maneuver from one floor to the next. Sometimes moving homes is not an option and the only alternative is the installation of some type of lift. There are 3 options to consider, they include:

The Stair Lift
Elevator or Lift
Platform Lift

There are various companies in South Africa that supply, install and service these types of equipment, you should get expert advice on what type of elevator or lift would best suit the building that you live in, as well as the type of disability that you have. Please click the "Hoists, Lifts & Transfer Aids" button on the top left or on the link below, to find out more about these types of products that are available in South Africa and the companies that sell them.

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Accessible Bedrooms

Creating an accessible bedroom is very important in retaining your independence, especially for those who use wheelchairs to move about. Many persons with mobility Impairments do not have the luxury of a lot of space, but putting a bit of thought into how you set-up and lay out your bedroom, along with using a variety of assistive devices, can improve your accessibility and help you become a lot more independent.

TV & Music: Most people including myself enjoy listening to music and watching movies and TV. A large screen Smart TV in the bedroom, that I can operate whether I am up in my wheelchair or lying in bed is a "must" for many persons with disabilities including myself. You should also consider setting up your TV, so that you can see and operate it, no matter which side you face when lying in bed. If you have a shortage of space, you may want to mount your TV on a wall. There are a wide variety of assistive devices, which we call "TV & Music Aids", that can assist you to operate this equipment, so that we enjoy these hobbies without to much extra assistance. Please click on the link below, to find out more about these types of products which are available in South Africa and the companies that sell them.

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Books & Reading: If you enjoy books and reading but have a Mobility Impairment, you may find it difficult to hold a book or turn pages. There are however a variety of Reading Aids which are available for persons with mobility impairments and elderly that can assist them to enjoy a book whether they are sitting up or lying in bed. Please click on the link below, to find out more about these types of products which are available in South Africa and the companies that sell them. Please click on the link below, to find out more about these types of products which are available in South Africa and the companies that sell them.

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Beds: Persons with Mobility Impairments often require various Pressure Care products to assist them to reduce the chance of developing pressure sores. One of these products that are very important, are Adjustable or Home Care Beds. These are especially useful for persons who you use a wheelchair and need assistance turning, you should also consider the size of the bed you require and how much room is needed around your bed so that you can get in and out of your wheelchair and onto the bed. Adjustable Beds are available in a variety of different models, types & sizes, Adjustable Double Beds are generally more expensive, but offer a lot of benefits, including pressure relief, turning with a Draw Sheet and allowing you to easily be able to work or eat a meal if laid up in bed. Please click on the link below, to find out more about these types of products which are available in South Africa and the companies that sell them. Please click on the link below, to find out more about these types of products which are available in South Africa and the companies that sell them.

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Transferring: Transferring from the bed to the wheelchair or visa-versa, may require a hoist. There are many different types and styles. Some Hoists are installed on the wall or ceiling, while others have wheels, which are used to roll the Hoist around the room. Depending on the type of Hoist you decide on, you may need more room, or some clearance under your bed. The type of transfer method you employ will dictate how much space you require around your bed, and where the bed is positioned. Find out more about the types of Hoists that are available. Please click on the link below, to find out more about these types of products which are available in South Africa and the companies that sell them.

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Work Space: Whether you work from home or go out to work, you should make sure that you have an accessible work space, with not only the right type of computer equipment to meet your needs, but also have some form of desk that is adjustable for you to work at th right height. Whether you use a laptop or desktop, you'll want a good, comfortable working area that is made at the perfect height, so that you can sit under the desk and move side-to-side. It should be raised at the right height to give you easy access to our telephone, keyboard, reading materials and remote controls. If you use a mouth stick, typing stick or voice operated software, you will want easy access to your assistive devices like headphones, mouth stick holder etc.

Please click on the link below, to find out more about these types of products which are available in South Africa and the companies that sell them, which also includes various types of desks.

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Accessible Bathrooms

Persons with Mobility Impairments, especially those who use wheelchairs generally require an Accessible Bathroom to be as independent as possible. An Accessible Bathroom is a special bathroom designed to accommodate persons with physical disabilities. An accessible en suite bathroom is very handy, as it not only gives you more privacy, but it also gives you quick access to a bathroom where you can lay out your accessories as you want them, the bathroom is attached to your bedroom which means that guests are less likely to use it. These Accessible Bathrooms can be designed to meet your specific needs and do not need to follow The National Standard for Building Regulations which Accessible Bathrooms in public buildings are required to follow, these are sometimes known as Disabled Toilets or Wheelchair Toilets.

These Accessible Public Toilets or Bathrooms can present accessibility challenges for some people who use Scooters or Wheelchairs, as these Assistive Devices are available in various sizes and need to be able to fit next to the toilet, so that transferring between the wheelchair and the toilet seat is possible. Accessible Toilets are designed to address these issues by providing more space and Grab Rails for users to be able to grab onto and hold during transfers.

