Introduction to Access by Design

Accessibility in the Built Environment

This blog is to bring attention to accessibility in the built environment in South Africa – starting in Johannesburg. Existing public infrastructure and even some new ones are falling short. But, why? We have a fairly comprehensive outline for how these spaces should be treated so that they can be used by just about everyone. Architectural courses cover inclusivity over years, and it is a mandatory requirement in all final year projects.

It appears that there is a disconnect between paper and building.

A personal introduction – my name is Erica, and I am an Architectural professional practicing in Johannesburg. I am also sister to a permanently disabled guy and have experienced both sides of the building plans. I’ve designed public, commercial and private spaces and have had a surprising number of arguments around accessibility in these contexts. Every other day I am a proxy user of inclusive design solutions – good and bad - in all areas of life. I want to bring attention the good, the bad and the ugly of our city’s accessible spaces and explain what makes them work (or not) and what to look out for in our own businesses and houses. How would we know?

Starting off we should define what we mean by Accessible. An Accessible space can be used by anyone – able bodied or disabled. Inclusive design is the name for making informed design decisions to allow use by as many people as possible. Inclusive design and Accessibility can be applied to physical spaces and to non-physical spaces like digital environments (games, internet etc).   

An extract from the ‘White paper on the rights of persons with disabilities’ document published in 2016 defines disability in this way:

 “There are various definitions of disability. However, all the rights-based definitions share certain common elements even if they emphasise or word them differently.  Common elements include:

·       The presence of impairment;

·       Internal and external limitations or barriers which hinder full and equal participation, 

·        A focus on the abilities of the person with a disability; and

·       Loss or lack of access to opportunities due to environmental barriers and/or negative perceptions and attitudes of society.

·       Disabilities can be permanent, temporary or episodic.”

The Vision of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is

“South Africa –  A free and just society inclusive of all persons with disabilities as equal citizens”

The South African Constitution: Chapter 2: Bill of Rights states:

“Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.”

And

“Everyone has the right— (a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing”

This includes the Built Environment.

Because of my background and experience with physical disability, I want to focus specifically on the Built Environment. What is it? According to the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) in South Africa it is defined as:

“… the physical world intentionally created through science and technology for the benefit of mankind.”

Examples that we will look at include:

a)      Public spaces like parks, sidewalks, transport hubs

b)      Commercial spaces like malls, offices and restaurants

c)      Houses and developments

What are the criteria for accessibility? Accessible spaces can address the following needs:

a)      Mobility impairment – physically accessing and navigating spaces (eg ramps and doorways)

b)      Visual impairment – ability to navigate a space with little to no visual information (eg signage or clear paths)

c)      Hearing impairment – ability to navigate with little to no sound information (eg. Music and intercoms)

d)      Cognitive impairment + Neurodiversity – ability to accommodate sensory needs (eg noise and strong smells)

e)      Overall ease of use – how easy a space is to navigate and use in general

Perhaps by highlighting these needs and some solutions we can move forward with more care and a better understanding as the public. We can then be empowered to call out poor treatments. After all – anyone can become disabled at any time and just about everyone is disabled at some point in their life. Whether you break a leg, are born with blindness, lose your hearing or become pregnant – you should still be able to go outside and enjoy the world. The truth is, though, that the buildings where life happens can often disable you further and strip away energy and dignity.

Please join me as I share personal experiences and provide reviews of places visited throughout the city. Let’s chat about what it means, how improvements can be made and how we can all contribute to independence and dignity for everyone.

Thank you

AI visual illustration of wheelchair on top of a mountain

If you or anyone you know needs inclusive design services or consulting - please send an email and I will be in contact: info@accessbydesign.co.za