Accessibility Audit Framework - 11 | 7. Definitions Related to Accessibility | Disability, Accessibility and Universal Design
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11 - Accessibility Audit Framework

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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Types of Accessibility Audits

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's explore the different types of accessibility audits. What can you recall about them?

Student 1
Student 1

There are three types: Pre-construction, Post-construction, and Functional Audits.

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent! The **Pre-construction Audit** reviews design drawings, is that correct?

Student 2
Student 2

Yes, that ensures that the initial designs are accessible.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Now, what about the Post-construction Audit? What do we do there?

Student 3
Student 3

We physically inspect the building to see if it complies with accessibility standards.

Teacher
Teacher

Great! And lastly, the Functional Audit focuses on usability for whom?

Student 4
Student 4

It's focused on persons with disabilities, making sure they can navigate and use the building effectively.

Teacher
Teacher

Well done, everyone! In summary, we covered the three types of audits we can conduct: Pre-construction, Post-construction, and Functional.

Key Audit Parameters

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Teacher
Teacher

Next, let's discuss key parameters in an accessibility audit. Can anyone name a few?

Student 1
Student 1

Entry points and circulation paths are important!

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Why are circulation paths important?

Student 2
Student 2

Because they ensure that people can move freely and access different areas.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! What about signage and communication? Why does that matter?

Student 3
Student 3

It’s essential for guiding users and making information accessible.

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, signage is a crucial element! Lastly, what are the sanitation facilities' role in accessibility?

Student 4
Student 4

They ensure all individuals can access restrooms and hygiene facilities without barriers.

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! In summary, we discussed entry points, circulation paths, signage, sanitation facilities, and emergency routes as key audit parameters.

Tools and Techniques for Accessibility Audits

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s talk about tools and techniques for conducting accessibility audits. What tools do you think might be useful?

Student 1
Student 1

Laser distance meters can help measure dimensions accurately.

Teacher
Teacher

Good! What about something a user-friendly assessment?

Student 2
Student 2

Wheelchair simulators can show how accessible a structure is for users.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! And what about lists that assist in these evaluations?

Student 3
Student 3

Accessibility checklists based on NBC and RPwD help us ensure everything meets standards.

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! Those checklists are vital for ensuring no aspect is missed. In conclusion, we highlighted laser distance meters, wheelchair simulators, and accessibility checklists.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

The Accessibility Audit Framework outlines methods to evaluate building compliance with accessibility standards.

Standard

This section details the types of accessibility audits and their key parameters, essential tools and techniques for conducting these audits, and their importance in ensuring compliant and accessible built environments.

Detailed

Accessibility Audit Framework

The Accessibility Audit Framework is crucial for evaluating buildings against established accessibility standards, ensuring compliance and fostering inclusive environments. Audits can be categorized into three types: Pre-construction Audits, which review design drawings; Post-construction Audits, involving physical inspections; and Functional Audits, which focus on usability for persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Key parameters assessed during these audits include entry points, circulation paths, signage and communication, sanitation facilities, and emergency routes. The integration of specialized tools and techniques, such as laser distance meters, wheelchair simulators, and comprehensive accessibility checklists based on the National Building Code (NBC) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, significantly enhances the effectiveness of these audits.

Ultimately, the goal of the Accessibility Audit Framework is to ensure that built environments promote accessibility, safety, and independence, aligning with both national standards and international commitments.

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Types of Accessibility Audits

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Accessibility audits are professional evaluations of buildings to assess compliance with accessibility standards.

  • Pre-construction Audit: Reviews design drawings.
  • Post-construction Audit: Physical inspection of the site.
  • Functional Audit: Evaluates usability for PwDs.

