Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for … Survey of Handicap International Belgium ......

Accessible and Barrier Free Work

Environments for Persons with Disabilities

Accessibility Survey of Handicap International Belgium

Offices in Vientiane and Sepon

HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL BELGIUM, LAO PDR

February 2013

Conducted by Donna Koolmees

Consultant for Handicap International Belgium

Accessible and Barrier Free Work Environments for Persons with Disability: Accessibility Survey of HIB Offices

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ACRONYMS

DPO Disabled Persons Organisation

DRET Disability Rights Equality Training

HIB Handicap International Belgium

INGO International Non-Government Organisation

LDPA Lao Disabled Persons Association

MCH Maternal Child Health

PWD Persons with Disabilities

UXO Unexploded Ordnance

Index of Tables

Table 1: Barriers and recommended modifications for Sepon District Office 5-6

Table 2: Barriers and recommended modifications for main office, Vientiane Capital 6-8

Table 3: Specifications for fully accessible entrance at main office 10

Table 4: Specifications for ramp at main double doors 10

Table 5: Specifications for ramp at kitchen entrance 10

Table 6: Specifications for handrails for steps at front office entrance 11

Table 7: Specifications for bathrooms 12

Table 8: Specifications for designated disabled parking spaces 13

Table 9: Specifications for floor markers for visually impaired 13-14

Table 10: Specifications for ramp at main entrance of MCH office, Sepon 14


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CONTENTS 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

2 Methodology ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 International Guidelines and Standards of Accessibility ............................................................................ 4

2.2 Survey process ............................................................................................................................................. 5

3 Office Accessibility .............................................................................................................................................. 5

3.2 District Office, Sepon ................................................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Main office, Vientiane capital...................................................................................................................... 6

4 CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

5 Annexes ............................................................................................................................................................... 9

Annex 1: Technical Specifications for modifications at vientiane office .......................................................... 9

Specifications for fully accessible ramped entrance ..................................................................................... 9

Specifications for ramp at front double doors ............................................................................................ 10

specifications for ramp at kitchen entrance ............................................................................................... 10

Specifications for handrails for steps at front office entrance ................................................................... 11

Specifications for bathrooms ....................................................................................................................... 12

Specifications for designated disabled parking spaces ............................................................................... 13

Specifications for floor markers for visually impaired ................................................................................ 13

Specifications for signage ............................................................................................................................ 14

Annex 2: Technical Specifications for modifications at Sepon District Office................................................ 14

Specifications for ramp at main entrance to MCH office ........................................................................... 14

Annex 3: Accessibility Assessment checklist ................................................................................................... 15


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1 INTRODUCTION Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, Handicap International

Belgium (HIB) takes action and raises awareness in order to respond to persons with disabilities

(PwD) essential needs, to improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and

fundamental rights. A barrier free environment is a basic right and is a space that allows for free and

safe movement, function and access for all regardless of age, sex or condition. HIB have been

providing Disability Rights and Equality Training (DRET) to local and international organizations

including raising awareness of environmental barriers and advocating for accessible environments to

ensure the inclusion of PwD.

As a focal organization within the disability sector HIB is a role model for other organizations

therefore supports the improvement of HIB offices to ensure barrier free environments for HIB staff,

partners and stakeholders, and project beneficiaries. HIB actively encourages the recruitment of

PwD and currently employs several Lao nationals with physical impairments. This includes men and

women whom have difficulty with walking or using their upper limbs. Some staff use assistive

devices such as crutches and adapted transportation i.e. tricycle. There are currently no staff using

wheelchairs, or with visual or hearing impairment. However, HIB regularly collaborate with a variety

of stakeholders within the disability sector including government, INGO and DPOs such as Lao

Disabled People’s Association (LDPA), Association of the Blind, and Association of the Deaf.

Consequently people with a variety of impairments access the HIB offices during meetings and other

project activities. Therefore an accessibility survey was requested to determine barriers and

potential environmental modifications to ensure PwD can access and use office facilities as fully as

possible.

2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS OF ACCESSIBILITY

There are many international guidelines and standards available with varying parameters for

accessibility. Based on the context of Lao PDR this survey has utilised the following guidelines which

focus on accessibility in developing countries thus provide appropriate parameters for accessibility.

Both these guidelines incorporate international standards into their accessibility recommendations.

