Rci : Access For All - Training Manual Barrier-free Design, 2005 3m4z5h

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Rehab Council of India ACCESS FOR ALL Training Manual to promote 'Barrier Free Environment'

Foreword I am happy that a training manual titled "Access for All" to promote Barrier Free Environment has been prepared by RCI and Samarthya. Access is a very wide concept. The term Access is not an act or state, but a liberty to enter, to approach, to communicate with and to participate or make use of physical, environmental and structural systems, processes, etc., regardless of type and degree of disability, gender or age. A freely accessible society without any physical obstacles is a first and foremost requirement to mainstream people with disabilities. Right to education, work, freedom of mobility of expression is of no relevance unless the points of entry to success, work place, sports and cultural arenas are made accessible. It is only then that people with disabilities will be able to tap their potentials, hidden talents and give back to society what they receive from it. I hope the technical information provided in the manual will serve as a useful guide and will assist in creating barrier free features in all buildings facilitating the people with disabilities to be independent in their daily life. I am sure the manual will prove to be extremely useful in creating the right environment which will ensure "Access for All" and bring a new light into the lives of persons with disabilities as an inclusive and right based society. Major H. P. S. Ahluwalia, frgs Chairman, RCI April , 2005

Contents of Book Module 1

Chapter 1

Orientation to the Course

Chapter 2

Perceptions, Definitions and Terminology

Chapter 3

Constitutional and Statutory Provision

Module 2 Chapter 1

Concept of Non-handicapping Environment, BarrierFree Environments and Universal Design

Chapter 2

Functions of Access Features

Chapter 3

anthropometrics

Module 3 Chapter 1

Disability Awareness

Chapter 2

Guide to Conduct Disability Simulation Exercise

Module 4 Chapter 1

Design Considerations

Chapter 2

Residential

Chapter 3

Places of Recreation (Theatres, Auditoriums, Parks, etc.)

Chapter 4

Fire Evacuation Needs

Module 5 Chapter 1

Case Study of Voluntary Services Overseas Office, New Delhi

Module 6 Chapter 1

Barrier Free Transportation

Chapter 2

Barrier Free Tourism

Chapter 3

Accessibility in Rural Areas

Module 7 Chapter 1

Field Visit (Access Survey/Audit)

Chapter 2

Access Survey/Audit of a Pre-Selected Site

Chapter 3

Report Making -Comprehensive Solution with Illustrations

Module 8

Chapter 1

Access Survey/Audit Checklist

Chapter 2

Community Accessibility CheckList

Module 9 Chapter 1

Illustrative Training Materials "Training of Trainers"

Module 10 Chapter 1

PWD Act

Chapter 2

Regional Training Workshop on Promotion of accessible Tourism Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Chapter 3

Biwako Millennium Framework Bibliography

Module 1 Chapter 1 Orientation to the Course Introduction Training Guidelines will address approaches to the planning and deg of Barrier Free Environment and Universal Design. Objectives 1. The utmost objective of the course is to train participants to become master trainers, promoters and resource persons concerning a non-handicapping environment, universal design and a barrier-free society. 2. To link and network participants to promote a non-handicapping environment in their respective states. Target Group Architects, Engineers, urban planners, public transport planners, Government officials, special educators, mobility instructors, coordinators, occupational therapists, CBR workers, non-government representatives working on disability related issues and representatives of self-help organizations of PwDs & DPOs. Expected results of training Participants can: !

Promote awareness of Universal Design.

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Enforce a design concept on building applications.

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Help to incorporate a non-handicapping environment in agenda items.

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Build a network with Government and NGOs to share skills and implement plans.

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Chapter 2 Perceptions, Definitions and Terminology Perceptions Many of us have an impression that barrier free environment is an expensive affair but it is not so in most of the cases – in fact, it is cheaper if one considers long-term benefit. There is another misconception, it seems only wheelchairs s need accessible environment and making a ramp (often it is a slope) can solve all the problems. There is nothing wrong more than this. Who is accessibility for? !

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Everyone! Accessibility is not just an issue for disabled people. It makes participation easier and more effective for everyone. This includes: !

Young people.

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Elderly people.

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People who speak different languages/have different learning styles.

!

People with hidden impairments (diabetes, epilepsy).

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People with temporary ailments.

!

Pregnant women.

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Parents and carers.

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People with heavy luggage.

!

And it is for the people who have difficulty seeing, hearing, moving, learning, and or/speaking; whether this is mild or severe, whether or not they define themselves as disabled, whether or not their impairment is obvious.

Barrier free environments (environments without physical barriers) enable parents with young children, elderly people and disabled people to integrate. Special needs for special people segregate; universal design integrates! Who is responsible for barrier free environment? Everyone – because an inclusive society, in which everyone can participate, will only happen if everyone is committed and plays their part. Definitions The World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons recognizes that disabled persons do not form a homogenous group. In 1980, the World Health Organization adopted an international classification of “impairment”, “disability” and “handicap”. There is a clear distinction among these three. Previous terminology 2

to define these reflected a medical or diagnostic approach. The new definitions represent a more precise approach. People with visual, hearing and speech impairments and those with restricted mobility or with so-called “medical disabilities” encounter a variety of barriers. From this perspective of diversity in unity, it is useful to clarify the distinctions among three commonly used . a.

Impairment is any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function. Impairment can be temporary or permanent. This includes the existence or occurrence of an anomaly, defect or loss in a limb, organ, tissue or other structure of the body, including the systems of mental function.

b.

A disability is any restriction, or lack of ability (resulting from an impairment), to perform an activity within the range considered normal for a human being. A disability may be temporary or permanent, reversible or irreversible, and progressive or regressive.

c.

A handicap results from impairment or a disability and limits or prevents the fulfillment of a function that is considered normal for a human being. A handicap is therefore seen in the relationship between disabled persons and their environment. Cultural, physical or social barriers to mobility within the built environment are handicaps.

A “Handicapping Environment” as stated by the UNESCAP means the building, roads, pedestrian pathways including public transport and communication systems, which are all components of a built environment. Barriers from these components, not only affect PwDs but elderly persons and the well being of many other s. PwDs and a diverse group of people in society have the right to move about freely in a safe physical environment without any obstacles. Everyone benefits from a built environment that meets the safety standards, convenience and usability of PwDs. “Accessibility: Environment & Public Transport” is a priority area of the New Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons: Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive Barrier-Free and Rights based Society for PwDs in Asia & the Pacific. Terminology The following used in this manual have the meaning indicated in this section: Access Means to enable persons with or without disability to approach, enter and leave a building, and to reach and use its facilities without assistance and undue difficulties. Access Aisle An accessible pedestrian space between elements, such as parking spaces, seating and desks, that provides clearances appropriate for use of the elements. Accessible A site building, facility, or portion thereof that complies with this manual and that can be approached, entered and used by people with disabilities. 3

Accessible Route A continuous unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and spaces in a building or facility that can be negotiated by a severely disabled person using a wheelchair and that is also safe for and usable by people with other disabilities. Interior accessible routes may include corridors, ramps, elevators, lifts and clear floor space at fixtures. Exterior accessible routes may include parking, access aisles, kerb ramps, walkways and ramps. Ambulatory Disabled A person who is able, either with or without personal assistance, and who may depend on prostheses (artificial limbs), orthoses (calipers), sticks, crutches or walking aids to walk on level or negotiate suitably graded steps provided that convenient handrails are available. Beveled Smooth, slanted angle between two surfaces for example, a slant and inclination between two uneven surfaces to allow easier age of a wheelchair. Buildings intended to be used by the public Means a building where the whole or any part of which the public or a section of the public has or may reasonably be expected to have access. Circulation Path An exterior or interior way of age from one place to another for pedestrians, including walkways, hallways, courtyards, stairways and stair landings. Clear Unobstructed Curb A side barrier to trafficable surfaces. Curb Ramp A short ramp cutting through a curb or built up to it. Grab bars A bar used to give a steadying or stabilizing assistance to a person engaged in a particular function. Handrails A rail used in circulation areas such as corridors, ageways, ramps and stairways to assist in continuous movement. Individual Washrooms A compartment having the basic requirements of a water closet compartment, washbasin and other essential washroom accessories as required by people with disabilities. 4

Operable Parts A part of equipment or appliance used to insert or withdraw objects, or to activate, deactivate, or adjust the equipment or appliance (for example coin slot, pushbutton, handle, etc.) Person with Disability (PwD) A person who, as a consequence of physical disability or impairment, is either ambulant disabled; a wheelchair ; has visual, speech and hearing impairment; is mentally challenged or has learning disability. Public Use Describes interior and exterior rooms and spaces that are made available to the general public. Public use may be provided at a building or facility that is privately or publicly owned. Ramp An inclined slope connecting one level with another. Space A definable area (toilet room, hall, assembly area, entrance, storage, room alcove, courtyard, or lobby etc.) Symbol Symbol of access for the disabled person. Tactile An object that can be perceived using the sense of touch. Wheelchair A person who depends solely on a wheel chair for mobility except when using mechanized transport.

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Chapter 3 Constitutional and Statutory Provisions The Parliament of India, on many occasions, expressed its concern about persons with disabilities and enacted laws to deal with matters connected with disability. The first reference to disability was brought in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution (State List at Entry 9), which empowered the State Governments to make laws with respect to relief of the disabled and unemployable. Subsequently, the Seventythird and Seventyfourth Amendments to the Constitution of India made “safeguarding the interest of weaker sections of the society, including handicapped and mentally retarded” a constitutional obligation as referred to in the Twelfth Schedule. The Parliament of India enacted THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) ACT, 1995 which cast obligations on appropriate Governments and local authorities for creating barrier free facilities. For example: Section 30 stipulates that the appropriate governments shall by notification prepare a comprehensive education scheme, which shall make provision for: (b)

the removal of architectural barriers from school, colleges or other institutions, imparting vocational and professional training.

Similarly, Section 38 stipulates the appropriate governments and local authorities shall by notification formulate schemes for ensuring employment of persons with disabilities, and such schemes may provide for: (d)

health and safety measures and creation of a non-handicapping environment in places where persons with disabilities are employed.

To ensure right to employment for PwD’s Section 45 calls upon the appropriate governments to provide for(a)

installation of auditory signals at red lights in the public roads for the benefit of persons with visual handicap;

(b)

causing kerb cuts and slopes to be made in pavements for the easy access of wheel chair s.

(c)

engraving on the surfaces of the zebra crossing for the blind or for persons with low vision.

(d)

engraving on the edges of railway platforms for the blind or for with low vision; and

(e)

devising appropriate symbols of disability.

In protection of the Right to have free access to public places, the Disability Act in Section 46 ens upon the appropriate governments and the local authorities to provide for: (a)

ramps in public buildings. 6

(b) (c)

braille symbols and auditory signals in elevators and lifts; and ramps in hospitals, primary health centers and other medical care and rehabilitation institutions.

The architects of the Disability Act were conscious of the fact that for the creation of barrier free environment in educational institutions, vocational training centers, places of work and in other public places, special designs of buildings and special technologies would need to be developed. Section 48 of the Act calls upon the appropriate governments and local authorities to promote and sponsor research, inter alias, in the on site modifications in offices and factories. As a follow up action of the PWD Act, the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, in collaboration with UNESCAP, undertook demonstrative exercises in Delhi to create a barrier free built environment in a two sq. km. area of Indraprastha Estate. This further led to a preparation “Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons (1998)” by the Central Public Works Department, Ministry of Urban Affairs & Employment. Further a reference was made to all State Governments to make suitable amendments in their building bye-laws to respond to this Act. The Bureau of Indian Standards had already brought out the minimum provision to be made in public buildings for providing access to PwDs, way back in 1983 in the National Building Code. The Planning Commission report on the Tenth Five Year Plan also lays stress on issues connected with accessibility for disabled persons. (Inputs from Shri P.R. Mehta, President, Council of Architecture) Implementations There are several obstacles to the implementation of guidelines and legislative measures on barrier-free design. The promotion of barrier-free built environments is a new area of work. Access improvement requires the close cooperation of technical personnel with responsibility in different areas that are all related to the built environment, primarily architects, engineers (including transport technologists and traffic engineers) and town planners. Even where guidelines and legislative measure exist, poor implementation and enforcement remain serious issues. With respect to implementing and enforcement agencies responsible for the built environment, insufficient systematic effort has been made to draw the attention of decision makers as well as of technical personnel at all levels to the significance of barrier-free design for the full participation and equality of people with disabilities. There is little understanding among the decision makers and technical personnel of the benefits of barrier-free design for large numbers of other groups. They do not recognize that the large number of s who would benefit from barrier-free environments include elderly, children, women and those who may be frail, temporarily disabled or have hidden disabilities and, therefore, access needs that are similar to those of disability groups.

