11. Accessibility Audit Framework

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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