Public access pathways need to be accessible to persons with disability. In order to facilitate access the following should be considered:
- there should be a continuous and clear path of travel to and within a building
- pathways and walkways should be wide enough to allow access to those using a wheelchair or walking frames
- the pathway gradient should not be too steep, with ramps and landings meeting Australian Standards
- there should be good overhead clearance, which is particularly important for those persons who are blind or vision impaired
- there should be good signage with large print and adequate contrast, to indicate the layout of the building
- provision of handrails, safety curbs, tactile ground indicators, and slip resistant floor coverings should be considered to promote safety and access to pathways.
The primary Australian Standard relating specifications for pathways is
AS 1428.1—Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building works. Further information is also available under the Access to buildings and services guidelines and information link below (the following link will open in a new window):
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Employers have a responsibility to allow reasonable access to the workplace for their employees. Section 23 of the Disability Discrimination Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against persons with a disability, by not providing access for use of public premises. Employers may need to implement some building modifications to ensure they meet their legal obligations to provide access.
The following links may be useful when providing access to a building for persons with a disability:
References
Standards Australia 2001, AS 1428.1, Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Australian Human Rights Commission 2007, Access to buildings and services: Guidelines and information, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 8 March 2011,
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/guidelines.htm.
Australian Human Rights Commission 2007, Access to premises, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 8 March 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/access_to_premises.html.