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Module 2 Chapter 1 Concept of Non-Handicapping Environments, Barrier-free Environments and Universal Design General Planning and Design Considerations No part of the built environment should be designed in a manner that excludes certain groups of people on the basis of their disability or frailty. No group of people should be deprived of full participation in and enjoyment of the built environment or be made less equal than others due to any form or degree of disability. In order to achieve this goal adopted by the United Nations, certain basic guiding principles need to be applied. a.

It should be possible to reach all places of the built environment.

b.

It should be possible to enter all places within the built environment.

c.

It should be possible to make use of all facilities within the built environment.

d.

It should be possible to reach, enter and use all facilities in the built environment without being made to feel that one is an object of charity.

These basic guiding principles may serve as general requirements for consideration in physical planning and design. These requirements may be summarized as follows: I.

Accessibility

The built environment shall be designed so that it is accessible for all people, including those with disabilities and elderly persons. II.

Access or accessible

This means that everyone can, without assistance, approach, enter, to and from, and make use of an area and its facilities without undue difficulties. Constant reference to these basic requirements during the planning and design process of the built environment will help to ensure that the possibilities of creating an accessible environment will be maximized. III. Reachability Provisions shall be adopted and introduced into the built environment so that as many places and buildings as possible can be reached by all people, including those with disabilities and elderly persons. IV.

Usability

The built environment shall be designed so that all people, including those with disabilities and elderly persons can use and enjoy it.

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V.

Safety

The built environment shall be so designed that all people, including those with disabilities and elderly persons, can move about without undue hazard to life and health. VI. Workability The built environment where people work shall be designed to allow people, including those with disabilities, fully to participate in and contribute to the work force. VII. Barrier-free or Non-handicapping This means unhindered, without obstructions, to enable disabled persons free age to and from and use of the facilities, in the built environment. Universal Design

Universal Design is defined as “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design” (The Center for Universal Design, 1997). In a Universal Design approach, the consideration is different as it refers to products and buildings that are accessible and usable by everyone, including PwDs. Rather than providing separate facilities; integral solutions accommodate PwDs as well as the rest of the population. Accessible Design is different from Universal Design. Accessible Design means products and buildings that are accessible and usable by PwDs. Buildings and products for disabled persons are therefore designed differently from the routine design practice. According to Accessible Design, designers are led to design separate facilities for PwDs, for example providing a ramp beside a stairway at an entrance or a second ‘special’ approach to enter the building. Universal Design means products and buildings that are accessible and usable by everyone, including PwDs. Moreover, Universal Design means ‘design for all’, including people with short stature, tall, obese, frail, elderly as well as young, women as well as men, left handed persons as well as right handed persons. For example, the conventional round handle doorknob is difficult to grasp and turn by persons with hand and upper body impairment (including arthritis). A lever handle can be operated without grasping and turning. This kind of handle not only benefits those persons whose hands are full; they can open the door with an elbow, forearm or back of the hand. A wheelchair accessible toilet is larger than a ‘normal’ toilet. But a toilet room, designed with Universal Design may have larger space clearances in mind particularly for wheelchair s but for with additional facilities: changing tables for babies, grab bars for pregnant woman, etc. Besides providing accessible cubicles in a man and woman toilet room, there might be a unisex toilet (family toilet room). This kind of toilet avoids embarrassment when a man escorts his young daughter, a woman takes an older father or a wife takes her husband who is severely disabled. This washroom could meet the needs of people with a wide range of physical limitation. 9

Principles of Universal Design

Six Essential Requirements of Good Design

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Equitable Use Flexibility in Use Simple and Intuitive Use Perceptible Information Tolerance for Error Low Physical Effort Size and space for Approach and Use

Safety Accessibility Usability Affordability Sustainability Aesthetics

(The Center for Universal Design, 1999)

(Dr. Satoshi Kose)

Manpower Resources Assistive Technology Adaptation Universal Design

Design Concepts Toward Universal Design (Dr. Satoshi Kose)

Drinking water taps at Two Levels (Garden of Five Senses, New Delhi)

Counters planned at height accessible to all

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Chapter 2 Functions of Access Features It is not enough merely to know the dimensions that are commonly used for each type of access feature. It is equally important to understand why those dimensions have been accepted, as well as how access features can be used by disabled persons and by other groups. For example, invite the participants to try out models of ramps, mock ups of height reaches (placing objects at different heights and asking participants to reach for the objects), how to transfer to and from the toilet seat, position and usage of the grab bars. Such understanding is essential for giving disabled persons the confidence to explain to the authorities the need for access provisions. The ability to explain clearly why and how these provisions benefit everyone will make it easier for the authorities to understand what action can be taken to meet those needs. Furthermore, if both disabled persons and the authorities understand the reasons, they will more likely to find local solutions that are best suited to problems that may not be found in existing document. This section guides on: (a) (b) (b)

Why one needs certain access features. How one can acquire hands-on experience in understanding the need for those features. How one can use this knowledge in conducting access surveys.

Space Allowance This refers to the space needs of a person in a stationary wheelchair and a person using bilateral crutches for mobility. Wheel Chair Dimension There are two points to take into consideration when measuring a wheelchair, that is, do we only want to know the dimensions of the wheelchair or the space needed by a wheelchair ? Actual dimensions are necessary to know and understand the types and sizes of wheelchairs used in our country. However it is more important to know the space required by a wheelchair as this ensures that a wheelchair has the sufficient space required to maneuver the wheelchair from point to point. How to measure the wheelchair

• •

Measure the outer rim of the left wheel to the outer rim of the right wheel (slip the measuring tape through the spokes of the wheelchair and space under the seat). Measure the edge of the footrest to the furthest edge of the back wheel.

How to measure the space required by a wheelchair

•

Request wheelchair s to position their arms in push position and measure the distance from one elbow to other. 11

•

Measure the distance from the edge of the foot to the furthest edge of the back wheel. Note that in most circumstances, when the foot is placed on the footrest, part of the foot would protrude from the footrest. Moreover, some wheelchair s are unable to place their feet on their footrests.

For the wheelchair , the dimensions include the actual wheelchair size and additional space needed to safely accommodate the ’s hands and feet.

900 mm

For the ambulant disabled person, the space allowance is measured as the distance between the tips of both crutches when they are being used. 920 mm

Also pay particular attention on how wheelchairs and other assistive devices are actually used by diverse s in daily life in their own environment.

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Chapter 3 Anthropometrics Scope This chapter contains dimensions that can be used for guidance when deg facilities and equipment to be used by persons with disabilities. Space Allowance Adequate space should be allocated for persons using mobility devices, e.g., wheelchairs, crutches and walkers, as well as those walking with the assistance of other persons.

1800 mm

1200 mm

•

900 mm Minimum clear width for two wheel chairs

900 mm 400 mm Maximum depth for Minimum clearance

1500 mm Minimum clear width for single wheelchair 13

Dimensional Data on Crutch s

Dimensional Data on Walking Stick / White Cane s

14

Protruding Objects

•

Protruding objects, such as directional signs, tree branches, wires, guy ropes, public telephone booths, benches and ornamental fixtures should be installed with consideration of the range of a visually impaired person’s cane.

•

A barrier to warn blind or visually impaired persons shall be provided under stairways or escalators.

Walkways, halls, corridors, ageways, aisles, or other circulation spaces should have clear headroom to minimize the risk of accidents. Free Standing Objects

Overhead Hazards

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Reach Allowance

•

The range of reach (forward and side; with or without obstruction) of a person in a wheelchair should be taken into consideration.

Forward Reach Without Obstruction

Forward Reach Over Obstruction

Side Reach Without Obstruction

16

Side Reach Over Obstruction

(Source : UN Guidelines)

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Module 3 Chapter 1 Disability Awareness Access Needs of Diverse Disability Groups In order to create fully accessible environments, it is important to understand the nature of the access requirements of diverse disability groups. For the purpose of built-environment design, there are usually four major disability groups: (a) (b) (c) (d) (a)

Orthopedic: ambulant and nonambulant (wheelchair s) Sensory: visual, hearing Cognitive: mental, developmental, learning; Multiple: combination of any or all of the above.

Orthopedic People with orthopedic disabilities are generally those with loco motor disabilities, which affect mobility. This can High kerbs are common barriers mean impairment of the trunk, the lower limbs, or both of these. People with orthopedic disabilities may also have impairment of the lower limbs and the trunk as well as the upper limbs. People with orthopedic disabilities are divided into two subgroups, namely (i)

Ambulant disabled persons are those who are able, either with or without assistance, to walk and who may walk with or without the aid of devices such as crutches, sticks, braces or walking frames.

(ii)

People who use wheelchairs are unable to walk, either with or without assistance, and who, except for the use of mechanized transport, depend solely on a wheelchair for mobility. They may propel themselves independently, or may require to be pushed and maneuvered by an assistant. While being unable to walk, the majority of people in this group are able to transfer to and from a wheelchair. The built environment needs to incorporate level access, ramps, lifts/elevators, handrails and grab bars, larger toilet cubicles, clear signs, sufficiently wide paths, doors, entrances, lobbies and corridors. The presence of these features would ensure wheelchair s access to buildings and to the external environment. 18

(b)

Sensory People with sensory disabilities are those who, as a consequence of visual or hearing impairment may be restricted or inconvenienced in their use of the built environment. They are divided into two subgroups:

(c)

(i)

Visually-impaired/blind persons who rely solely on their sense of hearing, touch and smell. The built environment must therefore incorporate certain aspects of sound, texture and aroma to assist these persons in their surroundings. However some people with impaired vision can partially see. Therefore they also benefit from visual information.

(ii)

Hearing-impaired persons who rely solely on their sense of sight and touch and need signs, color and texture to be incorporated in the built environment to assist them in moving around their surroundings. However some people can partially hear and benefit from clear audible sound information.

Cognitive People with cognitive disabilities are generally those with a mental illness, a developmental or a learning disability. Making a building plan, easy to understand is very important. To assist them to function in their surroundings, the built environment should incorporate a combination of cues such as those of sight, touch and sound, as well as signs, colors and texture. Standardization of information (both audio and visual) and simple interior designs, are less confusing.

(d)

Multiple People with multiple disabilities are generally those with a combination of orthopedic, sensory and/or cognitive disabilities. The built environment therefore must incorporate a combination of visual, tactile and olfactory cues to assist them in their use of their surroundings.

Specific Needs of Diverse Disability Groups In the planning and design of barrier-free environments, it is essential to ensure that suitable access and facilities are provided for people with all the disabilities mentioned above. Identifying and understanding the circumstances, which create barriers for persons with disabilities and elderly people, is a fundamental requirement. A systematic review of layouts, space requirements and the use of components and component relationships may need to be undertaken to evaluate the adequacy and performance of design proposals. (a)

Mobility-impaired people In of circulation, wheelchair movement is seen as the most critical. The spatial needs of the ambulant disabled and the sensory or cognitive disabled are unlikely to exceed the space needed to maneuver a wheelchair. Independent wheelchair s require more generous activity space width, while assisted wheelchair movement requires greater length or depth of space and, consequently, larger overall turning space. The built environment should accommodate both independent and assisted wheelchair mobility. 19

The recommendations in this manual are suitable for most standard, manually propelled chairs and electric/ motorized indoor wheelchairs. Electric/motorized outdoor models generally require 10 to 15 per cent more maneuvering space than standard, manually propelled chairs. However these wheelchairs are rarely used outdoors, in our country. (b)

Visually-impaired people Many blind people, including those who are ed as such, have varying degrees of residual vision. The following recommendations pertain to people who are totally blind and those who have low vision: (i)

Dropped kerbs to footpaths: Interruptions in footpath kerbs and edges are useful cues for partially sighted people. Where interruptions do occur, they should be indicated with tactile paving.

(ii)

Stairs and ramps: Handrails should be of a bright color, contrasting with the surroundings. They should extend a minimum distance of 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp or stairs to give a blind person a chance to feel them before encountering the hazard. Staircases should have bright contrasting, preferably non-slip nosing. A tactile warning surface should also be incorporated into the floor at the top and bottom of the staircase or ramp.

(iii)

Walkways: These should be fitted with visual signs and tactile clues, e.g., Braille blocks as route finders. It is desirable to define clearly the edges of paths and routes by using different colours and textures. It is also possible to use plants to emphasize pavement edges, but care must be taken in the choice and placement of plants to avoid people tripping over. Large featureless paved areas in front of buildings should be avoided as these can cause glare problems for visually impaired persons and make it difficult for them to distinguish entrances. Patterns in the paving should be carefully thought out to guide people through routed areas or to entrances.

