View
216
Download
1
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
Accessible and Barrier Free Work
Environments for Persons with Disabilities
Accessibility Survey of Handicap International Belgium
Offices in Vientiane and Sepon
HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL BELGIUM, LAO PDR
February 2013
Conducted by Donna Koolmees
Consultant for Handicap International Belgium
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 2
ACRONYMS
DPO Disabled Persons Organisation
DRET Disability Rights Equality Training
HIB Handicap International Belgium
INGO International Non-Government Organisation
LDPA Lao Disabled Persons Association
MCH Maternal Child Health
PWD Persons with Disabilities
UXO Unexploded Ordnance
Index of Tables
Table 1: Barriers and recommended modifications for Sepon District Office 5-6
Table 2: Barriers and recommended modifications for main office, Vientiane Capital 6-8
Table 3: Specifications for fully accessible entrance at main office 10
Table 4: Specifications for ramp at main double doors 10
Table 5: Specifications for ramp at kitchen entrance 10
Table 6: Specifications for handrails for steps at front office entrance 11
Table 7: Specifications for bathrooms 12
Table 8: Specifications for designated disabled parking spaces 13
Table 9: Specifications for floor markers for visually impaired 13-14
Table 10: Specifications for ramp at main entrance of MCH office, Sepon 14
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 3
CONTENTS 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
2 Methodology ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 International Guidelines and Standards of Accessibility ............................................................................ 4
2.2 Survey process ............................................................................................................................................. 5
3 Office Accessibility .............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 District Office, Sepon ................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Main office, Vientiane capital...................................................................................................................... 6
4 CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
5 Annexes ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
Annex 1: Technical Specifications for modifications at vientiane office .......................................................... 9
Specifications for fully accessible ramped entrance ..................................................................................... 9
Specifications for ramp at front double doors ............................................................................................ 10
specifications for ramp at kitchen entrance ............................................................................................... 10
Specifications for handrails for steps at front office entrance ................................................................... 11
Specifications for bathrooms ....................................................................................................................... 12
Specifications for designated disabled parking spaces ............................................................................... 13
Specifications for floor markers for visually impaired ................................................................................ 13
Specifications for signage ............................................................................................................................ 14
Annex 2: Technical Specifications for modifications at Sepon District Office................................................ 14
Specifications for ramp at main entrance to MCH office ........................................................................... 14
Annex 3: Accessibility Assessment checklist ................................................................................................... 15
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 4
1 INTRODUCTION Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, Handicap International
Belgium (HIB) takes action and raises awareness in order to respond to persons with disabilities
(PwD) essential needs, to improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and
fundamental rights. A barrier free environment is a basic right and is a space that allows for free and
safe movement, function and access for all regardless of age, sex or condition. HIB have been
providing Disability Rights and Equality Training (DRET) to local and international organizations
including raising awareness of environmental barriers and advocating for accessible environments to
ensure the inclusion of PwD.
As a focal organization within the disability sector HIB is a role model for other organizations
therefore supports the improvement of HIB offices to ensure barrier free environments for HIB staff,
partners and stakeholders, and project beneficiaries. HIB actively encourages the recruitment of
PwD and currently employs several Lao nationals with physical impairments. This includes men and
women whom have difficulty with walking or using their upper limbs. Some staff use assistive
devices such as crutches and adapted transportation i.e. tricycle. There are currently no staff using
wheelchairs, or with visual or hearing impairment. However, HIB regularly collaborate with a variety
of stakeholders within the disability sector including government, INGO and DPOs such as Lao
Disabled People’s Association (LDPA), Association of the Blind, and Association of the Deaf.
Consequently people with a variety of impairments access the HIB offices during meetings and other
project activities. Therefore an accessibility survey was requested to determine barriers and
potential environmental modifications to ensure PwD can access and use office facilities as fully as
possible.
2 METHODOLOGY
2.1 INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS OF ACCESSIBILITY
There are many international guidelines and standards available with varying parameters for
accessibility. Based on the context of Lao PDR this survey has utilised the following guidelines which
focus on accessibility in developing countries thus provide appropriate parameters for accessibility.
Both these guidelines incorporate international standards into their accessibility recommendations.
UNNATI-Organisation for Development Education and Handicap International (2004) Design
Manual for a Barrier Free Built Environment [Used in India & Indonesia program]
Handicap International France (2008) How to build an accessible environment in
developing countries [Used in Cambodia Program]
Minimum standards have been identified within these guidelines and have been applied during the
accessibility survey. These standards are deemed as essential.
