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Improvements Towards An Accessible City

Navigating physical barriers in cities can be a daunting task for many individuals with disabilities. The challenges they face range from a lack of drop kerbs to inaccessible toilets and buildings. However, there are numerous improvements that can be made to reduce these struggles and ultimately create a more inclusive and accessible urban environment. This article explores several suggestions aimed at enhancing accessibility for disabled city dwellers.

Handrails

Handrails on both sides of staircases and steps ensure users always have support to hold onto.

Our own step system has handrails included as standard.

Hearing Loops

Hearing loop systems provide clearer communication for hearing aid users.

Portable Threshold Ramps

For small kerbs, a rubber threshold ramp can be placed down and allow the wheelchair users to overcome the change in level.

BSL Guided Tours

Offer free offering BSL guided tours of the city, museums etc.

Wheelchair-Accessible Toilets

Wheelchair-accessible toilets should be available around the city and provide wheelchair users with enough room for an assistant if required.

A low-level toilet and handrails should be fitted, with a wide door. Often external wheelchair access is also needed to overcome a threshold height.

Disabled Parking Spots

Disabled parking spots should be available around the city. Ensure disabled spaces are clearly marked and regularly monitored during the day to sure they are used as intended. Please note that not every disability is visible.

Street Lighting

Ensure the streets and public spaces are appropriately lit. The deaf and hard of hearing may rely on lip reading, and dim lighting will cause unnecessary difficulties. Generally good lighting is required anyhow for everyone to see and to avoid tripping hazards.

Changing Places Toilets

Changing Places toilets around the city will provide the specialist equipment and space necessary for users with profound disabilities who require additional support when using toilet facilities.

Unfortunately, standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all disabled people. An accompanying ramp is also often needed to overcome the threshold to changing pods.

Wheelchair-accessible entrances

Wheelchair-accessible entrances into public buildings should be available.

Document M, Volume 2 states that accessible doors should be wide enough to allow various individuals to use them, including wheelchair users, people with assistance dogs, those carrying luggage, parents with small children and pushchairs (including double buggies that are wider than wheelchairs).

People should be able to see other individuals approaching from opposite directions. Please note that revolving doors are not considered accessible by the regulations.

Please see below for the minimum effective clear widths for both single and double doors.

Source: Crown, 2021, The Building Reguations, Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60b0ea89d3bf7f43560e324a/Approved_Document_M_vol_2.pdf)

Click to enlarge

Access Ramps

Access ramps can overcome large kerbs and provide step-free access into spaces and buildings.

Ramps should be constructed from a robust, weather-resistant material suitable for high levels of public footfall.

Our Rapid Ramp System is an ideal access solution for public and private buildings and spaces.

It is available in infinite lengths, widths, heights, and configurations, much like a Meccano kit.

This level of customisation continues to make the product exceptionally versatile to suit different areas, buildings, and applications.

All components are made of steel, and all, including handrails and platforms, are galvanised, a process where a protective coating of zinc is applied to prevent rusting.

Plus, all components (excluding the platforms and ramp legs) are powder-coated to create a durable, tougher finish than conventional paint.