(iv) Hazards: Windows and doors opening outwards can be very dangerous. One solution is to recess outward opening doors into a porch. Street furniture, trees, lamp posts, fire hydrants, waste bins, flower tubs, seats and other such items should be located to one side of pathways and roads used by the public. Some of these could be grouped together with a change in paving surface texture and colour to give some warning on approach. The use of contrasting colours can greatly assist visually impaired persons particularly on street signs or lampposts. A contrasting band at eye level should be incorporated onto the posts. Overhanging hoardings or signs should be positioned well above 2100 mm. Low barriers should be placed around temporary road works to enable persons using canes to detect the hazards. (v)

Tactile objects: The sense of touch is vital to people with visual impairments. Objects, which are important in daily life, should be distinctive in shape, texture or size. Coins and bank notes should be so designed that the value of each may easily be identified.

(vi) Signs: These should be in contrasting colours. Raised letters and characters should be used to allow blind persons to feel the signs. Where possible, universally accepted symbols and colours should be used, e.g., green for safety, yellow or amber for risk and red for danger. A clear system of signs should be used throughout a building, with a similar height and format at each change in 20

direction. Signs should be fixed at eye level when mounted on a wall; a suspended sign should be hung between 2100 mm. and 2400 mm. above floor level. (vii) Hedges and trees: Such plants must be maintained to prevent them from encroaching onto footpaths. Low branches hanging over footpaths should be removed. (viii) Doors: The use of colour to distinguish doors from surrounding walls is very useful. A colour contrast between a door and a doorframe, with the door handle in a distinct tone, can be of great benefit to people with visual impairments. Glass doors must have a bright coloured band or motif at eye level to avoid partially sighted persons from walking into them. (ix) Corridors and circulation: All appliances and fittings should be recessed where possible. (x)

Lifts: Raised numbers with tactile indications on landings should be used to indicate the floor. Buttons in the lift car should be marked with raised numbers and Braille (on control buttons). A voice synthesizer is the most important addition to any lift serving more than two floors and can give visually-impaired persons important information, such as, doors closing/opening; lift going up/ down; lift free and floor level.

(xi) Summary recommendations for visually-impaired people: (1) The use of guiding path and warning strip should be promoted and installed in public facilities, including train stations, shopping centers and bus terminals. (2) Glare should be reduced from windows by using net curtains, solar reflective glass, or external/internal blinds.

Guiding path and warning strip at Delhi Metro Rail Station.

(3) Contrasts should be reduced between the outside and inside of buildings. Windows should not be positioned to cause silhouetting in corridors and circulation areas unless the possibility of glare is reduced by one of the above measures or by other means. 21

(4) Changes in colour and texture should be used to warn of differences in floor level and to indicate door handles, light switches and other fixtures. (5) Green and blue tones being hard to differentiate, for example, green carpets and blue walls can appear as one to a visually-impaired person), they should be avoided. The red colour range causes the least difficulty in this respect. (6) Patterns should be used to indicate direction warning. A contrasting band of colour on walls can be very helpful, e.g., a line of contrasting tiles in a tiled toilet area can help to define walls to visually impaired persons. (c)

Hearing-impaired people (i)

Lifts: It is important for the emergency call button in lifts to have an acknowledgement light ading it. This provides both visual and auditory notification that someone is in trouble in the lift and that someone is dealing with the problems.

(ii)

Fire evacuation: It is most important that it is widely understood that a person with a hearing impairment will react a lot more slowly than someone without this difficulty.

(iii)

Visual signs: These must be very clear and accurate. A flashing light unaccompanied by a message can be confusing, e.g., a flashing fire exit sign would be preferable to a flashing red light; it gets the message across much more quickly. Flashing exit signs in public buildings are preferable to permanently lit exit notices in emergency situations. These will be activated only when alarms sound during an emergency.

(iv) Signs in all facilities frequented by of the public, including shopping and entertainment areas, should be improved. Electric and flashing information signs to indicate stops should be installed on trains and buses to enable deaf persons to use public transportation independently. (v)

Fire or emergency alarms and other important environmental sounds: Substitute visual or tactile alert mechanisms for the traditional audible signal. ( to place visual alert systems away from windows where sunlight might overwhelm the signal). Use a vibrating pager system, or provide alarms with lights. Bedrooms used by people with disabilities and elderly persons should be provided with flashing lights activated by alarm systems to alert them in the event of an emergency. Vibrating pillows linked to an alarm clock or an alarm system is a further possibility for awakening hearing-impaired persons.

(vi) Good lighting and prevention of glare: These are as important for people with hearing impairment, who focus on facial expression, as for those with visual impairment. Many people lip-read. (vii) Hearing aids: Wherever possible, e.g., in foyers, meeting rooms, interview rooms, courts, theatres, training venues, booking offices and cash desks an induction loop system should be installed. (viii) Background noise: It is most important to reduce any background noise internally and externally. (ix) Acoustics: Care should be taken to provide good acoustic conditions in all building interiors. Sound absorbent surfaces should be utilized to minimize reverberation, which could seriously 22

affect the hearing of a hearing-impaired person. In areas where there is fixed seating, such as, lecture theatres, the lecturer’s position should not be in front of a window or the light source, which may create, glare and cause difficulty in lip reading. Audio Alerts Many sounds that provide auditory cues can be replaced with an alternative. !

!

!

Computer alerts: substitute screen or cursor flashes for the auditory cues that alert a to errors, that e-mail has been received, or when there is a problem with the equipment. To replace a buzzer, telephone ring, doorbell, alarm clock, or equipment malfunction indication, use visual or tactile signals. For example, you can hardwire a light to a sound source for a visual cue, use a monitor/signaling device, or provide a vibrating signal. (The advantage of vibration is it alerts deaf or hard-of-hearing persons with minimal distraction to others.) A specially trained hearing dog: If the person with hearing impairment has a hearing dog, the animal can indicate telephone rings, a person entering the room, or abnormal machinery sounds. (Hearing dogs do not—and should not—socialize in the work environment).

Other Useful Tools and Tips Dealing with extraneous noise: !

Use sound-absorbing products such as carpeting, ceiling baffles, wall s or cubicles.

!

Don’t allow the use of personal stereos in shared spaces.

!

Provide a workspace free from extraneous sounds such as copy machines, faxes and printers.

Hearing protection: Some people might benefit from wearing electronic hearing protection, which allows the frequency of the human voice to be heard but filters out unwanted noise. (Certain sounds can also be amplified with an adjustable volume control, if desired.) One-to-One Communication (In Person) To communicate with a deaf or hard-of-hearing person when you are in the same location, there are many possible solutions. You might use: !

Handwritten notes.

!

E-mail messages.

!

A computer terminal (take turns typing at the same computer).

!

!

Assistive listening devices (ALDS, as these devices are known, operate on FM frequencies or use infrared or induction loop technology; the speaker uses a microphone or transmitter and the listener uses either a hearing aid switch or wears a companion receiver). Interpreters. 23

!

!

A communication board connected to two TTYs (text-telephone devices) minus telephones. Sign language: Some people may choose to learn basic sign language as a means of communicating with a colleague.

On the Phone Communication There are five general means of enabling telephone communication, depending on the type of hearing loss. !

!

!

!

!

Amplification technology: If the individual benefits from sound amplification, a wide range of options is available. Amplification can be provided through the handset, headset, in-line, portable additions and complete phone systems. T-coil technology: Some individuals who wear T-coil ready hearing aids may be able to use a Tcoil, which pairs the hearing aid with a compatible telephone. Clarification: For some people, the problem is not that they need sounds to be louder—they need them to be clearer. Clarity can be achieved by adjusting the frequency of the incoming voice when listening on the telephone. A number of complete telephone systems and in-line devices allow the to adjust voice frequency. Text telephone equipment: A teletypewriter or TTY (also known as a TDD, or telecommunications device for the deaf) is used when amplifying speech is not enough. The TTY consists of a keyboard and electronic display; it converts typed messages into electronic tones, which are sent over a standard phone line, much like a fax machine. Communication is direct with anyone who has a similar device, or the Telecommunications Relay System can be used as a medium for communication. Some computers with modems can be used to communicate with some of the most recent TTY units. Pagers or beepers in text format can alert a deaf or hard-of-hearing person to the need for telephone communication.

Also, some deaf or hard-of-hearing persons may be able to use a cellular phone with the earpiece or receiver attached to the hearing aid behind the ear. (However, some wireless phones are designed in such as way that the earpiece cannot reach behind the ear while allowing the mouthpiece to remain close to the mouth). Dealing with People with Speech Impairments Many of the suggested accommodations above also apply to people who have speech impairments. One basic rule to keep in mind: if the impairment is aggravated by oral communication in a group, try to avoid unnecessary group settings. Minimize distractions and extraneous conversations. In addition, there are a variety of helpful tools available: electronic “speaking machines” may benefit certain speech difficulties. !

Voice amplification devices will help people who cannot speak at sufficient volume to be understood. 24

!

!

Voice synthesis devices can be added to computers to enhance communication. Delayed auditory devices, which slow the arrival of information to a speed at which it can be processed, may provide benefits for stutterers.

Communication in Formal Situations Provide agendas or text materials prior to meetings or training courses to allow additional preparation time. After each meeting, distribute written meeting minutes. Consider environmental factors in-group communication situations, and try to be aware of background noise, lighting, seating and positioning. Ensure accessibility of information on all videos used. !

!

!

!

Noise considerations: Hold meetings in a room that is carpeted, free of office machines and away from paths of heavy traffic (people and vehicles). Sightlines: Use a round table (rather than square or rectangular) to open up sightlines for people who might lip-read. Distance issues: Allow the deaf or hard-of-hearing person to sit where they are comfortable, depending on their needs and the position of the interpreter or speaker. Video: All videos used should be captioned; preferably using open captioning that appears onscreen and does not require special viewing equipment.

You may also provide interpretive assistance through interpreters or interpretive devices, including: !

!

!

Assistive listening devices (ALDs): There are a variety of ALDs, with some operating on an FM radio frequency and other using infrared or induction loop technologies. In all systems, the presenter speaks into a microphone or transmitter, and the listener either uses a T-switch on their hearing aid or wears a receiver designed to work with the assistive listening device chosen. Sign language interpreters: A qualified language interpreter is one who can both sign what is said to the individual and voice to the hearing person what is signed. The communication must be conveyed in an accurate, effective, impartial manner. In addition, qualified interpreters must be familiar with any specialized vocabulary used during communication. (For best results, make sure the interpreter is positioned against a dark, solid-colour background with adequate lighting.) Computer-assisted note taking (CAN) involves using a personal computer (and possibly a projector). A clerical person sits in on the group activity, typing summaries of the communication-taking place. The deaf or hard-of-hearing person can either watch the computer monitor or view text projected on a wall. (The drawback with CAN is that information provided is not word for word.)

25

Chapter 2 Guide to Conduct Disability Simulation Exercise 1.

What is Simulation Exercise?

This is an exercise that can be used, to give participants an understanding of what it is like to be elderly and disabled. It is most effective if the exercise can span an overnight period, as many normal acts of daily living, such as going to the toilet, walking, eating and dressing, can be experienced. 2.

When to Use the Simulation Exercise?

It is best used in a workshop situation. It can be used for small groups of five or six people or a large group of up to 30, which is divided into smaller sub-groups. Paraplegia, stroke, arthritis, being an amputee, having a broken leg, cataract, tunnel vision, blindness, hearing loss, heart/chest conditions can all be simulated. Equipment and materials required for simulation exercise per group of ten participants: One self-propelled wheelchair, two pairs of adjustable crutches, one adjustable walking frame, one adjustable tripod walker, one camera jacket (with several pockets), sunglasses (lenses smeared tissue paper), sunglasses (adapted for tunnel vision), one set of industrial protective earmuffs, two sets of shin protective guards, one set of elbow protective guards, one set of wrist weights (1 kg), one set of wrist weights (2 kg), one set of ankle weights (1.5 kg), one set of ankle weights (2.5 kg), two crepe bandages, cotton wool, one set of thin surgical gloves, safety pins, and talcum powder. 3.

Briefing on Disability

It is important that a short briefing is given on each disability, its causes, effects and limitations. This will help to improve understanding and involvement in the role-play situation. If blindness is being simulated, then a demonstration of how to lead a blind person must be given by someone who is familiar with the correct way of doing this. Emphasize that the purpose of the simulation exercise is to help participants understand the mismatch between the diverse levels of physical and sensory functioning and the existing physical environment. Clarify that it is not the purpose of the simulation exercise to test the limits of the participants’ abilities. 4.

Demonstration on Use of Devices

A demonstration is given of how to measure the correct height of the walking devices, to adjust them and to ensure their safe use on steps/stairs and outside in negotiating kerbs. It may be useful to have a physiotherapist take part in this exercise. 26

5.