The National Standard for Building Regulations makes laws that insure that new buildings are designed & built with a certain amount of Disabled Toilets in them and that these toilets are accessible for persons with various disabilities and need to meet certain regulations to be accessible to all persons with disabilities. If you are going to be altering or building a new complex, shopping centre, public building or business, you are required to contact a Universal Access Consultant such as Inclusive Design to make sure that your plans are compliant, please Contact Us if you need any assistance, or click on the link below to find out more about the National Standard for Building Regulations and other companies and organisations that can assist you.

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As mentioned above, Accessible Bathrooms in the home do not need to meet these same regulations, as public Accessible Toilets and Bathrooms, in that Public Bathrooms do not normally include a bath or shower and need to meet the needs of a wide variety different people. "Everybody is different", some people are happy to "Bed Bath", while others prefer to bath or shower. The type of Mobility Impairment you have, and your preference in your "bathroom routines", will determine what type of "Bathroom Aids" you will need, which will therefore determine what type bathroom adaption's need to be done. There are several alternatives, whether you prefer to bath or shower, please click on the link below, to find out more about these types of products which are available in South Africa and the companies that sell them.

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Bath: Some people with mobility impairments still prefer to bath. Many bathrooms come with baths already installed and therefore require less alterations. You may require Hand Rails to assist you to get in or out of the bath, but if you have a severe mobility Impairment, you may require a Bath Lift to get in and out the bath. There are a variety of different types of Bath Lifts available, you will need to choose one that is suited to you. some of these lifts are easy to install, while other Bath Lifts may require slight alterations to your bathroom to be able to install these lifts.

Shower: If you prefer to shower and you use a wheelchair, you may need to transfer onto a shower seat, or use a commode to be able to shower. Either way, you will probably need to do alterations to make the shower open plan and wheelchair friendly. If you do require an open plan bathroom, we recommended you consult a reputable builder and architect or universal access consultant who can help you design and build a bathroom that is safe and meets your particular needs.

Remember to make sure that the builder uses non-slip tiles on the floor and slope this floor correctly, so that the water drains away properly. To find more about the bathroom aids listed above, as well as number of other accessories that can assist you to make your bathroom more accessible.

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If you need advice or are unsure about what design would best suite you, we recommended you consult a Universal Access Consultant like Colette Fransolet - Inclusive Design, who can help you adapt your home to suite your particular needs.

Dave Lewis Guest Lodge

Finding Accessible Housing while traveling in and around South Africa can be difficult, but thanks to organizations such as QASA, and projects like "The Dave Lewis Guest Lodge", this dose not need to be a problem. The David Lewis Lodge is a guest Lodge facility owned by QASA. It is situated in Edenvale, Johannesburg and provides accessible accommodation for wheelchair users and also has support of equipment like hoists, commodes and specialised bedding. A semi pool, Jacuzzi and boma facility complement the Lodge. If you would like to make a booking or have any enquiries please contact Louise on: 031 767 0348 or louiseqasa@iafrica.com

Disclaimer

Please note that the FREE services and website that we offer is privately run & funded and is not run or funded by the Government. We therefore rely on advertising and donations to continue to supply and improve this Free service. The Companies, Clubs, Schools and Organizations that have their logos on this site, have advertised or made donations to the Website and have therefore assisted us be able to continue to offer this free Service. Please support them as they have supported Us and please contact us if you can advertise with us or would like to make a donation!

N.B: This Website is continually changing and being improved some sections may therefor be incomplete or have links and contact details that are outdated. We are making every effort to keep this to a minimum, so we ask for your patients in this regard and to please Contact Us if you notice that your Companies, Clubs, Schools or Organizations details are incorrect or have changed.

Thank you for visiting our website, we hope that it will be helpful, please feel free to visit our Facebook Page to leave a comment.

References

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Accessible Features & Disabled Parking Discs

Published on: May 6, 2016 | Author: Alan Downey

Contents: To jump to the topic you would like, click on the links below

Introduction
Organizations & Companies That Can Assist With Universal Design & Access
The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act
- Signage
- Disabled Toilets
- Ramps
- Disabled Parking Bays & Disabled Parking Discs
- Accessible Routes, Doors & Doorways
- Lifts
- Disabled Seating In Auditoriums, Grandstands & Halls
Links
Disclaimer
References

Introduction

Persons with disabilities are often excluded from many events, services, information, communication, products and venues because during the planning phases all users were not considered. This can be prevented by applying Universal Design Principals during the design phase. Government Regulations have been put in place in South Africa and around the world to try to make public places more accessible to persons with disabilities, including persons with Mobility Impairments. These government regulations are known as Accessible Features and they are meant to ensure that accommodation and transport is accessible and that equal opportunities and rights are available for persons with disabilities. In the article below, we will discuss the Accessible Features that have been introduced in order to make public places more accessible to persons with Mobility Impairments, as well as the companies and organizations that can assist to secure: funding, accessibility, safety, equal opportunities and equal rights for persons with disabilities.

