Universal Access Policy - Australian Institute of Architects

Universal AccessPolicySummaryThe Australian Institute of Architects (The Institute) believes thatensuring a high level of accessibility within the built environment forpeople of all abilities must be a matter of priority for governments andthe community as whole.Most Australians will experience a form of disability at some stage oftheir lives as a part of the normal human life cycle. Physical andnon-physical barriers within the built environment can have asubstantial impact on freedom of movement and therefore freedomof choice. Policies designed to ensure universal access within thebuilt environment are essential, particularly in light of Australia’sageing population.Governments must continue to work toward ensuring universalaccess for all citizens. Legislated uniform standards for accessiblepublic and private housing are necessary and universal housingprovisions should be included in planning schemes. Architectsshould, in co-operation with the broader community, work toward theelimination of barriers to equitable access with the built environment.© 2008 The Australian Institute of Architects1

Universal AccessPolicyBackgroundA period of disability, whether permanent or temporary, is a normalpart of the human life cycle for a majority of Australians. There arephysical and non-physical barriers within the built environment whichcan limit freedom of movement and choice for a significant number ofpeople, especially people with disabilities, people with limited mobilityand older people. Universal access, which accommodates the needsof all people regardless of age and ability, benefits the wholecommunity and is, therefore, a community responsibility. TheInstitute recognises that the architectural profession has a significantrole in determining the level of accessibility in the built environment,including heritage buildings, public and private housing, and outdoorbuilt environments. We affirm the responsibility of the architecturalprofession to contribute to the provision of universal accessthroughout the built environment as a basic human right.Existing rights of access to public facilities and buildings aregoverned by the combined effect of the prohibition on discriminationcontained in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA92) togetherwith the provisions of the applicable State or Territory EqualOpportunity legislation and the technical requirements contained inthe Building Code of Australia (BCA).In recognition that the BCA does not completely capture the intent ofthe DDA, a review of this regulatory framework has been underwaysince 2000, led by the Australian Building Codes Board. A DraftDisability Standards on Access to Premises was submitted in 2005 tothe Federal Attorney General and the Federal Minister for Industry,Tourism and Resources for their endorsement.© 2008 The Australian Institute of Architects2

Universal AccessPolicyWhat Governments need to doThe need to ensure access for people of all abilities includingAustralia’s rapidly growing ageing population necessitates theadoption of legislated uniform standards for accessible public andprivate housing which take into account the occupants’ needs thatmay change across their life span. Currently, the demand forvisitable, adaptable or accessible housing far exceeds supply.The Institute supports the efforts already being made by Federal,State and Local Government bodies and the community to eliminatebarriers to accessibility in the built environment, in accordance withthe human rights declarations to which Australia is a signatory.The Institute supports the adoption of a Disability Standards onAccess to Premises that incorporates the 90th percentile ofwheelchair sizes and users in accordance with the intent of theDDA92.The Institute encourages the inclusion of housing accessibilityprovisions in planning schemes.© 2008 The Australian Institute of Architects3

Universal AccessPolicyWhat Institute members need to doBe aware that the design and form of the built environment can be acause of disablement. Recognise that within the Australian society a spectrum ofdiffering abilities exists and to raise awareness amongstmembers, clients and building professionals of prejudices thathave resulted in barriers to universal access. Develop the skills necessary to meet their professionalobligations in regard to accessible built environments throughappropriate education and professional development training. Be aware that the Institute has an expanding list of specificadvisory notes on Universal Access, for example on the topicof the DDA, professional offices, heritage buildings, transportbuildings, design for hearing impairment, and signageformats. In co-operation with the broader community, purposefullywork towards the elimination of barriers to equitable accesswithin the built environment. Participate in Institute access-related activities, such as theNational Access Work Group and its Access Sub-Committees at State and Territory Chapter levels. Recognise the unique and sensitive nature of implementingaccessibility modifications while protecting the integrity andsignificance of heritage properties. Work in collaboration withthose with the skill and understanding of the issues requiredto evaluate and implement the appropriate access solutionwithin a conservation context.© 2008 The Australian Institute of Architects4

Universal AccessPolicyFurther Information and LinksUnited Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilitieshttp://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/convtexte.htmAustralian Building Codes Board, Access for People with Disabilitieshttp://www.abcb.gov.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=PublicationsQueensland Office of the Public Advocate, Housing Design for Allhttp://jp.justice.qld.gov.au/guardian/pa/discussion/ip3_0305.pdfHuman Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, Advisory Noteson Access to Premiseshttp://www.hreoc.gov.au/.../premises_advisory.htmlHuman Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, Accessible andadaptable housinghttp://www.humanrights.gov.au/.../access_to_premises.htmlNew South Wales Premier’s Council for Active Living, DesigningPlaces for Active Livinghttp://www.pcal.nsw.gov.au/planning_design_guidelines/Institute Submissions on access to public premises and accessiblehousinghttp://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=4104Building Commission of Victoria, Welcome – Design Ideas forAccessible HomesAvailable for purchase via:http://www.buildingcommission.com.au/...-access-to-housing.asp© 2008 The Australian Institute of Architects5

Universal AccessPolicyACT Planning and Land Authority, Interim Guidelines for Access andMobilityhttp://www.legislation.act.gov.au/.../current/pdf/2003-363.pdfImproving Access to Heritage Buildings by Eric Martin, available freeof charge on the Australian Heritage Council websitehttp://www.ahc.gov.au/publications/generalpubs/access/index.htmlDeafness Forum of Australia, Policy statements on communicationaccess in a variety of facilitieshttp://www.deafnessforum.org.au/position%20statements.htm© 2008 The Australian Institute of Architects6