Medical Conditions

There are various medical conditions that could be aggravated by simulating some of the disabilities. Advise the whole group about this. Check with the group if anyone has a heart condition, chest condition or arthritis and avoid allocating them a “disability” that may be detrimental to their health.

6.

How to Simulate Different Disabilities

There are a number of different physical and sensory impairments that can be simulated in this exercise by using the equipment listed above. (a)

Paraplegia: Use the wheelchair. Check that the person can use the wheelchair correctly, knows the procedure for both kerbs and steps, and is comfortable. Check that the person can use the walking device correctly, knows the procedure for steps/stairs, and is comfortable. Someone with a heart or chest condition or arthritis should not try simulation of paraplegia.

(b)

Heart condition/chest condition: Use the camera jacket. Put weights into the various pockets around the jacket. Judge the total weight according to the size of the person. Small woman: 5 kg; large man: 8 kg. Someone with a heart condition, chest condition or arthritis of the spine should not participate in this simulation exercise.

(c)

Cataract: Use sunglasses, the lenses of which have been thickly smeared with soap. As an alternative, the lenses may be covered by semi-opaque plastic/tissue paper. Check that the glasses are comfortable.

(d)

Tunnel Vision: Use sunglasses that have had cone-shaped tubes of cardboard attached to the lenses and the sides screened off. Two sections of an egg box could also be used. Ensure that the centers of the cones are aligned. Alternatively, blacked-out spectacles with pinholes to simulate tunnel vision may be used. Check that the glasses are comfortable and that the person is aware of the necessity of turning her/his head from side to side to compensate for the narrow field of vision. 27

7.

(e)

Blindness:Use a crepe bandage tied around the head to cut out all vision. A sleeping mask or sunglasses that have had the side screened off and the lenses blacked out may be used. Check that the blindfold is comfortable.

(f)

Deafness: Use a set of industrial ear protectors (ear muffs) with cotton wool tightly packed inside them. Have enough cotton wool to replace it for each participant; if someone has an ear or skin infection this will avoid it being ed on. An alternative to the ear protectors is to use wads of cotton wool over the ears, held securely in place by a crepe bandage, but this does not cut out sound as effectively as the ear protectors.

How to Conduct the Simulation Exercise (a)

Pre-preparation: Assemble the various “devices” that will be required in the exercise. Be sure to have enough for the whole group. Work out an itinerary of places and activities for each group, i.e., four or five places could be visited in sequence. Examples could be: a public toilet; a bedroom with attached bathroom; a bus stop; a post office (to buy and post stamps); a lift to go from one floor to another in a building; a shop to purchase some items on sale; a kitchen to make afternoon tea for the group, and so on. Each group will encounter various barriers in everyday life. If the workshop is residential then having a meal together can be a good idea. The sequence should be different for each group so they do not all try and visit the same place at the same time. Decide beforehand the duration of the exercise, e.g., half a day or 24-hour period. A separate itinerary should be prepared for each group, with a list of the activities that they should undertake in each location.

(b)

The Simulation Exercise:Briefly explain what is to happen during the exercise and its duration. !

Give a short briefing on each disability.

Simulation of a narrow corridor

!

Check with the participants for any contraindicated medical conditions.

!

Demonstrate how to measure and adjust the walking devices for correct height and confirm that this is understood. 28

!

Demonstrate the correct use of the various devices and ask for a return demonstration.

!

Demonstrate the correct method of guiding a blind person.

!

Outline the itinerary and what is to be done at each location.

!

Divide the large group into smaller groups and allocate “disabilities”, ensuring that no participant in that group already has a medical condition that could be aggravated by the assigned simulated disability. If so, reallocate a “disability” that is safe for the individual. Each group member should have a different “disability”. Advise the group to change “disabilities” after a specified time depending on the duration of the simulation exercise. Check that each person is comfortable and knows how to use the devices correctly. Inform the group at what time it is to meet together again. If the exercise is to span overnight, allow each participant to select a different “disability” when the group meets again.

Important Tips:

8.

!

Do not force simulation exercise on any body.

!

Make every body understand that this is a fun exercise in a controlled atmosphere.

!

This exercise is not to highlight the disability or shortcomings of PwDs and elderly people; but to sensitize the participants about the inconvenience caused by the exiting barriers (both attitudinal & architectural) in the built environment.

Routes/Itinerary of the Simulation Exercise

The number of the places to be visited should be decided accordingly to the expected number of groups. Accordingly, select the number of places for the simulation exercise. Inform the authorities and obtain cooperation and agreement for the exercise. The sequence should be different for each group so that the groups do not crowd the same place at the same side. For example: sidewalk, approach to and from a building, entrance or exit of a building, registration/information counter, staircase, toilet, corridor, lift, public telephone booth, drinking water fountain etc. 9.

At the End of the Exercise

It is important that the whole group comes together and discards its disabilities and the participants discuss their own feelings and attitudes as well as those of people they met in the course of the exercise. They may also be encouraged to discuss ways of removing the barriers that they had encountered. (Sample questionnaire on page 30). 10.

Question for Discussion at the End of the Exercise (a)

How did you feel when you simulated persons with diverse disabilities?

(b)

How did the different levels of audio and visual interaction affect your ability to understand the environment and move in it?

(c)

What barriers (psychological & physical) did you experience in the simulation exercise? What can you suggest to remove the barriers that you experienced in the exercise?

29

Sample Questionnaire “What are barriers?” (To be completed by all participants) 1.

What does the term “attitudinal barriers” means to you?

2.

What does the term “physical barriers” means to you?

3.

Your position Area of your work responsibility:

Name of your department:

Signature:

Date:

30

Module 4 Chapter 1 Design Considerations

Internal & External Environment Explanatory note: (a)

External environment: includes public places such as parks, gardens, malls, zoos, road systems, pedestrian networks and parking facilities.

(b)

Public buildings: including government as well as privately, owned buildings (e.g., business offices, shops, restaurants etc).

(c)

Housing/residential quarters: private homes, publicly or privately owned apartment buildings.

The following list of design elements needs to be considered when creating a barrier-free environment: I.

Kerbs and Crossings.

II.

Parking.

III.

Ramps.

IV.

Staircases and Steps.

V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII.

Handrails & Grab-Bars. Lifts. Signages. Information and Service Counters. Communication Facilities. Corridors. Doors. Windows.

XIII.

Toilets.

XIV.

Ground and Floor Surfaces.

XV. XVI. XVII.

Tactile Surfaces / Guiding Blocks. Switches & Outlets. Illumination. 31

I.

Kerbs and Crossings !

Pavement should be dropped to be flush with roadway, at a gradient no greater than 1:12 on both sides of necessary and convenient crossing points.

!

Width should not be less than 1200 mm.

!

Kerb ramps should never be leading to a zebra crossing.

!

Warning blocks to be provided on the kerb side edge of the slope so that a person with vision impairment does not accidentally walk out onto the road.

! All measurements in the reference figures are in millimeters. ! The measurements indicated are for reference and should not be viewed as absolute standards. 32

Kerb ramps at marked crossings

II. Parking !

!

Parking should be with in 30 meters of the main entrance of the building. Rwo accessible parking lots with minimum width of 3600 mm should be provided. (Overall minimum dimension being 3600 mm x 4800 mm)

!

The parking should have the international signage painted on the ground and also on a signpost\ board put near it.

!

There should be directional signs guiding people to the accessible parking.

!

Wheel stoppers to be provided to avoid vehicles to occupy space on the pedestrian pathway.

33

Accessible Parking Lot

" " " " "

Aisle space. International signage painted on the ground. Signage on a signpost\ board. Wheel stoppers. Kerb cut. 34

III. Ramps !

Gentle slope (1:12 minimum).

!

Landings (every 750 mm of vertical rise).

!

Width (1200 mm or more).

!

!

!

Handrails on the ramps should be on both sides at a height of 850 mm900 mm; both end to be rounded and grouted; extend 300 mm beyond top and bottom of ramp. Surfaces (ramp + landing) should be slip resistant. Wherever possible a ramp should be accompanied by a flight of easy going steps.

35

13-metre ramp with landing in Dilli Haat, New Delhi

Switchback platform ramp (Photograph: Mobility India, Bangalore)

!

Handrails on two levels: Lower level for wheelchair s 750 mm. Upper level for persons at standing height 850 mm-900 mm.

!

Non-slip flooring.

!

Handrails, flooring of the ramp including landing is in bright colour contrast. 36

IV. Staircases and Steps !

Uniform risers: 150 mm and tread: 300 mm.

!

Stair edges should have bright contrasting colours: 50 mm min.

!

The maximum height of a flight between landings to be 200 mm.

!

Landing should be 1200 mm deep, clear of any door swing.

!

The steps should have an unobstructed width of at least 1200 mm.

!

Have continuous handrails on both sides including the wall (if any) at 850 mm - 900 mm.

!

Warning blocks to be placed 300 mm at the beginning and at the end of all stairs.

!

Nosing to be avoided.

Staircase At DMRC Welcome Station "

Uniform Risers.

"

Handrails at two levels.

"

Rounded.

"

Grouted in ground.

"

Diameter of handrails.

"

Warning strip.

37

V.

Handrails & Grab Bars !

Handrails should be circular in section with a diameter of 40-45 mm.

!

At least 45 mm clear of the surface to which they are attached.

!

At the height of 850 mm-900 mm from the floor.

!

!

Extend by at least 300 mm beyond the head and foot of the flight in the line of travel and grouted in the ground. Handrails/grab bars should be in a colour that contrasts sharply with the surrounding area.

Handrail / Grab Bar

A small plate in Braille to guide persons with visual impairments.

38

VI. Lifts –

Floor space: 1400 mm x 1400 mm (minimum).

–

Doors: Clear opening 900 mm.

–

Lift door closing mechanisms should be adjustable to give adequate entry time for people with disabilities. The installation of a photoelectric sensor may be considered for controlling the closing of the lift door.

–

Call and Control button: At a reach of 900 mm-1000 mm; at least 400 mm from any corner.

–

Braille information/raised numbers, audio and visual indicator, grab bars, review mirror and kick plates may be fitted.

Lift at All Metro Stations, Delhi "

Signage at eye level.

"

Lowered control .

"

Door closing mechanism.

"

Wide door.

"

Grab bars inside lift.

"

Rear view Mirror.

"

Audio Announcement.

"

Braille information/raised numbers. 39

VII. Signages !

!

Signs should be mounted between 1400 mm and 1700 mm from floor level. The individual characters between 15 mm-50 mm tall, raised by 1-1.5 mm and bold and colour contrasted with their background

Sign Posting

40

VIII. Information and Service Counters !

!

Writing surfaces and public dealing counters should not be more than 800 mm from the floor, with a minimum clear knee space of 650 mm-680 mm high and 280 mm-300 mm deep. Staff manning the counters should know sign language.

IX. Communication Facilities Public Telephone !

Maximum height of the highest part of a telephone: 1200 mm.

!

Maximum height of a telephone (knee space for wheelchair ): 650 mm-680 mm.

!

Minimum floor/ground space: 1200 mm x 800 mm.

!

Guiding blocks may be installed to guide people with visual impairments to public telephones. 41

Telecommunication Devices for Deaf Persons (TDD) !

Telecommunications devices for deaf persons (TDD) should be installed adjacent to pay-phone booths.

!

TDD should be identified by the “TDD” symbol.

!

Pay phones should be hearing aid compatible.

!

Pay phones should have volume controls.

!

!

Visual Notification Devices should be provided in offices, workplaces, hotel rooms and homes to alert hearing-impaired persons to incoming telephone calls. Automatic indicator systems should be devised for persons with hearing impairment.

Telephone installed too high for wheelchair .

42

Assistive Listening Devices !

!

!

Assembly areas, as well as conference and meeting rooms should provide assistive listening devices for persons with hearing impairments. Various types of assistive listening systems are available in the market. They include audio-induction loops, radio frequency systems and infrared transmission devices. Assistive listening devices should be available for use in: –

Theatres, concert halls, auditoriums, stadiums and other places of cultural activity.

–

Museums, galleries and other places for public display.

–

Zoos and amusement parks.

Facsimile !

Facsimile machines are a valuable communication tool for persons with hearing impairments and should be readily available to them in post offices, commercial areas, public places and in their homes.

Sign Language Interpretation !

Adequate lighting, raised platforms and headphone sets should be provided for sign language interpreters.

Braille !

!

!

Braille symbols and/or text in raised format should be provided in places frequented by persons with visual impairments. Text/symbols and the background of all signs should have a non-glare finish. They need to be in sharp contrast to their background. “Talking signs” should be installed.

X. Corridors !

!

Corridors should have an unobstructed width of 1500 mm-1800 mm. If less than 1500 mm, turning spaces should be located at intervals of 30 meters.