Effective civil rights legislation is sought in order to secure the rights & access to public areas such as city streets, public buildings and restrooms. A noticeable change recently in some parts of the world is the installation of elevators, automatic doors, wide doors and corridors, transit lifts, wheelchair ramps, curb cuts, and the elimination of unnecessary steps where ramps and elevators are not available, allowing persons who use wheelchairs and other Mobility Aids to use public sidewalks and public transit easier and safely.

The Government often makes laws that insure that new buildings are designed & built with certain features to make them wheelchair friendly. These are known as The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which was amended and published by the Department of Trade and Industry in May 2008. Some parts of the Act Part S deals with facilities for persons with disabilities and directly affected the building industry. They include information about:

Disabled Toilets
Ramps
Disabled Parking Bays
Disabled Bays in Movie Theaters, Sports stadiums & Music Concerts

Unfortunately many buildings and most houses in South Africa were not designed and built to accommodate wheelchair users or the elderly. The owners of these buildings and houses may therefore be challenged by the need to find architects and renovators familiar with accessible design issues in order to make them accessible. There are however various Organizations and Companies that can assist with Universal Design and Access to make sure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from any events, services, information, communication, products and venues.

Organizations & Companies That Can Assist With Universal Design & Access

There are now various Organizations and Companies that specialize in Universal Design and Access and can advise you on how to adapt your building & environment to make sure that persons with disabilities have equal rights and no loss of dignity. The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA), Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting and Inclusive Design specialize in Universal Design and Access to make sure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from any events, services, information, communication, products and venues. These Organizations and Companies can assist in different ways including:

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD): believe that this can be prevented by applying Universal Design Principals during the design phase and they therefor offer the following services to assist:

Workshops for architects, developers and other building professionals to develop an understanding of universal design and access.
Facilitating access audits for new or existing buildings; echo e-access for the natural and communication environment. Audits are followed by a report indicating shortfalls and recommendations.
Marketing of facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities

Contact Fanie Swanepoel or Danie Marais for more information on Tel: +27 11 452 2774 or email them on: fanies@ncpd.org.za or danie@ncpd.org.za

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The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA): (QASA) is a non-profit organisation (NPO 000-881) of Quadriplegics and Paraplegics living in South Africa. QASA’s mission is to be an effective “co-ordinating, policy-making and supporting organisation striving to prevent spinal cord injury and to improve the lives of quadriplegics and paraplegics by securing resources to advocate, educate, capacitate, support and mobilise.”

QASA runs a number of Projects and Services and can assist with various issues relating to Universal Design & Access. The National Access Authority (NAA) provides a policing and advisory service for access issues and deals with access complaints and transgressions of the National Building Regulations. By promoting an accessible environment and taking to task, abuse of human rights, this project has ensured more accessible environments and promoted the concept of Universal design.

QASA is sustained by strategic relationships with corporates, social enterprise, the National Lottery Commission and a number of campaigns & events. Some of QASA’s projects generate revenue which services the essential non-revenue generating projects. Click on the link below to find out more about the Universal Design & Access services that they provide, or visit our Organizations - QASA Page to find out more about QASA & the other Projects & Services that they provide. You can also contact them through their website at www.qasa.co.za or read the article below to find out about Accessible Features & the other companies in South Africa that can assist you.

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Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting: Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting conducts Environmental Accessibility Audits designed to identify environmental barriers that could hinder access for Persons with a Disability. Our consultants will review your site, note potential barriers from a functional and safety perspective, and propose cost-effective solutions which can be actioned within short, medium and longer term time frames. Our reports are practical in nature, specific in the solutions offered, and allow for ease of use by all. Relevant to all environments, from corporate offices, manufacturing or industry sites, education facilities or hospitality environments, we can assist.

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Inclusive Design: is a company founded on the fundamentals of the South African Constitution and aims to serve as a driver of social inclusion for positive and effective change in the lives of people with diverse human needs. Our philosophy is guided by individual and shared needs of people and not that of special needs. Universal Design serves as a means in which to create and enhance the functionality of environments, services and products, for the widest range of users, recognizing diversity of the human condition. Inclusive Design as a company, recognises the importance of awareness raising and the dissemination of information on diversity and inclusion as an integral deliverable to achieve Universal Access and improving lives.

What we do:

1. BUSINESS CONCEPT:

Services:

Image Courtesy of Inclusive Design

Universal Access Consulting:

built environment (architecture and planning)
systems, services and operations
marketing, communication and information sharing (online, print media and presentations)
transport and all associated and supporting infrastructure and systems
Policy development, reviews and updates

Universal Access Auditing:

Image Courtesy of Inclusive Design

Universal Access Auditing can take place in numerous fields, including:

built environment (architecture and planning)- with the UA App™
systems, services and operation
marketing, communication and information sharing (online, print media and presentations)
transport and all associated and supporting infrastructure and system
policy and implementation plans

Universal Access Awareness:

Image Courtesy of Inclusive Design

Additional Services:

Disability Awareness Training (also known as Disability Awareness Training or Sensitisation)
Disability Specific Monitoring and Evaluation (Qualified M and E services)

Business Competitiveness:

If there are any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at Inclusive Design on Tel: +27 72 027 3623 or Email: colette@inclusivedesign.co.za Cape Town (HQ) ● Pretoria (Administration), or visit our website at: www.inclusivedesign.co.za

These Organizations and Companies listed above which specialize in Universal Design and Access will follow those standards set by "The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act" to make sure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from any events, services, information, communication, products and venues.

