Can you read This?

Disability in the Urban Environment Enabling us all

Definition ‘Disability is any lack of ability resulting from impairments to perform a task in the manner considered natural to human being.’ (taken from the WHO)

A Disabled Population At any one time about 10% of the UK’s population has a disability. However, at one point in our lives virtually everyone will be disabled. This means that the way we use the world we live in will change.

How can we improve where we live for us all? Lower curbs Audio info in public places. Hand railsWider passage ways Lifts on public transport LiftsBrail signs Raised marks on pavement RampsLower ATMs, public phones etc. Smooth pavement Disabled toilets Large font on signs Parking facilities Large, non- slip stairs

UN recommendations on Pathways Is the pathway clear of obstructions? Is the path of travel free of steps or stairs? Is the path of travel easy to detect? Is the pathway at least 0.90 m wide? Is the surface, level, smooth and non-slip? Does the pathway have a different colour and texture than the adjacent surfaces? Are manholes placed outside the pedestrian path of travel? Is grating flush with the surface of the pathway? Are the grating openings narrow, not more than 13 mm? Are the edges of raised pathways protected? Are there barriers separating the pathway from planting areas, pools and other landscape features? Are the plant varieties used obstructive to the pathway ? Are the plant varieties used harmful? Are the plant varieties used harmful to the surface of the pathway?

Conclusions Its is important to consider access whenever designing changes to the environment. It is cheaper to alter when building something than after. If we always do this then people will start to reconsider what a disability is and those with mobility issues will feel less segregated. E.g. L.A. the most body conscious place on earth, decided to put air conditioning on its buses instead of lifts.