!

Level differences should be beveled.

!

Threshold should not be more than 12 mm.

!

!

All protruding objects to be placed either in a niche or above 2000 mm from the floor. To be well lit.

43

Minimum clearance for 90º turn

44

Turn Around An Obstruction

Doorways

XI. Doors !

!

!

!

!

All doors should provide a clear opening of 900 mm. Be fitted with a lever action locks and D-handles of circular section. Lever handles and push type mechanisms are recommended. When a sliding door is fully open, handles should be usable from both sides. Also be fitted with vision s at least between 900 mm and 1500 mm from floor level. Be colour contrasted with the surrounding wall and should not be heavier than 22N to open. 45

!

!

!

!

Glass doors must have a bright, coloured motif at eye level. Where revolving doors or turnstiles are used, an alternative wheelchair-accessible entrance must also be provided. A distance of 400 mm should be provided beyond the leading edge of door to enable a wheelchair to maneuver and to reach the handle. Kick plates are recommended 300 mm from the bottom, to resist wear and tear.

Thresholds of doorways should not exceed 12mm. Raised threshold and floor level changes at doorways should be leveled off with a slope on each side of a threshold. The slope may be a simple, movable ramp.

Sliding door Outside the door

XII. Windows !

A window should have handles/controls at 1200 mm.

!

A window should have an unobstructed viewing zone for wheelchair s 600 mm-1450 mm.

!

Curtain or Venetian blind controls/ropes should be at 1200 mm.

46

XIII. Toilets

Accessible public toilets should have the universally accepted symbol for wheelchair access displayed outside. A minimum of one toilet compartment for public use should have enough floor space for wheelchair s to enter and exit.

!

Clear floor space (1750 mm x 2000 mm min.).

!

Provide a door of clear opening of at least 900 mm with the door swing outwards or be folding or sliding type.

!

Should have slip resistant flooring.

!

Be provided with a horizontal pull bar at least 600 mm. long on the inside and 140 mm. long on the outside, at a height of 700 mm.

Water Closet (WC)

!

Have clear space of not less than 900 mm wide next to the water closet.

!

Be located between 460 mm to 480 mm from the centerline of the WC to the adjacent wall and have a clear dimension of 800 mm from the edge of the WC to the rear wall to facilitate side transfer.

!

The top of the WC to be 450 mm – 500 mm from the floor.

!

Have a back .

!

Grab bars at the rear and the adjacent wall.

!

On the transfer side swing up grab bars shall be provided.

Washbasin

!

Be of dimensions 520 mm and 410 mm, mounted such that the top edge is between 800 mm - 900 mm from the floor; have a knee space of at least 760 mm wide by 200 mm deep by 650 mm-680 mm high.

!

Lever type handles for taps are recommended.

!

Mirror’s bottom edge to be 1000 mm from the floor and may be inclined at an angle.

47

Wall mounted washbasin with grab bars

Infra red activated washbasin

48

Plans of Accessible Toilet

49

Provisions for Public Toilet

WASHROOM SIGNS

50

Layout Plans of an Accessible Toilet

VSO Office, New Delhi

51

Urinals !

!

!

At least one of the urinals should have grab bars to ambulant persons with disabilities (for example, crutch s). A stall-type urinal is recommended. Grab bars may be installed on each side, and in the front of the urinal. The front bar is to provide chest ; the sidebars are for the to hold on to while standing.

!

Accessible toilet may be provided with a switch that activates an emergency alarm.

!

For the benefit of the vision-impaired people, all toilets to have male or female marked on plates with raised alphabets and put on wall next to door.

!

A distinct audio sound (beeper/clapper) may be installed above the entrance door for identification of the toilets.

52

XIV. Ground and Floor Surfaces !

!

!

!

!

!

Ground and floor surfaces (along accessible routes and in accessible rooms and spaces, including floors, walks, ramps, stairs, and kerb ramps) should be stable, firm and slip-resistant. Vertical level changes up to 6 mm may not need edge treatment. Changes in level between 6 mm and 12 mm should be leveled off with a slope no greater than 1:2. If gratings are placed in pathways, they should have spaces no bigger than a wheelchair’s wheels, e.g., 12 mm. If carpets or carpet tiles are used on a floor surface, they should be securely attached to it. Long, thick rugs should not be laid in areas likely to be frequented by persons with mobility and sight impairments. Edges of paths can be clearly defined by using different colours and textures. Street furniture, trees, lighting and dustbins should be located on one side of pathways. The surface texture and colour surrounding may be changed to indicate the approach to those items

Change in level of accessible route.

Bevel edge

53

Gratings !

!

Covers and gratings should be non-slip, flush with the footway surface, and be such that openings are not more than 12 mm wide. Gratings and slot type drainage should be sited away from pedestrian flows and perpendicular to the main line of pedestrian flows so as not to trap small wheels.

Uncovered, wide gratings, which trap small castors/ wheels of the wheelchair, walking sticks, white canes and crutches. 54

XV. Tactile Surfaces / Guiding Blocks !

!

Dot-type blocks give a warning signal. They are used to screen off obstacles, drop-offs or other hazards to discourage movement in an incorrect direction, and to warn of a corner or junction. Line-type blocks indicate the correct route to follow.

Places to install guiding blocks –

In front of an area where traffic is present.

–

In front of an entrance/exit to and from a staircase or multi-level crossing facility.

–

Entrances/exits at public transport terminals or boarding areas.

–

Sidewalk section of an approach road to a building.

–

Guiding path from a public facility to the nearest public transport station.

Rural areas !

In rural areas, stones of different sizes may be used to separate the road from the kerb, and to indicate the approach to public places.

Guiding Path

Warning Strip

55

Strip of guiding and warning blocks

Laying of Warning strip

56

Arrangement of Guiding Path and Warning Strip

Stairs and Crosswalk 57

Diverse arrangements of guiding path and warning strip: at crosswalks.

Strip of warning blocks: entrance/exit to and from a staircase.

Entrances/exits at public transport terminal.

Photographs: Shastri Park Station, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

58

XVI. Switches and Outlets !

Switches and outlets should be mounted at an appropriate height and position for easy reach.

XVII. Illumination !

Adequate and well-distributed lighting should be installed.

!

Glare from excessively bright lights should be avoided.

!

Staircases and corridors should have adequate lighting

59

Chapter 2 Residential Bedrooms !

!

!

!

The space around the bed should be adequate for access by all mobility aid s. The space around the bed should be large enough for transfer by a wheelchair , or for a helper to assist in the transfer. The bed should be at a height: 450 mm-500 mm, from the ground that permits wheelchair s to transfer easily. There should be a bedside table at a suitable height and position that permits a person lying on the bed to reach it easily.

60

Shower Cubicles !

Should have seats: height 450 mm-500 mm which, facilitate easy transfer by wheelchair s.

!

Grab rails at a height of 700 mm-800 mm.

!

!

!

!

Call buttons or other signal devices at a height: 900 mm-1200 mm; can be easily reached in an emergency. Sufficient space should be provided beside shower cubicles for transfer by wheelchair s: 900 mm x 1200 mm. Shower doors, locks or catches should be of a type that can be opened from the outside in an emergency. Shower doors should preferably be of a sliding or outward opening type.

These recommendations are relevant for bathing facilities for low-income households.

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Shower Cubicles

Single shower cubicle

Washroom: Toilet cubicle with shower seat

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Kitchens !

Floor surfaces should be of a slip-resistant material.

!

Worktops, sinks and cooking hobs should be at the same level and at a height: 750 mm-850 mm.

!

Adequate knee room- 650 mm min. should be provided beneath workshops and sink.

!

!

!

!

!

Floor space should allow easy wheelchair movement between worktop, sink and cooking hob or stove. Tap preferably should be of the mixer type, with lever handles. Where cooking facilities have control taps or knobs, these should be at the front of the appliance and be easily and safely operated by people with diverse disabilities. Where appropriate, oven doors should hinge downwards. Where solid fuel stoves are used, the needs of people using wheelchairs or crutches and of blind people should be considered in deg for adequate operating space and safety.

Cooking range

Dustbins

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Work Top Bench

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Cooking Range/Slab

Sink

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Storage Space !

!

!

!

Space for a wheelchair to be stored (folded or unfolded) should be provided near doors. Storage space of various kinds (shelves, wardrobe rails, cupboards and drawers) should be within 1200 mm and depth range and be reachable by people in wheelchairs. A recessed plinth should be provided under storage units to accommodate the footrests of a wheelchair. Cupboard and drawer handles should be of a shape, which may be easily grasped by a person with limited gripping or pulling strength.

!

Lockable drawer handles should be provided for each occupant in residential institutions.

!

A refrigerator should be at a suitable height and depth for easy reach by wheelchair s.

!

Sufficient floor space should be provided for wheelchair s to maneuver around open doors of cupboards and refrigerators.

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Wardrobe

Lever handle to pull hanger at sitting height Storage shelves

67

Tables !

A space should be provided for wheelchair s at tables.

!

A space should be provided for wheelchair access to and from tables.

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Chapter 3 Places of Recreation (Theatres, Auditoriums, Parks, etc.) Wheelchair Seating !

!

Applies to wheelchair spaces in auditoria, assembly halls, theatres and similar facilities. Accessible seating space should be provided in a variety of locations to persons with physical disabilities.

Space allowance in the auditoria, assembly halls, theatres. 69

Parks !

!

There should be no difference in level around an approach to park and/or park roads. If a level difference is unavoidable, a ramp or a staircase plus a ramp are needed. A level landing should be provided before and after the change in level.

Garden of Five Senses, New Delhi !

!

!

!

Paved surfaces should be made of a non-slip material. At locations where there is a difference in level, such as stairs, the surface material should be changed using a color contrast scheme and guiding blocks. Approaches and pathways should be 1800 mm. (minimum) wide. Drainage ditches should not be constructed in park road areas. If a drainage ditch has to be constructed, a ditch cover should be provided.

Slots in ditch/drain covers must be narrow enough so as not to risk crutches or the wheels of wheelchairs being stuck. !

An information board should be provided. The board should be designed to be easily legible by using sufficiently large text size, distinct contrast and illumination. The information should also be in Braille. 70

!

Benches, dustbins and drinking fountains should be installed with adequate space around them for wheelchair s to maneuver.

!

Benches should be installed along the side of park roads.

!

There should be space 900 mm x 1200 mm, provided for wheelchair.

Photographs : Garden of Five Senses, New Delhi

71

!

Guiding blocks should be provided for persons with a visual impairment.

!

Handrails should be provided in places of recreation, where necessary.

!

WCs should be provided in places of recreation.

!

For parking in places of recreation.

!

!

Signs should be in contrasting colours and preferably be embossed in distinct relief to allow visually impaired persons to obtain the information they contain by touching them. Simple symbols and contrasting colours, which are universally recognized, should be used, e.g., green for safety or go, yellow or amber for risk or caution, and red for danger.

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Chapter 4 Fire Evacuation Needs I.

Means of Escape (In An Emergency)

Efforts to integrate people with disabilities into mainstream society may result in new or increased challenges to raise standards regarding safety in the event of fire. This section describes the important aspects of fire safety to be considered by designers, engineers, fire safety personnel, building managers, as well as nondisabled and disabled facility s. (a) Fire Unless there are items in a room, which are especially flammable, fire at its initial stage, spreads slowly. As the fire gets bigger, toxic gases are given off; these quickly rise to the ceiling and spread under doorways. If there is enough material in the room, the fire will eventually develop very rapidly with flames and smoke engulfing the entire room or building. If fires are discovered while they are still very small, they can usually be easily extinguished. However, untrained persons cannot extinguish a well-established fire and trying to stop such a fire could be extremely dangerous and waste valuable escape time. (b) Fire-emergency safety (i)

(ii)

General principles (a)

Safety is important for everyone.

(b)

Persons with disabilities should be helped to protect themselves.

(c)

Persons with disabilities should be included in fire safety training.

Design elements and safety measures (a)

Fire-safety codes make it essential for buildings to be designed with safety features. Fire-safety design elements are directed towards three objectives: i.

Detecting the fire.

ii.

Separating people from the fire either by enabling prompt evacuation of the building, or by providing a refuge area within the building where occupants may safely await rescue.

iii.

Controlling or extinguishing the fire.