The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act

Some laws regarding Persons with disabilities, which are stated in "The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act" include:

Persons with disabilities should be able to safely enter the building (Ramps) and be able to safely use all the facilities within it – specifically toilets. (Disabled Toilets)
There must be a means of access that is suitable for people with disabilities to use. In addition, access must be available from various approaches of the building via the main entrance and any secondary entrances, and should lead to the ground floor.
There must be a means of egress (a point of departure) that is suitable for people with disabilities to use in the event of any sort of emergency. This relates to any sort of emergency, but in addition, a further clause states that departure routes (or egress) must also be designed in accordance with Part T of the regulations, namely the section that relates to Fire Protection.
Lifts in buildings must be able to serve the needs of disabled people. This includes ensuring that any commonly used “path of travel” MUST be free of any sort of obstacles that would limit, restrict or endanger people with disabilities who use that route. There must also be absolutely no obstacles that will prevent people with disabilities from accessing facilities within the building. The regulations refer specifically to people with impaired vision, but clearly they also relate to people in wheelchairs, or people who have trouble walking freely.
Buildings that incorporate halls or auditoriums for public use are obliged to ensure that a reasonable percentage of space is available for people in wheelchairs or other “assistive devices”. (Disabled Bays in Movie Theaters, Sports stadiums & Music Concerts)
The National Building Regulations also state that where there is parking available for more than 50 motor vehicles, there must be parking facilities that accommodate disabled persons. There is also an obligation to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with a suitable means of access from the parking area to the ground floor – or storey – of the building. (Disabled Parking Bays)

Signage

The International Symbol of Access (ISA), also known as the (International) Wheelchair Symbol, consists of a blue square overlaid in white with a stylized image of a wheelchair. It is maintained as an international standard, ISO 7001 image of the International Commission on Technology and Accessibility (ICTA)

The symbol is often seen where access has been improved, particularly for wheelchair users, but also for other disability issues. Frequently, the symbol shows the removal of environmental barriers, such as steps, to help the disabled, elderly, parents with baby carriages, and travellers. Universal design aims to obviate such symbols by creating products and facilities that are accessible to nearly all users from the start. The wheelchair symbol is "International" and therefore not accompanied by Braille in any particular language.

Specific uses of the ISA include:

Marking a parking space reserved for vehicles used by people with disabilities/blue badge holders
Marking a vehicle used by a person with a disability, often for permission to use a space
Marking a public lavatory with facilities designed for wheelchair users
Indicating a button to activate an automatic door
Indicating an accessible transit station or vehicle
Indicating a transit route that uses accessible vehicles

Providing clear and visible marking by using this accessible disabled sign is essential in making facilities visible for those who need them. The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations therefore makes laws that insure that new buildings are designed & build with a certain regulations, which includes regulations on Signage.

Facilities that are included in a building specifically for use by persons with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and platform or stair lifts, shall be indicated by the international symbol for access.

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Disabled Toilets

An accessible toilet is a special toilet designed to accommodate people with physical disabilities. They are sometimes known as Disabled Toilets.

Public toilets can present accessibility challenges for people with disabilities, such as those people in wheelchairs. Stalls may not be able to fit a wheelchair, and transferring between the wheelchair and the toilet seat may pose a challenge. Accessible toilets are designed to address these issues by providing more space and bars for users to grab and hold during transfers.

The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations makes laws that insure that new buildings are designed & build with a certain amount of Disabled Toilets.

In any building where facilities for persons with disabilities are required in terms of Regulation S1 (see annex A), there shall be one or more toilets or unisex toilet facilities suitable for use by wheelchair users.

People with disabilities should be able to safely enter the building (Ramps) and be able to safely use all the facilities within it – specifically toilets.

These Disabled Toilets:

follow certain regulations
Need larger floor space than other cubicles to allow space for a wheelchair to maneuver. This space is also useful for people who are not necessarily wheelchair users, but still need physical support from someone else.
Have a wheelchair-height changing table is also recommended, but remains rarely available. Accessible changing tables are low and accessible to a wheelchair user, and long enough for a caretaker to change an older child or adult with a disability.
Have a wheelchair-height toilet, to help the user on and off the toilet, with handles (grab bars)
Have an emergency alarm, in the form of a red cord that reaches the ground, connected to a buzzer and a flashing red light
Have a wheelchair-height sink and hand dryer.
Have wheelchair-width doors leading to it, allowing sufficient space for a wheelchair when a door is open.