At least one accessible entrance to the building
At least one accessible bathroom
At least one accessible office space
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 5
Modifications have been suggested for each barrier identified. Modifications have been prioritized
as essential i.e. needed to meet minimum standards, cost effective and/ or minor changes and
desirable i.e. requires motivation and budget.
2.2 SURVEY PROCESS
HIB identified two offices requiring an accessibility survey. This included the main office in Vientiane
Capital used by all project staff, and Sepon District office, Savannahket Province used by two
projects; UXO team and Maternal Child Health (MCH) team. The consultant, an occupational
therapist, completed a technical survey of both buildings taking photographic evidence and building
measurements of all external entrances, internal office spaces and facilities to determine if the work
environments complied with international accessibility standards. Unfortunately, sections of the
UXO office were unavailable during the survey. However photographs were taken at a later date and
building measurements were comparable with the MCH office.
The survey process included a participative component involving HIB staff and stakeholders to
analyse the accessibility of the offices and to ensure their needs are being met. HIB staff and
stakeholders were consulted to identify barriers and potential solutions to improve the
environment. In Sepon a one to one interview was conducted with one male staff. In Vientiane a
discussion group was conducted with seven PwD including HIB staff and representatives from LDPA,
Association of the Deaf and Association of the Blind. Data collected encompassed the collective
experiences and opinions of people with physical, visual and hearing impairment.
Data from the technical survey and perspectives of HIB staff and stakeholders was collated and
presented to a key group of staff from the HIB office including Director, Regional Coordinator,
Disability Advisor and Logistics Coordinator. The following sections provide information on the
identified barriers, potential modifications and technical specifications needed to create a barrier
free environment.
3 OFFICE ACCESSIBILITY
3.2 DISTRICT OFFICE, SEPON
Barrier Modification Priority Inaccessible main entrance to MCH office
Remove larger stones and ensure gravel surface is even
Essential to meet minimum standards
Ramp ideally at 5% gradient (not exceeding 8%) Specifications: height of step= 12cm, length of ramp=240cm
Shoe rack to ensure entrance is clear at MCH and UXO office
Essential (minor change)
Push down handles fitted (like internal doors) to ease manipulation to open and close
Desirable
Office space inaccessible for wheelchair users
Ensure at least one office has a door minimum accessible width (90cm)
Essential to meet minimum standards *
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 6
Inaccessible bathroom for wheelchair users in MCH and UXO office
Ensure bathroom door is a minimum accessible width (90cm)
Essential to meet minimum standards*
Ramp small step Height=3cm, Length= 40cm Increase space of bathroom (a toilet cubicle should have minimum internal dimension 140cm x 175cm, with 90cm clear space next to the toilet)
Fit grab rails next to toilet (80-90cm from floor level)
Essential
Reduce height of towel rail to between 90-120cm Reduce mirror height so bottom edge no more than 100cm height at an angle of 15.5 from vertical
Desirable
Inaccessible kitchen for wheelchair users
Change position of table and storage of equipment to increase access to kitchen facilities
Essential (minor change)
Inaccessible light switches for wheelchair users
Switches lowered to between 70-120cm Desirable
Lack of signage Clear signage of main entrances in simple language and braille
Desirable
Table 1: Barriers and recommended modifications for Sepon District Office
*To meet minimum standards these modifications are defined as essential. However there is currently no staff using wheelchairs at Sepon District Office. Creating an accessible bathroom would require significant costs since the current bathrooms are too small and impractical to modify without major re-construction to create a larger space for wheelchair maneuverability. Therefore HIB need to decide whether to re-prioritise this modification to desirable, and pursue modifications once they have staff using wheelchairs in Sepon District office. Specifications for accessible bathrooms for wheelchair users are available in Annex 1.