In many cases, disabled persons do not require specific design features. However, adequate fire-safety education is a necessary preventive measure. In a fire-emergency situation, non-disabled persons can become 73

handicapped. Everyone is effectively disabled in the case of a fire. Smoke and toxic gases can obscure vision; bells and alarms can impair hearing and create panic and fear, thus limiting the judgmental abilities of everyone. The ideal situation is for everyone to be as aware and capable of self-preservation as much as possible during an emergency. This often involves modification of the built environment. For example, flashing lights could be activated simultaneously with an audible alarm system to alert persons with hearing impairments. Tactile maps showing alternative escape routes could be installed for persons who are visually impaired. Persons with mobility impairments require little, and sometimes, no assistance from others if areas of refuge have been pre-established and are clearly indicated. Large public buildings could introduce voluntary registration in the main lobby so that persons with disabilities may easily be located in case of an emergency. Persons with disabilities need to be included in all fire drills. (c) Refuge An alternative to immediate evacuation of a building via staircases and/or lifts is the movement of disabled persons to areas of safety within a building. If possible, they could remain there until the fire is controlled and extinguished, or, until rescued by fire fighters. Some building codes require the provision of a refuge area, usually at the fire-protected stair landing on each floor that can safely hold one or two wheelchairs. II. Alarm Signals Alarm Systems Concerning vocal alarms, vibrating alarms and instructions for escape from danger: !

!

!

If emergency warning systems, e.g., vibrating alarms or vocal alarms, are installed, they should include a means of warning for visually impaired persons. Visual alarm devices should be provided for persons with hearing impairments. Sockets should be provided near beds to allow alarm systems, including vibrating under pillow devices, to be connected easily.

Alarm signals such as flashing lights, vibrating beds or variable velocity fans can alert deaf or deaf and blind residents. Emergency exit lights and directional signals mounted near the floor have been found to be useful in cases where a lot of smoke is present. Pre-recorded messages and on-the-spot broadcasts from a central control center would be of great benefit. Raising the Alarm Special devices, e.g., fire alarm boxes, emergency call buttons and lighted s may be needed by persons who are deaf or blind. Telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD) are practical for typing in conversations. A pre-recorded message installed in the telephone would be useful for notifying the fire department.

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Module 5 Chapter 1 Case Study of Voluntary Service Overseas Office, New Delhi

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Module 6 Chapter 1 Barrier Free Transportation Every individual including PwDs have an equal right to travel and use public transportation with dignity and independence. It should be regarded as a fundamental right of all citizens, since travel is usually a daily necessity for education, employment, medical attention, entertainment etc. Transport is important in facilitating human communication and face-to-face meetings. It plays a significant role in economic development of the nation. People with diverse disabilities (sensory or physical) and reduced mobility (people with health problems for example respiratory, cardio-vascular, t problems or temporary ailments; senior citizens; pregnant women; families with young children and people with heavy luggage, etc., constitute sizeable number of the population. Since majority of this segment belong to lower and middle-income group, it is beyond their economic capacity to use private taxis/three-wheeled auto rickshaws or purchase their own vehicle and are, therefore, dependent on public transport. Existing transportation system, i.e., vehicles, terminals, and operations are either full of obstacles or impossible to use. It induces fatigue, restricts educational and employment opportunities, causing frustration. It hinders right to freedom of movement, equal participation and access to health and other social services. Move Towards Accessible Transportation The Persons With Disability (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995, states non-discrimination in built environment and transportation. Delhi has set the lead in accessible transportation. The best example is Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), a t venture of Government of India and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. Case Study of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation DMRC in its policy and planning stage, included access needs of people with diverse disabilities. Samarthya approached DMRC with the objective to ensure that the design of the station is in consonance with the PWD Act 1995, standard requirements and guidelines. An access audit of the sample Welcome metro station (during the partially constructed stage) was conducted, along with DMRC engineers & architect, in April 2002. The access audit team comprising people with diverse disabilities and a checklist; observed: drop off lanes and parking to the station entrance, ticket & automatic fare collection (AFC) counters; proposed placement of guiding & warning blocks; lifts & stairs; approach to the platform and toilets proposed to be built outside the station. It submitted its suggestions supplemented with photographs. DMRC welcomed the group perspective and invited Samarthya for access audits and inputs on other metro stations/services from time to time. DMRC has set an example of universal and inclusive design. The built stations provide–designated parking for PwDs; ramps along with hand 90

rails; guiding and warning blocks for vision impaired persons; bright colour contrast for low vision persons; large lettering and information displays and signage’s; lifts with lowered control with Braille & raised control buttons & auditory signals; resting area for the senior citizens and disabled persons. Inside the coach, there is designated space for wheelchair s, audio announcement with dynamic display and sensory door closing mechanism.

Placement of guiding path and warning strip at the Metro Station.

Road Transport Public buses are common man’s transport but it is not fully used by people with reduced mobility and PwDs. Inherent design structure of existing buses: chassis level–900 mm (basically truck chassis), narrow door width–790 mm and approach to bus shelters compounded by ill maintained, uneven, high walkways and speed bumps are major reasons for its under utilization. Boarding and alighting in the buses becomes difficult, unsafe and impossible without assistance.

Existing design of DTC bus–high chassis, narrow door and three uneven steps makes it impossible for PwDs to board a bus.

91

Inconsistent design standards in the construction of walkways and bus shelters high pavements, bollards and hawkers in front of bus shelter.

Access Provisions for Public Transport Transport facilities and means of transport include land, water and air transport systems. (a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Road transport i.

Regulations should specify that new vehicles bought by public and private transport companies be accessible for people with disabilities. Studies indicate that buying a bus with lifts adds only 5 per cent to its cost.

ii.

Access regulations should specify modifications required for public buses, which are already in use.

iii.

A minimum of four seats in all buses should be designated for persons with disabilities. Those seats should be near entrance/exit doors.

iv.

Adequate space for one wheelchair should be provided in all buses.

v.

Parallel transport services for persons with disabilities who cannot use mainline systems are recommended.

vi.

Access regulations should be adapted to meet the needs of rural communities.

Rail transport (including local trains, under and over ground trains and inter-city trains) i.

Access regulations should stipulate that new rail transport facilities must be accessible for persons with disabilities.

ii.

All mainline train stations must be modified to become accessible.

iii.

One car per existing train should be modified to incorporate access features.

iv.

A minimum of two seats per car should be designated for persons with disabilities. Those seats should be near entrance/exit doors.

v.

A minimum of one accessible toilet should be available near the above-mentioned seats.

Sea and river transport (including ferries, as well as domestic and international enger ships) i.

Access regulations should stipulate that new sea/river transportation must be barrier-free.

ii.

A minimum of one deck in ferries and domestic and international enger ships should be modified to incorporate access features.

iii.

Ramps, ageways, gangways, safety equipment and at least two berths or cabins must be modified to incorporate access features.

Air transport (including domestic and international enger aircrafts) i.

Access regulations should stipulate that new air transport facilities must be barrier-free.

ii.

A minimum of two seats near the entrance/exit doors in all domestic enger aircraft should be available for persons with disabilities.

iii.

A minimum of one accessible toilet should be near the above-mentioned seats.

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Chapter 2 Barrier Free Tourism Tourism is a means of broadening horizons and developing friendship for a social group, which is less willing to remain, segregated from mainstream society. People with Disabilities (PwDs) have an equal right to travel with dignity and independence; access to all tourism infrastructures; products & services including employment opportunities and benefits that the tourism industry provides. PwDs, senior citizens and families with young children, are not considered potential customers by the Government and the service providers and are still an untapped market. Their travel experiences are characterised by transportation constraints, inaccessible accommodation to tourism sites and inadequate customer services. Tourism in India–Some Facts India is a country of continental dimensions with a fascinating kaleidoscope of diverse races, languages, religions, customs and traditions. The tourist attractions of India include historical monuments, places of religious importance, mountain and beach resorts, wild life, and interesting eco-systems, etc. Tourism in India has grown substantially over the last three decades. However, Indian tourism was adversely affected after the 11th September 2001 events showing a decline of 4.2 per cent in the year 2001, as against a growth of 6.7 per cent achieved in 2000. India’s share in world tourist market during 2001 was 0.37 per cent. Foreign tourist arrival during 2001 were 25,37,282 and foreign exchange earnings from tourism were estimated at Rs. 14,344 crores. Domestic tourism plays a vital role in achieving the national objectives of promoting social and cultural cohesion and national integration. Its contribution to generation of employment is very high. An investment of Rs. 1 crore creates 470 direct jobs, which sures the employment potential from Agriculture and Industrial sector. With the increase in income level and emergence of a powerful middle class, the potential for domestic tourism has gone up considerably in the last few years. During the year 2001, about 234 million domestic tourist visits were made. The National Tourism Policy 2002 attempts to position India as a global brand to take advantage of the increasing global travel and trade and vast untapped potential of India as a destination. Seven key areas identified are: Swagat (welcome) Soochna (information) Suvidha (facilitation) Suraksha (safety) Sahyog (co-operation) Samrachana (infrastructure development) Safai (cleanliness) 93

However, none of the above key areas take into considerations requirements of disabled traveller. Also there are no statistics/data available on tourists’ with disability (both domestic and foreign) visiting places of tourist interest. There is no database maintained by Government agencies of the accessible tourist spots in the country. The efforts made by individuals/organizations are also scattered. There is a growing demand, for the tourism industry to improve its services to PwDs: accessible transportation, accessibility within hotel facilities and travel operators to provide tailoring packages to PwDs. Case Study of Dilli Haat Samarthya selected Dilli Haat, a t venture of Delhi Tourism, Union Tourism Ministry, DC Handlooms & Handicrafts and the Ministry of Textiles as its pilot project. It is spread out over six acres, set amidst idyllic environs that attempt to mimic the rural ambience of a traditional Indian little “Haat” or a weekly village market. It was conceived to be a multi-purpose, cultural complex where artisans from all over the country could come to display and sell unique and ethnic products. It has high visibility value and ample scope of expansion, replicability and sustainability. On the basis of ticket sales for three months it was found that 180,000 domestic as well as foreign tourists visit Dilli Haat every month. Making Dilli Haat accessible to all would mean spreading the message to other parts of the country. An access audit in “coordination” with the architect of Dilli Haat was conducted in January 2001. The audit team examined the existing architectural plan of the complex, identified the problem areas and suggested possible solutions. The proposed changes included designated parking, uneven flooring in the front plaza, ticket counter height, access to office and handloom & handicrafts stalls, drinking water facility, toilets and other amenities.

Samarthya extended its “cooperation” to Mr. Pradeep Sachdeva, Architect, Delhi Tourism by providing standards, guidelines and accessible design layouts. The partnership between Delhi Tourism and Samarthya culminated in the inauguration of “Barrier Free Dilli Haat” (first phase), on 28 March 2003. The changes include leveling of front plaza flooring, demarcated pathway, lowering of ticket counter, merging of level differences, around 17 small and big ramps with handrails are constructed which now provide access to Dilli Haat office, exhibition halls, stalls, STD/ISD booth, 94

drinking water facility, approach to toilets, eatable stalls, etc. The second phase would include designated parking, guiding and warning blocks and toilets. Media highlighted the constructive work being done by Delhi Tourism and Samarthya in making Dilli Haat, the first ever disability friendly tourist spot in the nation. The news items generated public awareness and discussion of accessibility issues in the tourism sector. The tourism department has committed to make all projects barrier free. “Garden of Five Senses” spread over 20 acres, reflects the same. Archeological Survey of India ASI had issued an order in 2001, that all historical monuments be made accessible to PwDs. There should be a partnership, a shared responsibility, with individuals and NGOs, ensuring that the Government and relevant agencies are made aware of their specific needs and requirements. All these efforts have received a great deal of positive media coverage with regular articles in all of India’s daily national papers. The result is an overall increased awareness of the issue of accessibility within the community, the commercial sector and the Government.

Braille Plates being Mounted at Safdarjung Tomb, New Delhi

Access Provisions for Barrier Free Tourism 1. Advocacy and negotiation with the Tourism industry and service providers. 2. Accessibility as criteria in ranking of hotels. 3. To make mandatory for petrol pumps on highways to have an accessible toilet. 4. Dissemination and sharing of information on Barrier Free Tourism. 5. Information material to be accessible to all. 6. Compiling database on accessible Tourists places (including accommodation). 7. Information and networking with disabled people and NGOs. 8. Highlighting the issue through electronic and print media. 9. Conduct Access Surveys. 10. Initiate one pilot project.