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Ramps

A wheelchair ramp is an inclined plane installed in addition to or instead of stairs. Ramps permit wheelchair users, as well as people pushing strollers, carts, or other wheeled objects, to more easily access a building.

A wheelchair ramp can be permanent, semi-permanent or portable. Permanent ramps are designed to be bolted or otherwise attached in place. Semi-permanent ramps rest on top of the ground or concrete pad and are commonly used for the short term. Permanent and semi-permanent ramps are usually of aluminum, concrete or wood.

Ramps must be carefully designed in order to be useful. Many jurisdictions have established minimum widths and maximum slopes. A less steep rise can be easier for a wheelchair user to navigate, as well as safer in wet or icy conditions.

The South African National Standard for Building Regulations state that Wheelchair ramps (or other ways for wheelchair users to access a building, such as a wheelchair lift) are required in new construction for public accommodations in South Africa. They also state that these wheelchair Lifts & Ramps must meet certain regulations & requirements.

People with disabilities should be able to safely enter the building (Ramps) and be able to safely use all the facilities within it – specifically toilets. (Disabled Toilets)

There must be a means of access that is suitable for people with disabilities to use. In addition, access must be available from various approaches of the building via the main entrance and any secondary entrances, and should lead to the ground floor.

There must be a means of egress (a point of departure) that is suitable for people with disabilities to use in the event of any sort of emergency. This relates to any sort of emergency, but in addition, a further clause states that departure routes (or egress) must also be designed in accordance with Part T of the regulations, namely the section that relates to Fire Protection.

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Disabled Parking Bays & Disabled Parking Discs

One of the many "Accessible Features" that the government has introduced, is "Wheelchair Parking." The Government has introduced certain regulation that state, how many of these "Wheelchair Parking Bays" must be available & the size of the "Wheelchair Parking Bays"

The National Building Regulations state that where there is parking available for more than 50 motor vehicles, there must be parking facilities that accommodate disabled persons. There is also an obligation to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with a suitable means of access from the parking area to the ground floor – or storey – of the building.

These parking bays are not only close to the entrance, but are also wider than the average parking bay. Wheelchair parking bays are traditionally 3500mm wide to cater for a wheelchair user who needs the extra space to enter or exit the vehicle, thus enabling:

a wheelchair user to transfer into their wheelchair from their car.
It enables the helper of a severely disabled person to park the wheelchair next to the car so that they can lift the person from the car and place him into the wheelchair.
It also enables the helper of a severely disabled person to offload a person from a kombi in a wheelchair down ramps or with a wheelchair lift.

By having this extra space helps these transfers to be done safely for the wheelchair user & helps prevent the vehicle in the parking space next door from getting damaged.

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Accessible Routes & Doorways

An important part of accessibility is not only accessible parking spaces, passenger loading zones, ramps, Disabled Toilets & Lifts, etc but also insuring that there are various accessible routes from the public streets onto the pavements & to the accessible building entrance and to the facilities inside the building & visa versa. Appropriate accessible routes should also be made available for emergency exits. Accessible Routes include:

Ramps on & off the pavement
Wide enough walkways for a variety of size wheelchairs
No obstacles on these pathways
Wide doorways & turning areas, etc.

The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations passes laws that insure that new buildings & structures are designed & build with a certain regulations, which includes regulations on Accessible Routes.

There must be a means of access that is suitable for people with disabilities to use. In addition, access must be available from various approaches of the building via the main entrance and any secondary entrances, and should lead to the ground floor.

There must be a means of egress (a point of departure) that is suitable for people with disabilities to use in the event of any sort of emergency. This relates to any sort of emergency, but in addition, a further clause states that departure routes (or egress) must also be designed in accordance with Part T of the regulations, namely the section that relates to Fire Protection.

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Lifts

Thanks partly to the disability rights movement we have seen an improvement in building accessibility. With the installation of elevators or lifts buildings are now accessible even for those in a wheelchairs.

A lift (or elevator) is a form of vertical transportation between building floors, levels or decks, commonly used in offices, public buildings and other types of multi-storey accommodation. Lifts can be essential for providing vertical circulation, particularly in tall buildings, for wheelchair and other non-ambulant building users and for the vertical transportation of goods. Some lifts may also be used for firefighting and evacuation purposes.

The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations therefore makes laws that insure that new buildings are designed & build with a certain regulations, which includes Lifts & the regulations set aside for these Lifts.

There must be a means of egress (a point of departure) that is suitable for people with disabilities to use in the event of any sort of emergency. This relates to any sort of emergency, but in addition, a further clause states that departure routes (or egress) must also be designed in accordance with Part T of the regulations, namely the section that relates to Fire Protection.