Detailed Explanation

There are three main types of accessibility audits. The Pre-construction Audit involves examining design drawings before construction begins to ensure they meet accessibility standards. The Post-construction Audit takes place after a building is constructed, where an inspector physically checks the site. Finally, the Functional Audit assesses how usable the space is for persons with disabilities (PwDs), focusing on whether the features work for the people they are meant to help.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you are planning to build a playground. Before the construction begins, you need to get the design checked to ensure it has ramps and accessible swings for children with disabilities (that’s the Pre-construction Audit). After it's built, you would walk through the playground to see if everything looks good and works as it should (Post-construction Audit). Finally, you would watch some kids play to see if they can use the swings and slides comfortably (Functional Audit).

Key Audit Parameters

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  • Entry points
  • Circulation paths
  • Signage and communication
  • Sanitation facilities
  • Emergency routes

Detailed Explanation

When conducting an accessibility audit, there are key parameters that auditors check. Entry points need to be accessible to ensure everyone can enter the building easily. Circulation paths refer to hallways and paths within the building. Auditors check if they are wide enough and free of obstacles. Signage and communication involve ensuring signs are clear, visible, and informative for people with various disabilities. Sanitation facilities means checking if restrooms are accessible. Lastly, emergency routes need to be evaluated to ensure safe exit in case of an emergency.

Examples & Analogies

Think of an accessibility audit like prepping your home for guests, especially those with mobility challenges. You’d check if your front door is easy to open (Entry points), ensure there’s a clear path to the kitchen (Circulation paths), check that all important signs like 'Restroom' are easy to read and understand (Signage), see that your bathroom is fitted with grab bars (Sanitation facilities), and make sure they know the quickest way to exit the house in case of a fire (Emergency routes).

Tools and Techniques

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  • Laser distance meters
  • Wheelchair simulators
  • Accessibility checklists based on NBC and RPwD

Detailed Explanation

To conduct effective accessibility audits, specific tools and techniques are employed. Laser distance meters help in measuring distances accurately, which is essential for determining if spaces meet minimum size requirements. Wheelchair simulators allow auditors to experience the space as a person in a wheelchair would, highlighting potential barriers. Additionally, accessibility checklists provide guidelines based on the National Building Code (NBC) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) they should follow to ensure compliance.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you are organizing a race. You would use a measuring wheel (like a laser distance meter) to ensure the track has the right length and width. You could also use a bicycle to simulate how steep hills affect riders (similar to a wheelchair simulator), and you'd follow a race organizer’s rulebook (the accessibility checklist) to check that everything is set up correctly for a safe race.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Accessibility Audit: A formal assessment of a building's compliance with legal standards of accessibility.

  • Pre-construction Audit: Evaluates design for accessibility before any physical construction.

  • Post-construction Audit: Inspects the completed building for compliance.

  • Functional Audit: An assessment of usability for people with disabilities.

  • Key Audit Parameters: Specific criteria that define the scope and effectiveness of an audit.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • An example of a Pre-construction Audit would be checking architectural drawings to ensure all entrances comply with regulations.

  • A Post-construction Audit might involve physically inspecting a new school to ensure all paths and exits are accessible to students with disabilities.

Memory Aids

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🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Three audits to review - Pre, Post, Functional too! Check paths and signs, to make spaces divine.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a school where before it's built, the architect checks with an audit quilt, after it's done, inspectors arrive, ensuring all can enter and thrive!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Use 'ECS' to remember Key Audit Parameters: Entry, Circulation, Sanitation.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Audit types

  • 'PPF' - Pre-construction
  • Post-construction
  • Functional.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Accessibility Audit

    Definition:

    A professional evaluation of buildings to assess compliance with accessibility standards.

  • Term: Preconstruction Audit

    Definition:

    An audit that reviews design drawings before construction begins.

  • Term: Postconstruction Audit

    Definition:

    An audit that involves a physical inspection of the building after construction.

  • Term: Functional Audit

    Definition:

    An evaluation focusing on the usability of a building for persons with disabilities.

  • Term: Key Audit Parameters

    Definition:

    Important factors evaluated during an accessibility audit, including entry points and circulation paths.