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Chapter 3 Accessibility in Rural Areas Introduction The majority of people (78 per cent) in India live in rural areas. In the coming decade, notwithstanding rapid urbanization, there will be a higher increase in absolute numbers of the rural population. Higher rates of mortality and morbidity, a lower rate of literacy and a higher incidence of poverty and deprivation characterize rural communities, placing them in a less advantageous position than their urban counterparts. National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), 2002, estimates the number of disabled persons in India as 18.49 million, which forms about 1.8% of the total estimated population. The survey reveals that for every 1,00,000 people in India, there were 1,755 who were either mentally or physically disabled. Among the rural residents (74.2 million), the prevalence of disability (No. of disabled per 1,00,000 population) was 1.85 % and that among the urban population (28.5 million) was 1.50%. This indicates that the disabled population in rural India is 3.2 times higher than the urban India. Apart from the above figure of disability there are many elderly citizens, which are increasing day by day due to improved medical facilities in countries. Table 1: Estimated* Number (in ’00) of Disabled Persons by Type of Disability and Sex for Rural and Urban India (NSSO Survey, 2002) Type of Disability Any disability Mental Retardation Mental Illness Blindness Low Vision Hearing Disability Speech Disability Locomotor Disability Estimated Total Persons

* **

Rural

Urban

Male

Female

Persons

Male

83102 4434 5022 7494 2982 12516 9495 49987 3923611

57748 2561 3377 8536 3563 11171 6532 29839 3711319

140850 6995 8399 16030 6545 23687 16027 79826 7634930

25811 1824 1623 1793 711 3617 3417 16352 1545555

Female

Persons

18249 44060 1128 2591 988 2611 2311 4104 877 1588 3313 6930 3313 6930 10162 26514 1391996 2937551

Estimates are obtained by using survey proportions on the projected population At least one of mental, visual, hearing, speech and locomotor disability

Planning for a barrier free environment in rural areas has its own set of difficulties and challenges. Though the norms and the standards for it remain broadly same for cities and villages, however considerations have to be made in of life style, available infrastructure, financial constraints, availability of local material and general reluctance to spend except for most essential items, etc. 96

Furthermore, while several basic amenities such as piped water supply, sanitation, toilets and access to the mass media, e.g., radio and television are available to urban residents at the urban built environment includes modern public facilities for education, training, employment and self-employment, as well as entertainment. In contrast, the rural built environment includes standpipes and wells, village dispensaries, primary schools, community toilets and water tanks, village markets, agricultural extension centers and village or district istrative institutions. These facilities have an impact on the daily lives of people in the rural areas. The extent to which the facilities are accessible and usable by persons with disabilities and elderly people determines their integration into rural community life. Poor access is one of the characteristics of poverty. However, it is not the only factor, but is a key parameter. Some of the issues faced by rural disabled persons and elderly people are: non-accessible paths, roads without pavements and non-accessible houses, toilets or latrines and kitchen. PwDs in rural areas, like their urban counterparts, have a wide range of housing needs. Persons with physical disabilities need accessibility features to facilitate independent living. Persons with mental illness or persons requiring regular treatment/therapy for their condition need suitable access to a treatment facility. Frail elderly persons may require modifications to their existing homes. Others may prefer group housing or assisted living situations. Some examples of transport problems for typical rural people are (i) water and fuel wood collection; (ii) crop production and marketing; (iii) non-agricultural income generation; (iv) access to economic, educational, health and similar other services. The exact nature of specific transport tasks will of course be dictated by the location and circumstances of specific rural areas. Transport problem of water and fuel wood collection can be viewed as the one related to exchange relation with the nature. The opportunity costs of collecting water and fuel wood in of time and physical labour can of course be reduced through improved provision of transportation. This will in turn free the rural poor to use their endowment of time and physical energy for future productive and remunerative works. Planning and design for the rural areas should take into consideration the options presented by local solutions; using locally available materials. For example, locally available cement checkered tiles may be used as guiding and warning blocks. Applied research and experimentation in the use of appropriate technology for the development of barrier-free design for the rural built environment are urgently needed. Governments, local authorities like Jila and Gram Panchayats, CBR workers and others, have a responsibility to improve the understanding of issues concerning barrier-free environments in rural communities. This is particularly so in the case of remote rural areas where there is a lack of non-governmental organization development assistance and the communities have limited access to the mass media. Access and Access Related Possible Interventions

Household work at ground level using a ground mobility device

97

Paraplegia shelter project- Anjar, Gujarat. Drawing courtesy: Mr. Hitesh Changela, Baroda

Front Entrance with ramp front view

Side view

Toilet

Kithchen

Paraplegia shelter project- Anjar, Gujarat. Photograph courtesy: Mr. Hitesh Changela, Baroda

98

Module 7 Chapter 1 Field Visit (Access Survey/Audit) GUIDELINES ON HOW TO CONDUCT ACCESS SURVEY/AUDIT Access audits are surveys conducted of existing built environment that needs to be made barrier free. Objectives (a)

Identify obstacles or barriers to disabled persons’ movement in a particular part of the built environment.

(b)

Obtain information required for considering solutions on how these obstacles and barriers can be eliminated or remedied.

(c)

Document the accessibility of the place surveyed for reference by disabled persons concerned with access improvement.

Identify Team !

!

Identify a mixed group of disabled persons (physical and sensory disabilities) and non-disabled volunteers, who understand access needs. Architect or a civil engineer, ideally of the building being audited.

Initial Steps !

!

!

Before going for the access audit make sure you have the following items: !

Audit checklist.

!

Measuring tape (at least 5m long).

!

Clip boards (for easy recording of information).

!

Pens & pencils.

!

A camera.

!

A cap or sunglasses (for surveying external environment).

!

Cassette recorder (for recording of findings by vision impaired persons).

!

A copy of the letter sent to building developer or management (if available).

Experience, as a group, the routine of an actual survey and how the information is to be recorded in the prescribed format (see sample access survey form, p.104). Acquire experience in taking measurements, photographs or making drawings to illustrate survey documentation. 99

Pre-survey Preparations (1)

Identify the location to be surveyed.

(2)

Appoint a survey coordinator with the duty to undertake the following:

(3)

!

the management or duty in charge of the building or site.

!

Obtain permission from the management of the building or the site.

!

Make the appointment for the survey and reconfirm the date and time with the concerned authority.

!

Obtain security clearance, if necessary, and assistance, as appropriate.

!

Request layout plans of the place or area to be surveyed.

!

Make a preliminary visit to the site as part of the pre-survey preparations.

!

Arrange for transport for to and from the site (if so required).

!

Ensure that the essential materials needed for the survey are ready and the quantity is enough for each survey team.

Prepare copies of the survey form to include items such as the following: !

Date of survey.

!

Name of the building and location.

!

Location of the areas to be surveyed (for example, car park, entrance, lift, toilets, etc.).

!

Approved standards with which to compare on-site measurements.

(4)

Check for noise levels (such as excessively loud music or traffic noise as this disorients blind people).

(5)

Divide the into teams according to the number of the persons available and the sites to be surveyed.

(6)

Initiate discussion on the layout and establish routes to be followed in the survey.

(7)

Have each team choose its facilitator and divide among , tasks such as measuring, writings, recording and taking photographs.

(8)

Determine with team the precise place and time to meet (for example, at the main entrance or bus stop nearest to the place to be surveyed).

Access audit team comprise persons with diverse disabilities and an architect

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Chapter 2 Access Survey/Audit of a Pre-selected Site Important tips to during the actual survey include the following: !

Meet punctually at the pre-determined location.

!

Each team should know the boundaries of the area that the team has to survey.

!

Start with entrances, corridors and toilets before the crowds appear.

!

It is important to keep measuring the heights and widths of all the areas you through like the height of the stairs, width of the doors, size of the toilet, knee space under the counters, telephones, washbasin, etc.

!

Pay attention to everyone’s safety during the survey.

!

Complete the survey forms and provide accompanying sketches, notes and other details.

!

!

!

!

Note down when and where photographs are taken so as to be able to identify them when preparing the report. Keep discussing the changes you recommend for specific barriers with the architect/engineer. Whatever recommendations are thought of keep jotting them down on the writing pad along with, the existing measurements. Once the survey is over get photographs developed and prepare a final report to be submitted to the authorities for incorporating the changes.

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Chapter 3 Report Making–Comprehensive Solution with Illustrations

Post-survey Action Cooperation and teamwork are needed to tie up all aspects of the survey effort. The following are some important points to : 1.

Each team member has a responsibility for the completion of the survey form, with emphasis on updating information so that it is accurate, filling in information gaps and attaching photographs or other illustrations that will enhance the team’s survey report

2.

The report can take into long-term and short-term plans for access improvement (for example, providing a ramp, an accessible toilet, etc., as priority areas).

3.

Each team facilitator will be responsible for collecting the completed forms.

4.

Team shall agree on a date and time for t review of the survey process and outcome.

5.

The survey coordinator shall:

6.

(a)

Present findings and observations to the whole team.

(b)

Prepare an illustrated survey report, summaries and recommendations, for submission to the relevant authorities such as the management of the concerned building or complex, the planning department of local authorities or other interested parties.

(c)

Determine the deadline for report submission and meet the deadline.

(d)

Send a letter of appreciation to the management or authorities incharge.

(e)

Follow up with the them after the report has been submitted.

(f)

Send congratulatory or appreciation letters, if action has been taken to improve accessibility, especially if access standards have been complied with.

Team shall monitor any changes or action taken by the management or relevant authorities, as well as review action required from time to time.

Use of Reports The reports on survey outcomes are an important source of information for encouraging access improvement. The records may be used for: 1.

Comparative purposes in updating information on the changing access requirements of disabled people from time to time.

2.

Reviewing the applicability of existing dimensions as a basis for proposing amendments.

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Share findings and observations with the whole team

Follow up with the authorities after the report has been submitted

103

Module 8 Chapter 1 Access Survey/Audit Checklist General Name of the building.................................................................................................................................. Address..................................................................................................................................................... Date of Survey........................................................................................................................................... Name of Surveyor...................................................................................................................................... A. EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT 1. PARKING !

Is there any accessible parking for PwDs?

!

Is the no. of accessible parking enough?

!

Is the accessible parking within 30 metres of the entrance?

!

!

!

!

Yes

No

Remarks

Do curb ramps connect accessible parking spaces with the side curbs? Are there pre-cast wheel stoppers or bollards to separate pathway from the parking?

!

Is the drop off area marked by signage and curb ramp? Does the drop off area have warning signs for vision-impaired people?

2. TAXI STAND

!

Remarks

Is there a vertical, visible signboard indicating that the lot is for use by a disabled driver only?

Is the size of the parking 3600 mm x 4800 mm?

!

No

Is the international symbol of access, imprinted on the parking ground?

!

!

Yes

Is there a taxi stand near the building? If there is a curb at the taxi stand, then is there a curb ramp leading to the pathway? 104

3. PATHWAYS Is the pathway clear of all obstructions? ! Is the pathway clear of steps and stairs? ! Are there tactile guiding blocks, installed along the line of travel? ! Are there warning blocks around any obstruction? ! Is the path at least 900 mm wide? ! Is the surface level, smooth and non-slippery? ! Does the pathway have a different colour and texture than the adjacent surface? ! Are all manholes places outside the pedestrian path of travel? ! Are the grating openings narrow, not more than 12 mm? ! Are the gratings perpendicular to the direction/path of travel? ! Is there an edge protection along the pathway, 13 mm ? 4. CURB CUTS ! Are curb ramps provided at all level differences, between the road surface and pathway level: (a) Pedestrian crossings? (b) Accessible parking space? (c) Building entrances?

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

!

Are curb ramps located at each corner of street intersections? ! Is every curb ramp faced by another curb ramp on the opposite side of the street? ! Is the slope of the curb ramp no less than 1:12? 5. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ! Is the road surface even and slip resistant at pedestrian crossings? ! Are pedestrian traffic lights installed? ! Do traffic lights have both audible and visual signals? ! Do traffic islands (zebra crossings) have street-level pathways cut through them with a minimum width of 1500 mm? 6. GENERAL OBSTRUCTIONS ! Are there any protruding objects within the path of travel, not detectable by a vision-impaired person with white cane? ! Are the protruding objects, marked with tactile warning at least 60 mm beyond the projection area of the obstruction? ! Are all overhanging obstructions with the path of travel marked with contrasting colour? !

105

Module 8 Chapter 1 Access Survey/Audit Checklist General Name of the building.................................................................................................................................. Address..................................................................................................................................................... Date of Survey........................................................................................................................................... Name of Surveyor...................................................................................................................................... A. EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT 1. PARKING !

Is there any accessible parking for PwDs?

!

Is the no. of accessible parking enough?

!

Is the accessible parking within 30 metres of the entrance?

!

!

!

!

Yes

No

Remarks

Do curb ramps connect accessible parking spaces with the side curbs? Are there pre-cast wheel stoppers or bollards to separate pathway from the parking?

!

Is the drop off area marked by signage and curb ramp? Does the drop off area have warning signs for vision-impaired people?

2. TAXI STAND

!

Remarks

Is there a vertical, visible signboard indicating that the lot is for use by a disabled driver only?

Is the size of the parking 3600 mm x 4800 mm?

!

No

Is the international symbol of access, imprinted on the parking ground?

!

!

