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![]() Universal design principles are nothing new… These principles look at the design of the environment, products, services, communications and buildings that accommodate all people inclusively, taking into account their differences, whether they are aging, disabled or able-bodied. If we continue to design and build buildings with access at the forefront we will undoubtedly accommodate a greater range of people and become a more inclusive society. Here are a few examples where we need to be more accessible, some affecting me personally.
All of this leads me to question why we even have a New Zealand standard (NZS4121: 2001) for the design of access and facilities for people with disabilities? Aren't these design principles supposed to be universal? This standard is also fifteen years old in its current version. It could be time for a dust off! Lifemark was set up some years ago to promote whole of life housing design principles, it’s voluntary and the accessible standards for housing have not changed one bit! As part of our accessibility training solutions, we cover a lot of information to ensure the buildings you design, build and inspect are more inclusive and accessible to all, so you can be the best at what you do. These courses are bench-marked to international standards through close liaison with internationally acknowledged accessibility experts and authorities. Find out more HERE.
4 Comments
Wayne Sapwell
29/1/2017 10:07:29 am
Hi Rosemary.
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11/2/2017 04:30:03 pm
First, great to see Aus/NZ spelling and use of "Kerb" as a noun and "Curb" as a verb. Agree with all you say. Yes, it is time for both Aus and NZ to dust off their mandatory Standards based on the Disability Discrimination Acts based largely on wheelchair users (5% of people with disability) and include people over 65, children and other users of the environment. And it is worth remembering that not all disabilities are visible to onlookers.
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Nicholas Loder
13/2/2017 03:58:00 pm
Correct Jane, great article Rosemary. With voices calling for mandatory access requirements within homes the time is ripe for the usual AS/NZ Standards are re-examined for their assumptions before they become the default deemed to comply solution.
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