UNNATI-Organisation for Development Education and Handicap International (2004) Design

Manual for a Barrier Free Built Environment [Used in India & Indonesia program]

Handicap International France (2008) How to build an accessible environment in

developing countries [Used in Cambodia Program]

Minimum standards have been identified within these guidelines and have been applied during the

accessibility survey. These standards are deemed as essential.

At least one accessible entrance to the building

At least one accessible bathroom

At least one accessible office space


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Modifications have been suggested for each barrier identified. Modifications have been prioritized

as essential i.e. needed to meet minimum standards, cost effective and/ or minor changes and

desirable i.e. requires motivation and budget.

2.2 SURVEY PROCESS

HIB identified two offices requiring an accessibility survey. This included the main office in Vientiane

Capital used by all project staff, and Sepon District office, Savannahket Province used by two

projects; UXO team and Maternal Child Health (MCH) team. The consultant, an occupational

therapist, completed a technical survey of both buildings taking photographic evidence and building

measurements of all external entrances, internal office spaces and facilities to determine if the work

environments complied with international accessibility standards. Unfortunately, sections of the

UXO office were unavailable during the survey. However photographs were taken at a later date and

building measurements were comparable with the MCH office.

The survey process included a participative component involving HIB staff and stakeholders to

analyse the accessibility of the offices and to ensure their needs are being met. HIB staff and

stakeholders were consulted to identify barriers and potential solutions to improve the

environment. In Sepon a one to one interview was conducted with one male staff. In Vientiane a

discussion group was conducted with seven PwD including HIB staff and representatives from LDPA,

Association of the Deaf and Association of the Blind. Data collected encompassed the collective

experiences and opinions of people with physical, visual and hearing impairment.

Data from the technical survey and perspectives of HIB staff and stakeholders was collated and

presented to a key group of staff from the HIB office including Director, Regional Coordinator,

Disability Advisor and Logistics Coordinator. The following sections provide information on the

identified barriers, potential modifications and technical specifications needed to create a barrier

free environment.

3 OFFICE ACCESSIBILITY

3.2 DISTRICT OFFICE, SEPON

Barrier Modification Priority Inaccessible main entrance to MCH office

Remove larger stones and ensure gravel surface is even

Essential to meet minimum standards

Ramp ideally at 5% gradient (not exceeding 8%) Specifications: height of step= 12cm, length of ramp=240cm

Shoe rack to ensure entrance is clear at MCH and UXO office

Essential (minor change)

Push down handles fitted (like internal doors) to ease manipulation to open and close

Desirable

Office space inaccessible for wheelchair users

Ensure at least one office has a door minimum accessible width (90cm)

Essential to meet minimum standards *


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Inaccessible bathroom for wheelchair users in MCH and UXO office

Ensure bathroom door is a minimum accessible width (90cm)

Essential to meet minimum standards*

Ramp small step Height=3cm, Length= 40cm Increase space of bathroom (a toilet cubicle should have minimum internal dimension 140cm x 175cm, with 90cm clear space next to the toilet)

Fit grab rails next to toilet (80-90cm from floor level)

Essential

Reduce height of towel rail to between 90-120cm Reduce mirror height so bottom edge no more than 100cm height at an angle of 15.5 from vertical

Desirable

Inaccessible kitchen for wheelchair users

Change position of table and storage of equipment to increase access to kitchen facilities


Inaccessible light switches for wheelchair users

Switches lowered to between 70-120cm Desirable

Lack of signage Clear signage of main entrances in simple language and braille

Desirable

Table 1: Barriers and recommended modifications for Sepon District Office

*To meet minimum standards these modifications are defined as essential. However there is currently no staff using wheelchairs at Sepon District Office. Creating an accessible bathroom would require significant costs since the current bathrooms are too small and impractical to modify without major re-construction to create a larger space for wheelchair maneuverability. Therefore HIB need to decide whether to re-prioritise this modification to desirable, and pursue modifications once they have staff using wheelchairs in Sepon District office. Specifications for accessible bathrooms for wheelchair users are available in Annex 1.