Lifts in buildings must be able to serve the needs of disabled people. This includes ensuring that any commonly used “path of travel” MUST be free of any sort of obstacles that would limit, restrict or endanger people with disabilities who use that route. There must also be absolutely no obstacles that will prevent people with disabilities from accessing facilities within the building. The regulations refer specifically to people with impaired vision, but clearly they also relate to people in wheelchairs, or people who have trouble walking freely.

Read More: ....

Disabled Seating In Auditoriums, Grandstands & Halls

In South Africa & around the world buildings such as Auditoriums, grandstands, halls & sports stadiums are made wheelchair friendly by adding among other things, wheelchair platforms, so that wheelchair users can enjoy the event from their wheelchairs & also have a clear view of the stage, field, screen, etc.

Buildings where these "platforms" are build include:

Movie Theaters
Sports Stadiums
Music Concerts, etc

The South African Government through The South African National Standard for Building Regulations makes laws that insure that these type of buildings are designed & build with these wheelchair bays/platforms & that they meet certain regulations.

Buildings that incorporate halls or auditoriums for public use are obliged to ensure that a reasonable percentage of space is available for people in wheelchairs or other “Assistive Devices”. (Disabled Bays in Movie Theaters, Sports stadiums & Music Concerts)

Read More: ....

Links

To find Companies and Organizations that can assist you, visit our "Services & Service Providers" Search Facility on the following link: http://disabilityinfosa.co.za/search-for-info/services/. If you require any Products listed on this page, visit our "Products" search facility: http://disabilityinfosa.co.za/search-for-info/products-equipment/

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References

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Accessible Features

Published on: May 6, 2016 | Author: Alan Downey

Contents: To jump to the topic you would like, click on the links below

Introduction
Initiatives Introduced To Assist In Day To Day Activities
Building Regulations
Organizations & Companies That Can Assist With Universal Design & Access
The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act
- Signage
  - Signage Regulations
- Disabled Toilets
- Ramps
  - Ramp Design Regulations
- Stairways
- Handrails
- Accessible Routes, Doors & Doorways
  - External and Internal Circulation
- Lifts
Links
Disclaimer
References

Introduction

There are a lot of incredible initiatives out there that are improving the lives of persons with Visual Impairments by providing them with assistance to be able to complete day to day activities, including traveling and being able to live independently. Government Regulations have been put in place in South Africa and around the world to try to make public places more accessible to persons with disabilities, including persons with Visual Impairments. The Government makes laws that insure that new buildings and surrounding areas are designed & built with certain features such as Tactile Paving, to make pavements and buildings more accessible, these are known as The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which was amended and published by the Department of Trade and Industry in May 2008.

These "initiatives" and the "Government Regulations" which have been introduced, are collectively known on this website as "Accessible Features" and are there to ensure that buildings, accommodation and transport is accessible and that equal opportunities and rights are available for persons with disabilities. In the article below, we will discuss the Accessible Features which have been introduced in South Africa to assist persons with Visual Impairments to gain independence, as well as the companies and organizations that are available to assist them.

Initiatives Introduced To Assist In Day To Day Activities

There are a wide variety of initiatives and laws which have been introduced through out the world and in South Africa to assist persons with Visually Impairments to live and travel independently and to be able to complete daily tasks and activities, such as Traveling, Shopping, Eating Out and Moving From Point A To Point B. These initiatives help to ensure that equal opportunities and rights are available to persons with Visual Impairments, they include:

Money - Distinct Shapes & Raised Patterns On Our Coins & Notes
Service Dogs and Guide Dogs - Rules & Regulations (allowing them in restaurants, public transportation, aeroplanes, etc.)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Braille Atlas
Audible Traffic Lights.
Tactile Paving
Building Regulations that assist the Blind

Please read the article below to find out more about these initiatives and how they can assist the Blind and persons with Visually Impairments.

Money - Distinct Shapes & Raised Patterns On Our Coins & Notes

In South Africa and in many other countries around the world, both Coins and Bank Notes have been designed and made to include distinct features so that Persons who are Blind are able to tell the different coins and notes apart. The South African National Council for the Blind was fully consulted by the South African Reserve Bank in the process for creating the new Mandela Series bank notes to ensure that the notes were made to be accessible to persons with Visual Impairments. A team from the Reserve Bank also held a workshop to ensure that all sectors of the visually impaired community received training and information regarding the new notes. The new notes are the same size and colouring as the old notes (just brighter) , so the Money Sticks which are used by some persons with Visual Impairments, will still work accurately.

Bank Notes

The South African Bank Notes are different lengths and have: one, two, three, four or five raised diamond shapes in the middle of the bottom half of the notes to enable blind people to identify them as R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 respectively. For the benefit of the partially sighted, the Reserve Bank has also introduced geometric shapes on the front of the banknotes. The R10 note features a diamond, the R20 a square, the R50.00 a circle, the R100.00 a 'flat' hexagon and the R200.00 a 'honey comb' hexagon.

