Sarawak State Library -

BARRIER-FREE PLANNING

Call no.: : 720.87/ISA
Author: : Isabella Skiba
Contributor: : Safwan Hanif Bin Osman
Summary: Living as a disabled in an able-enabled world comes with its own setbacks and barriers. Universal Design and Design for All were made to create well-equipped buildings for disabled person. People with impaired mobility, limited perception, and cognitive impairments, as well as short-term impairment needs to cope with the limitations presented by unsound architectural planning. Stairs, doors, buttons and switches are key barriers that are impassable and unreachable to disabled users. The presence of obstructed access prevent disabled users from using the building facilities properly. Hence, proper planning for disabled people with different needs such as children, older people, and mobility-impaired must be taken by creating necessary movement space. Non-slip floors, power-operated doors, handrails, ramps, and tactile paving are examples of initiatives that can be taken. More adjustments in personal spaces where living room, bedroom, and bathrooms can be made to further accommodate the needs of disabled people.