3.2 MAIN OFFICE, VIENTIANE CAPITAL
Technical specifications are available in Annex 1 for all modifications
Barrier Modification Priority
Upstairs office space negatively impacting health (pain) of HIB staff with mobility impairment due to repeated journeys up and down stairs
Option 1: Create office space downstairs for staff with mobility impairments Option 2: Provide necessary facilities upstairs to reduce number of journeys up/downstairs in one day i.e. drinking facilities, photocopier, printer, functional bathroom NB: Option 1 is the preferred as will also allow accessibility for staff using wheelchairs in the future
Essential *
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 7
Inaccessible parking areas and lack of designated spaces
Create designated disabled parking space for one tricycle and one car for HIB staff. Choose designated parking space in collaboration with staff user
Essential
Create one designated parking space for visitors close to fully accessible entrance
Essential (minor change)
Clear signage for designated parking spaces (on floor and sign)
Desirable
Inaccessible main entrance Ramp uneven edge from main drive to front path
Essential to meet
minimum
standards
Put handrails on main steps to assist persons
with visual and mobility impairments
Remove current hazardous wooden ramp Create one fully accessible ramped entrance
ideally at the front of the building.
Decrease gradient of ramp at main front double doors
Provide chair at main entrance to assist mobility
impaired to take off and put on shoes
Essential (minor change)
Inaccessible bathroom for wheelchair users
Remove table in office to ensure free route to toilet entrance
Essential to meet minimum standards
Increase door width
Lower light switch
Fit grab rails next to toilet
Raise floor level by 11cm to enable level access (with slight slope in corner for drainage)
Reduce height of towel rail and mirror
Desirable
Inaccessible kitchen Ramp small 10cm step at entrance of kitchen Essential
Cluttered office space and hazardous obstacles for visually impaired
Safely store wires in meeting room for electronic equipment so off floor and/or use a WiFi connection between laptop and projector
Essential (minor change)
Create free passages throughout the office and store office materials more efficiently
Essential (minor change)
Inaccessible kitchen facilities
Re-position glasses and cups so can be easily reached for persons with mobility impairments
Essential (minor change)
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 8
Lack of floor markers for visually impaired
Textured marking strip at top and bottom of stairs, and nose of each step marked with contrasting colour and preferably texture
Desirable
Lack of signage at entrance and throughout office
Clear signage of main entrance and all rooms in simple language and Braille
Desirable
Inaccessible entrance to logistic department for wheelchair users
Move equipment so both doors can be opened to increase door width for a wheelchair
Desirable
Fire evacuation procedures do not incorporate plan for staff with mobility impairment
Review fire evacuation procedures and incorporate safety measures to support staff with mobility impairments to leave the building quickly and safely
Essential
Table 2: Barriers and recommended modifications for main office, Vientiane Capital
*One HIB staff reported experiencing pain from repeatedly walking up and down stairs to access
office facilities. It is imperative to address this matter due to the negative impact on staff health.
4 CONCLUSIONS
Based on the recommendations above the HIB team need to create an action plan, prioritise
modifications needs, devise a budget and identify costs required. It is important to continue to
consult with HIB staff when completing building improvements so they can be involved to ensure it
meets their needs. It is suggested that once building improvements are completed that feedback is
collected from PwD to ascertain the impact on accessibility.
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 9
5 ANNEXES
ANNEX 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR MODIFICATIONS AT VIENTIANE OFFICE
SPECIFICATIONS FOR FULLY ACCESSIBLE RAMPED ENTRANCE
The minimum clear width of the ramp should be 900mm
Handrails should be provided on both sides of the ramp. The top of the handrail should be 800-900mm above the ramp surface and be parallel to the floor.
The ideal gradient for the ramp is 5% and should not exceed 8%.
Option 1: Front Entrance Height of ramp at front of office = 72cm
Ideal length of ramp (5% )= 1440cm
Minimum length (8%)=900cm
NB: Current space at the front of the office only allows for a ramp 680cm at a gradient of 10.5% that does not meet international standards.