For quick and easy reference money templates are also used to measure banknotes, these money templates come in various styles, including an aluminium device and a cardboard one, which can also be used to store the banknotes. Money templates are available to purchase from organizations such as the Guide Dogs Association of South African, Blind SA, or the South African National Council for the Blind. Contact them to receive a quote, or visit Blind SA to see how to use the Cardboard Template.

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Coins

A coin for example has six distinct features by which it can be identified. These include the: size; thickness; shape, as they are not all are entirely round; pattern of grooves round the edge; the sound it makes when dropped onto a table and the raised picture on the face.

We have 9 coins in South Africa:

The 1; 2; 5 and 10 Cents are almost never used now.
The 20 cent and 50 cents are all identifiable by continuous serration on the edges. These are called “copper” coins and have a different feel from the “silver rand value coins.
There are two types of 5 Rand coins, the latest and preferable one is unique in that it is thicker and has an interesting edging which includes complete serration as well as a groove running around it; it feels like two coins joined together.
The 1 Rand, 2 Rand and the old 5 Rand coins are distinguishable from Cent coins in that their serration around the edge is broken by smooth edging as well.

Size is also important:

The 10 Cent and 1 Cent are the smallest while the 5 Rand coin is the largest
The 50 cent coin is slightly larger than the 1 Rand but can easily be told apart by the difference in serration, which has been mentioned above.

Equipment is also available to help persons who are Blind to store their coins and distinguish between them, this equipment includes:

Plastic Coin Selectors: are also used for quick and easy reference, as the plastic unit has places for South African coins which enables you to handily store your coins in one unit. These plastic coin selectors are available from organizations such as South African National Council for the Blind. You can contact them to find out more or to receive a quote.

Service Dogs and Guide Dogs - Rules & Regulations

Guide Dogs and Service Animals are trained to assist persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired to get from point A to point B faster and safer. Service animals are defined as animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for persons with disabilities, they are working animals and not pets, so the work or task that the animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person's disability. In several countries, including South Africa, Service Dogs and Guide Dogs are exempt from regulations against the presence of animals in places such as restaurants, public transportation and aeroplanes. To find out more about Guide Dogs and the Organizations that train and provide them, as well as these rules and regulations, click on the link below.

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The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

The internet and Websites can be very valuable, when websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them, but currently many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or impossible for some people to use, especially persons with disabilities. Making the web accessible benefits individuals, businesses, and society. International web standards define what is needed for accessibility.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, often abbreviated to WCAG, are a series of guidelines for improving web accessibility. Produced by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the WCAG are the best means of making your website useful to all of your users. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops international Web standards: HTML, CSS, and many more. W3C’s Web standards are called W3C Recommendations. All W3C standards are reviewed for accessibility support by the Accessible Platform Architectures (APA) Working Group. The W3C standards and Working Group Notes introduced below are particularly relevant to accessibility.

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Braille Atlas

The Department of Land Affairs has achieved yet another milestone in advancing the implementation of its disability strategy by producing the first ever Braille atlas of maps covering South Africa. The decision to produce the SA Braille Atlas was taken in terms of the departmental disability strategy and the constitutional right of access to information by disabled persons. The Pioneer School for the Blind and the Pioneer Printing Works in Worcester played a key role in assisting the cartographers of CDSM during the preliminary stages of the atlas production. Many issues arose concerning the size and format of tactile maps and how the blind user is able to assimilate information. During the initial stages, interviews and workshops were held with pupils and teachers at the Pioneer School for the Blind and based on recommendations from them, it was decided to produce an atlas rather than a single map. The blind user relies on variances in the texture of the tactile image. This atlas is primarily intended as an educational tool for blind persons who can read Braille. In terms of the Constitution and the right of access to information by people with disabilities, this publication will enable the blind in South Africa to be in touch with the world.

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Audible Traffic Signals

Audible traffic signals exist in some countries overseas and also in South Africa in various cities including Johannesburg and Cape Town. The device, known as the "Audio Tactile Pedestrian Detector", had its origins in Australia where it has been used for more than 20 years to assist those who cannot see the green pedestrian crossing symbol at traffic lights. The device transmits an audible signal and will also vibrate when the pedestrian green man traffic light symbol is switched on. There is an arrow that shows the direction to cross and then there is both the vibration and the sound. The device is able to measure Ambient Noise and increase its own buzzer level always to be above the surrounding noise that might be a distraction.

The system has two components, a post- mounted weather proof box, and the audio tactile button assembly. The push button assembly accommodates the tactile transducer fitted to the front plate and also houses the audio signal transmitter. The newly installed traffic signal system provides sound alerts, push buttons and LED lane lights at the intersection, that are able to ensure that visually impaired pedestrians crossing the road are well assisted by the new technology.

The traffic lights are designed with sound and touch push buttons which communicate reliable information to visually impaired pedestrians to enhance their safety whilst crossing the street. The audible push button gives a loud signal alerting the visually impaired when it is green for them to cross, and when it is no longer safe to enter the intersection.