3.2 MAIN OFFICE, VIENTIANE CAPITAL

Technical specifications are available in Annex 1 for all modifications

Barrier Modification Priority

Upstairs office space negatively impacting health (pain) of HIB staff with mobility impairment due to repeated journeys up and down stairs

Option 1: Create office space downstairs for staff with mobility impairments Option 2: Provide necessary facilities upstairs to reduce number of journeys up/downstairs in one day i.e. drinking facilities, photocopier, printer, functional bathroom NB: Option 1 is the preferred as will also allow accessibility for staff using wheelchairs in the future

Essential *


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Inaccessible parking areas and lack of designated spaces

Create designated disabled parking space for one tricycle and one car for HIB staff. Choose designated parking space in collaboration with staff user

Essential

Create one designated parking space for visitors close to fully accessible entrance


Clear signage for designated parking spaces (on floor and sign)

Desirable

Inaccessible main entrance Ramp uneven edge from main drive to front path

Essential to meet

minimum

standards

Put handrails on main steps to assist persons

with visual and mobility impairments

Remove current hazardous wooden ramp Create one fully accessible ramped entrance

ideally at the front of the building.

Decrease gradient of ramp at main front double doors

Provide chair at main entrance to assist mobility

impaired to take off and put on shoes


Inaccessible bathroom for wheelchair users

Remove table in office to ensure free route to toilet entrance

Essential to meet minimum standards

Increase door width

Lower light switch

Fit grab rails next to toilet

Raise floor level by 11cm to enable level access (with slight slope in corner for drainage)

Reduce height of towel rail and mirror

Desirable

Inaccessible kitchen Ramp small 10cm step at entrance of kitchen Essential

Cluttered office space and hazardous obstacles for visually impaired

Safely store wires in meeting room for electronic equipment so off floor and/or use a WiFi connection between laptop and projector


Create free passages throughout the office and store office materials more efficiently


Inaccessible kitchen facilities

Re-position glasses and cups so can be easily reached for persons with mobility impairments



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Lack of floor markers for visually impaired

Textured marking strip at top and bottom of stairs, and nose of each step marked with contrasting colour and preferably texture

Desirable

Lack of signage at entrance and throughout office

Clear signage of main entrance and all rooms in simple language and Braille

Desirable

Inaccessible entrance to logistic department for wheelchair users

Move equipment so both doors can be opened to increase door width for a wheelchair

Desirable

Fire evacuation procedures do not incorporate plan for staff with mobility impairment

Review fire evacuation procedures and incorporate safety measures to support staff with mobility impairments to leave the building quickly and safely

Essential

Table 2: Barriers and recommended modifications for main office, Vientiane Capital

*One HIB staff reported experiencing pain from repeatedly walking up and down stairs to access

office facilities. It is imperative to address this matter due to the negative impact on staff health.

4 CONCLUSIONS

Based on the recommendations above the HIB team need to create an action plan, prioritise

modifications needs, devise a budget and identify costs required. It is important to continue to

consult with HIB staff when completing building improvements so they can be involved to ensure it

meets their needs. It is suggested that once building improvements are completed that feedback is

collected from PwD to ascertain the impact on accessibility.


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5 ANNEXES

ANNEX 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR MODIFICATIONS AT VIENTIANE OFFICE

SPECIFICATIONS FOR FULLY ACCESSIBLE RAMPED ENTRANCE

The minimum clear width of the ramp should be 900mm

Handrails should be provided on both sides of the ramp. The top of the handrail should be 800-900mm above the ramp surface and be parallel to the floor.

The ideal gradient for the ramp is 5% and should not exceed 8%.

Option 1: Front Entrance Height of ramp at front of office = 72cm

Ideal length of ramp (5% )= 1440cm

Minimum length (8%)=900cm

NB: Current space at the front of the office only allows for a ramp 680cm at a gradient of 10.5% that does not meet international standards.

Option 2: Back of Office Height of steps at back of office= 48cm

Ideal length of ramp (5%)= 960cm

Minimum length (8%)= 600cm


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Table 3: Specifications for fully accessible entrance at main office

SPECIFICATIONS FOR RAMP AT FRONT DOUBLE DOORS

Ideal ramp gradient 5% not exceeding 8%

Height = 16.5cm

Ideal Length= 330cm Minimum length (8% gradient)= 200cm

Table 4: Specifications for ramp at main double doors

SPECIFICATIONS FOR RAMP AT KITCHEN ENTRANCE


Height = 10cm

Ideal Length= 200cm

Minimum length (8% gradient)= 125cm

Table 5: Specifications for ramp at kitchen entrance


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SPECIFICATIONS FOR HANDRAILS FOR STEPS AT FRONT OFFICE ENTRANCE

Handrails should be round for better grip

Cross section diameter should be 30-40mm

Should be continuous without breaks, interruptions or obstructions

The end of the rail should be bent and extended so it does not end abruptly

Handrails should be installed at a height of 800-900mm from stair nosing

Handrails should be on both sides of stairs, be slip resistant and painted in an contrasting colour for the visually impaired