Option 2: Back of Office Height of steps at back of office= 48cm
Ideal length of ramp (5%)= 960cm
Minimum length (8%)= 600cm
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 10
Table 3: Specifications for fully accessible entrance at main office
SPECIFICATIONS FOR RAMP AT FRONT DOUBLE DOORS
Ideal ramp gradient 5% not exceeding 8%
Height = 16.5cm
Ideal Length= 330cm Minimum length (8% gradient)= 200cm
Table 4: Specifications for ramp at main double doors
SPECIFICATIONS FOR RAMP AT KITCHEN ENTRANCE
Ideal ramp gradient 5% not exceeding 8%
Height = 10cm
Ideal Length= 200cm
Minimum length (8% gradient)= 125cm
Table 5: Specifications for ramp at kitchen entrance
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 11
SPECIFICATIONS FOR HANDRAILS FOR STEPS AT FRONT OFFICE ENTRANCE
Handrails should be round for better grip
Cross section diameter should be 30-40mm
Should be continuous without breaks, interruptions or obstructions
The end of the rail should be bent and extended so it does not end abruptly
Handrails should be installed at a height of 800-900mm from stair nosing
Handrails should be on both sides of stairs, be slip resistant and painted in an contrasting colour for the visually impaired
If steps are used for an emergency exit handrails should have a textured strip on top and at the bottom ends to alert visually impaired
Table 6: Specifications for handrails for steps at front office entrance
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 12
SPECIFICATIONS FOR BATHROOMS
Door width should be at least 900mm opening outwards
Toilet cubicle space for wheelchair user should be not less than1500mm x 1500mm, with a clear space not less than 900mm wide next to toilet
Grab rails should be mounted on the side wall closest to the toilet and at height between 50-250mm from the top of the toilet seat
Light switch height between 700-1200mm
Mirror height
Towel rail height between 900-1200mm
Mirror height so bottom edge no more than 1000mm height at an angle of 15.5 degrees from vertical
Table 7: Specifications for bathrooms
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 13
SPECIFICATIONS FOR DESIGNATED DISABLED PARKING SPACES
Parking spaces for cars should be at least
2400mm wide. This size can be reduced as appropriate for
parking tricycles/ motorbikes
Table 8: Specifications for designated disabled parking spaces
SPECIFICATIONS FOR FLOOR MARKERS FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Textured floor markers at top and bottom of
stairs (internal and external stairs)
Colour and preferably textured strip at nose of each step
Table 9: Specifications for floor markers for visually impaired
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 14
SPECIFICATIONS FOR SIGNAGE
Consider all types of signage including:
Informational: internal map of building
Directional: directing to a destination with an arrow
Locational: room names e.g. bathroom, logistics office, etc
Warning : fire exits, safety signs
Signage should be placed in clear positions without obstructions with a minimum clear had room of
200cm from the floor. Language should be clear and unambiguous. Letter height should not be less
than 15mm and be proportion for the reading distance. Braille should be incorporated for visually
impaired. Pictograms should be included with text. Text and pictograms should contrast with
background colour, either dark letters with light background or vice versa.
ANNEX 2: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR MODIFICATIONS AT SEPON DISTRICT OFFICE
SPECIFICATIONS FOR RAMP AT MAIN ENTRANCE TO MCH OFFICE
Ideal ramp gradient 5% not exceeding 8%
Height = 12cm
Ideal Length (5% gradient)= 240cm
Minimum length (8% gradient)= 150cm
Table 10: Specifications for ramp at main entrance of MCH office, Sepon
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 15
ANNEX 3: ACCESSIBILITY ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
Office Location: _________________________________________________________________________
Date of Assessment: _____________________________________________________________________
Minimum standards Yes/ No Comments
At least one fully accessible entrance with a correct ramp gradient or level ground
At least one accessible toilet
At least one accessible office Accessible meeting room
Accessibility Checklist
No Question Yes/ No Comments
Entrances 01 Gate to main entrance accessible e.g. level/
uneven/ gravel/ ramps/ kerbs/ drains?
02 Car parking facilities with designated accessible spaces?
03 Drop off point close to main entrance?
04 Access to building level or permanent ramp? Main or alternative entrance?
05 Steps to building? Do steps have handrails?
06 Accessible entrance for wheelchair users? Ramps meet specifications? User can enter unaided?
07 Entrances clearly marked and signed?
08 Doors easy to open? Easy to use handles?
Reception Area
09 Reception area accessible and at appropriate height?
10 Waiting area for wheelchair user?
Office Space & Meeting Room
11 Doors easy to open and close?
12 Adequate space to manoeuvre around between offices
13 Desks appropriate height 14 Equipment accessible i.e. printer,
photocopier, projector, computer
Bathroom
15 Access routes to the bathroom kept clear? 16 Door opens and can be closed easily by
wheelchair user?
17 Wheelchair users can enter and leave bathroom independently?
18 Grab rails within bathroom at appropriate location?
19 Enough turning space for wheelchair?
20 Toilet at appropriate height and position?
Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices
Page 16
21 Facilities accessible? Height of light switch, sink and taps, mirror, towel rail, toilet hose and toilet paper holder?
Kitchen
22 Utilities accessible i.e. water cooler, fridge, cups/ glasses, sink
Fire Evacuation
23 Procedure for PwD to evacuate the building in the event of a fire?
Assessor: __________________________________________________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________________________________________________
Recommended