Lane lights, built into the road surface, serve as an additional warning to motorists that the traffic light is red and that they need to stop. These lane lights for the pedestrian crossing are highly visible as brightness is automatically adjusted to light intensity.

Unfortunately these Audible traffic signals are not currently available throughout South Africa and the current Standard traffic lights do not cater for the visually impaired, but this new innovation will improve lives, as the blind will be able to press the button on the traffic lights and hear when it is safe to cross the road on their own, so it is hoped that this innovation will catch on through the rest of South Africa.

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Tactile Paving

Tactile Paving is used in many cities around the world, including cities in and around South Africa. Tactile Paving (also called truncated domes) is a system of textured ground surface indicators found on footpaths, pavements, stairs and train station platforms to assist pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired to navigate cities and be more independent and mobile. Tactile paving units are like braille for pavements and was originally instituted at pedestrian crossings and other hazardous road situations by Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia and then United States in the early 1990s. Tactile Paving can now be found in many countries around the world and in most cities in South Africa, the paving is also available to purchase from various companies in South Africa.

These Tactile Pavings provide a distinctive surface pattern of truncated domes, cones or bars which are detectable by a long cane or underfoot, they are used to alert persons with Visually Impairments of approaching streets and a hazardous surface or grade changes. These raised bumps and ridges help guide people down sidewalks and across intersections, the raised ridges denote pathways (longer stretches between stops and changes), while raised domes are used to indicate a stop or change (e.g. the presence of an intersection or edge or a shift in direction).

In South Africa the use of Tactile Paving is recommended and specified in "The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act" below:

4.4.3 Obstructions in the path of travel NOTE 2: The recommended surface between a pavement and roadway is a ramp fitted with tactile guidance surface indicators. This provides a safe and trafficable surface for wheelchair users, and a detectable surface to indicate to persons with visual impairments that they are leaving a pedestrian footpath and entering a traffic roadway.

In many cases Tactile Pavings work well and are very important tools to assist the Blind and persons with Visual Impairments, it is however very important that strict guidelines are met when installing this paving: Tactile Guidance on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces but in some places where Tactile Pavings are not laid out correctly, they no longer provide assistance but instead become very hazardous.

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Building Regulations

To View full List of Building Regulations, Click Here: Regulations for facilities for Disabled Pdf.

Effective civil rights legislation is sought in order to secure the rights & access to public areas such as city streets and public buildings and restrooms. Some parts of the Act Part S deals with facilities for persons with disabilities, including the Blind, which has directly affected the building industry. Building Regulations are part of the Accessible Features which have been introduced by mostly the Government, to make public buildings more accessible to people with disabilities, including the Blind. These Regulations include public areas such as city streets, public buildings, shops and restrooms.

Unfortunately many persons with disabilities including the Blind, are often still excluded from many events, services, information, communication, products and venues, because during the planning phases, all users were not considered. There are however various Organizations and Companies that can assist.

Organizations & Companies That Can Assist With Universal Design & Access

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA), Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting and Inclusive Design specialize in Universal Design and Access to make sure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from any events, services, information, communication, products and venues. These Organizations and Companies that can assist in different ways including:

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD): believe that this can be prevented by applying Universal Design Principals during the design phase and they therefor offer the following services to assist:

Workshops for architects, developers and other building professionals to develop an understanding of universal design and access.
Facilitating access audits for new or existing buildings; echo e-access for the natural and communication environment. Audits are followed by a report indicating shortfalls and recommendations.
Marketing of facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities

Contact Fanie Swanepoel or Danie Marais for more information on Tel: +27 11 452 2774 or email them on: fanies@ncpd.org.za or danie@ncpd.org.za

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The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA): Can assist with various issues relating to Universal Design & Access. The National Access Authority (NAA) provides a policing and advisory service for access issues and deals with access complaints and transgressions of the National Building Regulations. By promoting an accessible environment and taking to task, abuse of human rights, this project has ensured more accessible environments and promoted the concept of Universal design.

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What we do:

1. BUSINESS CONCEPT:

Services:

Image Courtesy of Inclusive Design

Universal Access Consulting:

built environment (architecture and planning)
systems, services and operations
marketing, communication and information sharing (online, print media and presentations)
transport and all associated and supporting infrastructure and systems
Policy development, reviews and updates

Universal Access Auditing:

Image Courtesy of Inclusive Design

Universal Access Auditing can take place in numerous fields, including:

built environment (architecture and planning)- with the UA App™
systems, services and operation
marketing, communication and information sharing (online, print media and presentations)
transport and all associated and supporting infrastructure and system
policy and implementation plans

Universal Access Awareness:

Image Courtesy of Inclusive Design

Additional Services:

Disability Awareness Training (also known as Disability Awareness Training or Sensitisation)
Disability Specific Monitoring and Evaluation (Qualified M and E services)

Business Competitiveness:

These Organizations and Companies listed above which specialize in Universal Design and Access will follow those standards set by "The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act" below to make sure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from any events, services, information, communication, products and venues.