Barriers and Accessibility

Question 1

definition of accessibility?

Answer 1

degree to which a person with an impairment can get to, enter, and use a building or area surrounding a facility.

Question 2

definition of barriers?

Answer 2

• implies that there is an obstruction that blocks the progress of a person
• > Example: a single stair can create a barrier for a person in a wheelchair or someone using a stroller

Question 3

what are the 2 types of barriers?

Answer 3

Intrinsic:
permanent or temporary limitations that reside within the individual

Extrinsic:

• external forces that block participation
• environmental
• communication

Question 4

what are intrinsic barriers?

Answer 4

• lack of knowledge
• social ineffectiveness
• health problems
• physical & psychological dependency
• skill/challenge gap

Question 5

what are extrinsic barriers? (environmental)

Answer 5

attitude:

• negative
• paternalistic
• apathetic
• architectural
• ecological
• transportation
• economic
• rules & regulation
• barriers of omission

Question 6

what are some access questions to raise?

Answer 6

-Have architectural barriers been removed?
exteriors, entrances, ramps, elevators, washrooms
-Are common areas and meeting rooms designed to provide the most integrated setting possible?
- Have clients had a chance to address concerns about special needs and access?
- Are auxiliary aids and services available?
-Are shuttle services equipped with lifts?
-Are volunteers equipped to assist people with disabilities?

Question 7

what are important things to access (to make it easier for disabled people) ?

Answer 7

• dimensions/space
• signage
• parking, loading zones
• walkways, aisles, trails
• furnishings
• surfaces
• ticket booths
• seating areas
• exterior & entrances
• ramps, stairs, elevators, railings
• rest rooms

Question 8

what are things to consider for visual impairment? (to make it easier for them)

Answer 8

• large print signs on non glossy surfaces
• contrast between letters and background
• signs marked in Braille
• tactile markings (phones, elevators, etc)
• overall lighting
• stairways well lit and have handrails that span the entire -stairway
• textured floor material placed at the edge of the stairway
• high contrast color at the edge of the stairway
• contrast lines on the edge of sidewalk
• auditory traffic signals
• auditory elevators

Question 9

what are things to consider for hearing impairment? (to make it easier for them)

Answer 9

• assistive listening devices
• sign language interpretation
• volume control on public telephones
• visual fire alarms, telephones

Question 10

what are things to consider for physical impairment? (to make it easier for them)

Answer 10

• counter heights
• handles – height and style
• room, entrance, and elevator dimensions
• ramps – non slip, gradual incline, unobstructed
• transportation & parking
• bathrooms

Question 11

how to overcome barriers?

Answer 11

• Foster empowerment
• Incorporate barrier free designs into all planning processes
• Acquire knowledge of specific accessibility standards
• Include people with disabilities in the planning
• Facilitate communication
• Exceed standards when possible
• Extend access beyond the parking lot
• Extend access to the outdoors
• Check that promotion is not only in print format
• Make sure all doorways and traffic path openings are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs
• Check for handrails and raised toilet seats in the bathrooms
• Look for ramps, parking spaces, fire alarms in both audio and visual as well as any other items that may be required
• Attend to visual & auditory accommodations
• Consider practicalities and aesthetics in the planning