Water Engineering and Development Centre ‘Access for All’ Study: Designing water & sanitation to improve accessibility for disabled people & other vulnerable groups

Terms of Reference Objectives To identify ways to ensure that access needs of disabled people are considered in domestic water and sanitation (WATSAN) provision in tsunami-affected areas in Sri Lanka. To explore opportunities for collaboration between local agencies in Sri Lanka in promoting accessible domestic WATSAN provision.

Terms of Reference Understand the situation regarding access to domestic WATSAN for disabled people, particularly in tsunami- affected areas. Advise on ways to ensure that domestic WATSAN provision considers access for disabled people. Discuss opportunities for future collaboration to promote improved access to domestic WATSAN for disabled people.

Activities Meetings with key stakeholders, including relevant government agencies, NGOs, in both WATSAN & disability sectors; Field-visit to tsunami-affected area (Batticaloa) to meet implementing agencies, disabled people, observe current conditions; Feedback & discussion on findings and recommendations; Produce a report for ‘Access for All’ Consortium.

Accessibility – why bother? Help achieve poverty reduction targets – MDGs Cost-effectiveness Inclusive facilities benefit the whole community Disability is a gender issue Water is a human rights issue

Main findings Social stigma, overprotection by families, lack of physical accessibility, lack of rights opportunities, information  disabled people not visible Few disabled people in camps – –Staying with relatives –Left camps because toilets & bathing facilities inaccessible –Lost mobility aids Disabled & elderly people need a lot of support to use toilets & water facilities Negative impact on whole family – increased workload, especially for women WATSAN agencies have paid little attention to disability – lack of information, training, experience, never thought of it…

Problems - rough paths, long distances

High steps & thresholds…

Narrow entrances

On the positive side… WATSAN sector agencies interested, responsive, recognise need; Many focus on ‘socially vulnerable’ groups - some specifically mention disabled people; Examples of designs adapted in consultation with women – could be built on to include disabled & elderly issues.

Example: designing for women and children

What needs to be done… Long-term reconstruction: Toilets, bathrooms, water points in public facilities, e.g. schools, clinics, hospitals, etc. –incorporate accessibility at planning & design stage (minimal extra cost) Accessibility Guidelines available (international standards).

What needs to be done…(2) Long-term reconstruction: Permanent housing Ideal – incorporate accessibility in all housing at planning & design stage (minimal extra cost); Identify families with disabled/elderly members - consult on individual needs; Share information on possible accessibility options (WEDC publication).

What needs to be done…(3) Short-term - transitional camps: Prioritise families with disabled/elderly members – locate near to toilets, water & bathing facilities; Make one toilet in a block accessible Share information on individual aids and options for adaptations.

Getting there

Support rails

Getting there Support rails

Thresholds Minimise difference in levels Level platform in front of door

Handpump aprons Way to avoid getting on a slippery apron

Seating Low sitting platform

Internal dimensions Space for wheelchair to enter & turn, user + helper to move a seat to one side

Support rails Fixed to wall (wall must be strong enough)

More support Movable frame Rope for support

Fixed raised seats Brick seatTwin sitting blocks

Movable seats

Internal water source Water jar beside latrine

Internal water source Gravity fed water supply

Suggestions for starting points - WATSAN sector Appoint a focus person on accessibility/ inclusion issues; Make contact with disability agencies, to: –exchange information and views; –consult on project design, technology options, staff training…; –accessibility ‘audit’ of a project or facility; –pilot technology options; –develop local resources, booklets, training materials, guidelines.

Suggestions for starting points - disability sector Form alliances, e.g. with agencies working with the elderly, children, women, etc. Disseminate information, provide technical advice for WATSAN implementing agencies; Collaborate with WATSAN sector to develop pilot/ action-research projects; Develop examples of good practice to show what is possible.

Further information Access for All Consortium – Accessibility Guidelines. WEDC – Designing water & sanitation for disabled people and other vulnerable groups - resource book – due out shortly. projects/auwsfpdp