If steps are used for an emergency exit handrails should have a textured strip on top and at the bottom ends to alert visually impaired

Table 6: Specifications for handrails for steps at front office entrance


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SPECIFICATIONS FOR BATHROOMS

Door width should be at least 900mm opening outwards

Toilet cubicle space for wheelchair user should be not less than1500mm x 1500mm, with a clear space not less than 900mm wide next to toilet

Grab rails should be mounted on the side wall closest to the toilet and at height between 50-250mm from the top of the toilet seat

Light switch height between 700-1200mm

Mirror height

Towel rail height between 900-1200mm

Mirror height so bottom edge no more than 1000mm height at an angle of 15.5 degrees from vertical

Table 7: Specifications for bathrooms


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SPECIFICATIONS FOR DESIGNATED DISABLED PARKING SPACES

Parking spaces for cars should be at least

2400mm wide. This size can be reduced as appropriate for

parking tricycles/ motorbikes

Table 8: Specifications for designated disabled parking spaces

SPECIFICATIONS FOR FLOOR MARKERS FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Textured floor markers at top and bottom of

stairs (internal and external stairs)

Colour and preferably textured strip at nose of each step

Table 9: Specifications for floor markers for visually impaired


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SPECIFICATIONS FOR SIGNAGE

Consider all types of signage including:

Informational: internal map of building

Directional: directing to a destination with an arrow

Locational: room names e.g. bathroom, logistics office, etc

Warning : fire exits, safety signs

Signage should be placed in clear positions without obstructions with a minimum clear had room of

200cm from the floor. Language should be clear and unambiguous. Letter height should not be less

than 15mm and be proportion for the reading distance. Braille should be incorporated for visually

impaired. Pictograms should be included with text. Text and pictograms should contrast with

background colour, either dark letters with light background or vice versa.

ANNEX 2: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR MODIFICATIONS AT SEPON DISTRICT OFFICE

SPECIFICATIONS FOR RAMP AT MAIN ENTRANCE TO MCH OFFICE


Height = 12cm

Ideal Length (5% gradient)= 240cm

Minimum length (8% gradient)= 150cm

Table 10: Specifications for ramp at main entrance of MCH office, Sepon


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ANNEX 3: ACCESSIBILITY ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

Office Location: _________________________________________________________________________

Date of Assessment: _____________________________________________________________________

Minimum standards Yes/ No Comments

At least one fully accessible entrance with a correct ramp gradient or level ground

At least one accessible toilet

At least one accessible office Accessible meeting room

Accessibility Checklist

No Question Yes/ No Comments

Entrances 01 Gate to main entrance accessible e.g. level/

uneven/ gravel/ ramps/ kerbs/ drains?

02 Car parking facilities with designated accessible spaces?

03 Drop off point close to main entrance?

04 Access to building level or permanent ramp? Main or alternative entrance?

05 Steps to building? Do steps have handrails?

06 Accessible entrance for wheelchair users? Ramps meet specifications? User can enter unaided?

07 Entrances clearly marked and signed?

08 Doors easy to open? Easy to use handles?

Reception Area

09 Reception area accessible and at appropriate height?

10 Waiting area for wheelchair user?

Office Space & Meeting Room

11 Doors easy to open and close?

12 Adequate space to manoeuvre around between offices

13 Desks appropriate height 14 Equipment accessible i.e. printer,

photocopier, projector, computer

Bathroom

15 Access routes to the bathroom kept clear? 16 Door opens and can be closed easily by

wheelchair user?

17 Wheelchair users can enter and leave bathroom independently?

18 Grab rails within bathroom at appropriate location?

19 Enough turning space for wheelchair?

20 Toilet at appropriate height and position?


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21 Facilities accessible? Height of light switch, sink and taps, mirror, towel rail, toilet hose and toilet paper holder?

Kitchen

22 Utilities accessible i.e. water cooler, fridge, cups/ glasses, sink

Fire Evacuation

23 Procedure for PwD to evacuate the building in the event of a fire?

Assessor: __________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________________________________________

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