Universal Design & Accessibility
Access Audits
Our Access Audit service provides an examination of a building and its facilities or the external built environment against a pre-determined criterion / guidelines to assess the ease of use by disabled persons.
Purpose:
Review of new building plans and surrounding for compliance with disability access regulations.
Carry out building access audits of existing properties to identify potential barriers to access for people with disabilities.
Provide pragmatic advice on disability access issues.
The elements covered in an access audit :-
Reaching the Office / Premise — access from road or car park, lighting, signage, surfaces, and street furniture
Entrance, steps, thresholds, doors, lobby/reception area, seating, and lighting
Corridors, doors, stairs, lifts, signage, floor surfaces, tonal contrasts and lighting
Rooms, Suits, Restaurants, Café
Toilets, wash-rooms, changing rooms, etc.,
Office, Back office
Fire exits, emergency routes, lighting and warning systems and safe refuge
Desktop / Plan Review
We offer desktop reviews of architectural drawings, schedules, and specifications at each stage of design documentation. Architectural desktop reviews provide greater chances of project success. Plans reviewed at Conceptual stages ensure spatial demands for accessible paths and corridors, as well as the appropriate design of access ramps and stairways. Reviews during Design Development stages helps in complying with built environment standards.
The following are the typical assessment stages we consult on
Concept Design Documentation
Design & Development Documentation
Construction Documentation
Scope of Consultation
Accessibility report of Desktop review of the architectural plans shall highlight key access issues to ensure that the proposed works can achieve compliance with the relevant disability access standards and legislation. The report also includes reviewing all fittings and fixtures.
Accessibility Training
Accessibility trainings cover a variety of disability-related topics. We have a number of specific training modules, that can be tailored to suit your organization, ensuring the content has direct relevance to your requirements.
The sessions generally cover:
Disability awareness training,
Detailed technical workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What are the accessibility standards for built environment in India?
Harmonized Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built Environment for persons with Disability and Elderly Persons by Ministry of Urban Development. This is based on the standard as laid down in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
National Building Code (NBC) 2016 includes provisions/standards for accessibility. Annex-B, Part-3, has special emphasis on accessibility.
What does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 say regarding built environment?
Section 44 states that no establishment shall be granted permission to build any structure if the building plan does not adhere to standard. The establishment will not be issued a certificate of completion or allowed to take occupation if they do not comply to the standards.
Section 45 states that all existing public buildings shall be made accessible in accordance with the rules formulated by the Central government within a period not exceeding five years from the date of notification of such rules.
In The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 Rules (June 2017), the following standards have been mentioned:
Standards for public buildings: Harmonized Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Persons as issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Urban Development, February 2016.
Local authorities require formulating and publish an action plan for providing accessibility in all their buildings and spaces that offer essential services -- such as all primary health centres, civil hospitals, schools, railway stations and bus stops.
Section 46 mandates the service providers (including private players) to make the services accessible in 2 years time.
Does the accessibility mandate apply to private buildings as well?
Yes. If the building is used by the public at large, it should be made accessible. The definition of 'public building' implies a government or a private building, used or accessed by the public at large. These building may include buildings used for educational or vocational purposes, workplace, commercial activities, public utilities, religious, cultural, leisure or recreational activities, medical or health services, law enforcement agencies, railway stations or platforms, roadways bus stands or terminus, airports waterways, etc.
The law says that no establishment would be granted permission to build or issued a certificate of completion if they do not adhere to accessibility standards. The term 'establishment' includes private establishments as well. A private establishment, as per the law, can be a company, firm, cooperative or other society, an association, trust, agency, institution, organization, union, factory, etc.
How much does an Accessibility Audit cost?
The cost of an audit varies depending on the nature of the business or undertaking, complexity of the services offered and the size of the premises.
You can write to us and get a free quote.