Articles
Issue 9: Reception desks and counters
Extract from the Human Rights Commission website: © Australian Human Rights Commission
ISSUE 9:
Reception desks and counters
Importance of the feature
While not an issue covered by the BCA many reception desks and counters are far too high for people with disabilities who use wheelchairs or for people who are of short stature.
Issue 8: Door thresholds
Extract from the Human Rights Commission website: © Australian Human Rights Commission
ISSUE 8:
Door thresholds
Importance of the feature
Door thresholds (steps) at the entrances to businesses present access problems for people who use wheelchairs and those with ambulant disabilities who have difficulty lifting their feet whilst progressing along their path of travel. The application of step ramps or threshold ramps where there is a small change in level ensures a relatively comfortable access solution into these premises.
Issue 7: Door opening requirements
Extract from the Human Rights Commission website: © Australian Human Rights Commission
ISSUE 7:
Door opening requirements
Importance of the feature
The opening of doors can be extremely difficult for many people with disabilities. Many doors require excessive forces to push/pull the door open. Often incorrect door furniture is used that does not allow people with hand or arm impairments to effectively operate the door mechanism.
This is especially so if a door closer is attached that does not meet the appropriate specifications. If the door is of a heavy construction or is located where the wind pressure may make opening difficult it may be most appropriate to fit an automatic door opening system.
Issue 6: Visual indicators on fully glazed doors and side lights
Extract from the Human Rights Commission website: © Australian Human Rights Commission
ISSUE 6:
Visual indicators on
fully glazed doors and side lights
Importance of the feature
The application of visual indicators on fully glazed doors and sidelights is to inform all members of the community, particularly those with a vision impairment of the presence of the fully glazed panels in their path of travel.
Many people with a vision impairment have a depth of field limitation, which requires them to focus their attention 1 to 2 metres ahead of them as they proceed along a path of travel, which results in them looking down at an angle of 45 – 50 degrees. This also allows them to choose a safe path of travel.
Issue 5: Handrails and kerb rails on ramps
Extract from the Human Rights Commission website: © Australian Human Rights Commission
ISSUE 5:
Ramp handrails and kerbs or kerb rails.
Importance of the feature
Handrails and kerbs or kerb rails on ramps are important to people with a range of disabilities, for example, people who are blind or vision impaired, people with a mobility disability and people who have an intellectual disability or brain injury.
Two handrails are required as some people may not have the use of both hands in which case they may need to use either the left or right handrail. Kerb rails are required to reduce the chances of people who use wheelchairs running off the edge of the ramp or catching their toe plate behind the handrail supports and as a result tipping out of their chair.
Issue 4: Open risers and overhanging treads on stairways
Extract from the Human Rights Commission website: © Australian Human Rights Commission
ISSUE 4:
Open risers and overhanging treads on stairways
Importance of the feature
Open risers in stairways cause particular access difficulties for people with a vision impairment, especially if there is a light source coming from behind the stairs. Open risers or overhanging treads/goings that result in lips on each step also make upwards movement very difficult for people with mobility disabilities who are able to use stairs.
Open risers can cause people with certain types of vision impairment to experience vertigo as they ascend a flight of stairs due to the strobing effect of the stair treads/goings and the light between each tread/going.
People using walking sticks can also experience difficulties if their stick slides from the step into the opening. People who have a prosthesis or a disability that limits limb movement face a much greater risk of catching their toes under the lip and losing balance when trying to retrieve their foothold.