Yes

Is there a taxi stand near the building? If there is a curb at the taxi stand, then is there a curb ramp leading to the pathway? 104

3. PATHWAYS Is the pathway clear of all obstructions? ! Is the pathway clear of steps and stairs? ! Are there tactile guiding blocks, installed along the line of travel? ! Are there warning blocks around any obstruction? ! Is the path at least 900 mm wide? ! Is the surface level, smooth and non-slippery? ! Does the pathway have a different colour and texture than the adjacent surface? ! Are all manholes places outside the pedestrian path of travel? ! Are the grating openings narrow, not more than 12 mm? ! Are the gratings perpendicular to the direction/path of travel? ! Is there an edge protection along the pathway, 13 mm ? 4. CURB CUTS ! Are curb ramps provided at all level differences, between the road surface and pathway level: (a) Pedestrian crossings? (b) Accessible parking space? (c) Building entrances?

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

!

Are curb ramps located at each corner of street intersections? ! Is every curb ramp faced by another curb ramp on the opposite side of the street? ! Is the slope of the curb ramp no less than 1:12? 5. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ! Is the road surface even and slip resistant at pedestrian crossings? ! Are pedestrian traffic lights installed? ! Do traffic lights have both audible and visual signals? ! Do traffic islands (zebra crossings) have street-level pathways cut through them with a minimum width of 1500 mm? 6. GENERAL OBSTRUCTIONS ! Are there any protruding objects within the path of travel, not detectable by a vision-impaired person with white cane? ! Are the protruding objects, marked with tactile warning at least 60 mm beyond the projection area of the obstruction? ! Are all overhanging obstructions with the path of travel marked with contrasting colour? !

105

Name of the building................................................................................................................................... Address..................................................................................................................................................... Date of Survey........................................................................................................................................... Name of Surveyor...................................................................................................................................... B.

EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

1. MAIN ENTRANCE !

Is the main entrance of the building accessible?

!

Are there any steps at the entrance?

!

Do the steps have a handrail?

!

Are there handrails on both the sides?

!

Is there a ramp?

!

Does the ramp have a railing?

!

Are there handrails on both the sides?

!

Is the clear door width at least 900 mm?

!

Can the entrance door be operated independently?

!

Is the height of the door handle between 900 mm and 1100 mm?

!

Does the accessible entrance permit access to an elevator?

!

Is the accessible entrance clearly identifiable?

Is the landing surface non-slippery? 2. DOORS ! Are there any automatic doors at the entrance?

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

!

!

Can the doors be operated without much effort?

!

Do automatic doors have sufficient long opening intervals?

!

!

!

!

!

Are push buttons for automatic doors located at a maximum height of 1200 mm? Is there sufficient space beside the latch side of the doors (400-450 mm)? Are accessible doors placed adjacent to the revolving doors and turnstiles? Are glazed doors marked with a colour band at eye level? For double leaf doors, is the width of one of the leaves at least 900 mm? 106

!

!

!

!

Do doors fitted with spring closers have an extra pull handle? Is manual door accessories/hardware (handles, locks, pull, etc.) located no higher than 1200 mm -1300 mm? Are doormats flush with the floor surface and secured to the floor at all edges? Is the threshold, no more than 200 mm high and bevelled?

3. CORRIDORS !

!

!

!

!

!

Can a person with low vision, identify all obstacles in the corridor?

Are the minimum internal dimensions of the elevator 1400 mm x 1400 mm? Is the height of the call button (outside the lift) between 900 mm and1200 mm, from the floor level? Is the control placed at a height between 900 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level? Is there an audio and video system installed in the lift indicating arrival at a floor?

!

Are there Braille/raised numbers on the control ?

!

Is the elevator provided with a handrail on the three sides

!

!

Remarks

Are all over hanging obstructions mounted above a minimum height of 2000 mm?

Is the clear door opening width 900 mm or more?

!

No

Can a sightless person with a cane detect all protruding objects within the corridor?

!

!

Yes

Are differences in level, bridged with by ramps or lifts?

Is there an accessible path leading to the elevator?

!

Remarks

Does the corridor width allow manoeuvring through doors located along its length?

!

!

No

Is the minimum unobstructed width of corridors at least 900 mm?

4. ELEVATORS/LIFTS

!

Yes

Are the handrails mounted at a height between 800 mm and 900 mm? Is the elevator door easy to identify? Is the emergency intercom provided inside the elevator? 107

!

!

Are there tactile or Braille instructions for the communication system? Is the emergency intercom usable without the voice communication?

!

Is the door opening/closing interval long enough?

!

Is the finish of the elevator floor skid-resistant?

5. STEPS/STAIRS !

State the location of the steps?

!

Is the minimum width of the stairs 900 mm?

!

!

!

Do the stairs have a nosing?

Remarks

Are there warning blocks installed at the beginning and end of all flights? Is the location of emergency (fire escape) stairs clearly identifiable? Does the height of the tread is 250 mm and risers 300 mm?

!

Do treads have a non-slip surface?

!

Are the risers having open gaps in the steps?

6. RAMPS !

Is there a ramp next to the stairs?

!

Is the location of the ramp clearly identifiable?

!

Is the ramp gradient no steeper than 1:12?

!

No

Are the step edges of a different colour or texture easily identifiable by low-vision and vision impaired persons?

!

!

Yes

Is there a landing located after the stairs, cover a level difference of more than 2500 mm?

!

!

Remarks

Is the handrail installed in the center of the stair width is more than 3000 mm?

Is the landing length not less than 1200 mm?

!

No

Are there continuous handrails, on both sides, at a height between 800 mm and 900 mm?

!

!

Yes

Is there a landing of at least 1200 mm of length, at 10,000 mm intervals? Is there a landing at every change in direction? 108

!

Is there a landing at the top and bottom of every ramp?

!

Is the minimum width of the ramp 900 mm?

!

Are there continuous handrails, on both sides, at a height between 800 mm and 900 mm?

!

Is the surface of the ramp non-slip?

!

Is there an edge protection on both sides of the ramp?

7. HANDRAILS !

Are handrails mounted at a height between 800 mm and 900 mm?

!

Are handrails easy to grip?

!

Are handrails securely attached?

!

!

!

!

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Do handrails extend horizontally between 300 mm and 450 mm at the top and bottom of every staircase or ramp? Are the ending of the handrails grouted in the ground or turn downward? Is the space between the handrails and the wall no less than 40 mm for smooth walls and 60 mm for rough walls? Are the handrails painted in contrast colours to be easily identifiable?

Are there tactile strip identifications on the handrails for emergency stairs & floor levels? 8. TOILETS

!

!

Are there separate toilets for PwDs?

!

Are the toilets easily identifiable?

!

!

!

!

!

!

Is there sufficient space inside the toilets to manoeuvre a wheelchair? Do individual washrooms have clear dimensions between opposite walls, of not less than 1750 mm? Are water closets (WC) and bidets mounted at a height between 490 mm and 500 mm? Is the space between the WC and the closest adjacent wall, fitted with a grab bar is between 450 mm and 500 mm? Is the accessible washbasin mounted at a height between 800 mm and 850 mm? Is the lower edge of the mirror positioned at a height not exceeding 1000 mm? 109

!

!

Are the accessible showers provided with a folding seat? Are all the grab bars installed near WC and showers at a height between 850 mm and 900 mm?

!

Do grab bars have a diameter of 40 mm?

!

Do wall mounted grab bars have knuckle space 40 mm?

!

Are grab bars non-slippery?

!

Can the grab bars withstand the load?

!

Are faucets easy to grip and operate with one hand?

!

Are shower fixtures with at least 1500 mm long hoses?

!

Are hot water pipes insulated or covered?

!

Is the toilet equipped with an emergency alarm system?

!

!

Can doors be locked from inside and releasable from outside under emergency situations? Are flushing arrangements, dispensers and toilet paper mounted between 500 mm and 1200 mm?

!

Are flushing equipments easy to operate?

!

Is the floor material skid proof, well drained and waterproof?

Do pivoted doors open outwards? 9. EATING OUT LETS

!

!

!

!

!

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Is the eating outlet accessible to PwDs? Is there a circulation path of at least 900 mm wide to allow a wheelchair to move around the eating outlet? Are the cash and service counter height below 850 mm? Is the table accessible with a height of 750 mm to 850 mm and knee space of 750 mm wide and 480 mm deep?

Do the table with fixed stools have accessible spaces for wheelchairs? 10. PUBLIC TELEPHONES ! Are there public telephones accessible to wheel chair s? !

!

!

Is there at least one telephone in the building equipped with a loop induction unit? Are the numerals on the telephone raised to allow identification by touch? 110

!

!

!

Is there proper signage directing to the public telephone? Are the heights of the operable parts of the telephone between 800 mm and 1200 mm? Is there a clear knee space of more than 750 mm?

11. RESTING FACILITIES !

!

!

!

!

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Is there an ading space for a wheelchair next to benches and public seats? Are public seats with a height of 750 mm to 850 mm and knee space of 750 mm wide and 480 mm deep? Are the tops of the table between 750 mm and 900 mm height? Are knee spaces at accessible tables with a height of 750 mm and knee space of 750 mm wide and 480 mm deep?

!

Are the counters easily identifiable?

!

Is the counter between 750 mm and 900 mm height?

!

Is a part of the counter lowered to accessible height?

!

Is a loop induction unit installed at the counter?

!

No

Where there are large spaces are resting facilities provided between 100 metres and 200 metres?

12. RECEPTION & INFORMATION COUNTERS

!

Yes

Are there tactile pictographic maps of the building near the counter? Is the counter well illuminated?

111

Chapter 2 Community Accessibility Check List The following checklist covers six specific target areas: (a)

General access to municipal areas.

(b)

Transportation.

(c)

Housing.

(d)

Employment.

(e)

Recreation.

(f)

Education.

By answering “yes” or “no” to the questions listed for each target area, current levels of accessibility can be gauged. Use of the checklist can help in the: (a)

Identification of barriers which need to be removed;

(b)

Provision of a record of improvements; and

(c)

Development, by s, of strategies based on current assessment of access in their community.

The checklist does more than identify physical barriers. It provides s with a tool for measuring the accessibility of services and facilities such as those relating to employment, housing, recreation and education, in their local area. Individuals and organizations can use the checklist for periodic assessment of their community’s position on access and integration of citizens with disabilities and senior citizens.

GENERAL ACCESS TO MUNICIPAL AREAS

A. 1.

Decision-making process

Yes

(a)

Do persons with disabilities participate in the municipal decision-making process?

(b)

Has your community adopted policies, which ensure that municipal facilities and services are accessible to persons with disabilities?

(c)

Has a Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility, including with disabilities, been established?

(d)

If so, has the Committee developed a plan to improve accessibility based on needs identified by persons with disabilities? 112

No

(e)

Have goals and dates been established so that progress can be measured?

(f)

Have resources been made available to improve accessibility?

(g)

Are all of the community aware of these goals?

(h)

Have your municipal authorities ed laws and regulations to ensure that all new buildings are accessible?

2.

Municipl athority action on access

(a)

Has your municipal authority set an example for the community by providing physical access for everyone to all public buildings and facilities?

(b)

Has your municipal authority initiated training to widen staff understanding of issues concerning persons with disabilities and elderly persons?

(c)

Have building code specifications concerning access been fulfilled?

(d)

Is there a surveillance system in operation for the identification of barriers to accessibility?

(e)

Is there an action plan and budget provided by your municipal authority to remove identified barriers?

3.

Public facilities in the municipality

(a)

Are the following municipal buildings barrier-free? Courts of Law Police stations Post Offices Social service buildings Health care clinics/centers Hospitals Libraries

(b)

Is there a choice of barrier-free banks, finance companies and financial institutions in the area?

(c)

Are stores, shops, supermarkets, markets and shopping malls barrier-free?

(d)

Can persons using wheelchairs access public telephones?

(e)

Are public telephones amplified for persons with hearing impairments?

(f)

Can wheelchair s access most automatic teller machines/cash points?

(g)

Can persons with disabilities and elderly persons use ramps in the community without the assistance of helpers?

113

Yes

No

Yes

No

(h)

Are there enough public information systems and auditory signals for people with visual impairments and elderly persons to move around safely and independently in the community?

(i)

Are there enough public information systems and visual signals for hearing-impaired persons and elderly persons to move around safely and independently in the community?

(j)

Are public signs large and clear in the community?

4.

Access for pedestrians with disabilities

(a)

Can wheelchair s and other pedestrians with disabilities easily use pavements?

(b)

Are there audible traffic signals installed at pedestrian crossings for the safety of people with visual impairments?

(c)

Can persons who use wheelchairs use footpaths and pavements easily and safely?

(d)

Have dropped kerbs been installed at road intersections?

(e)

Are those dropped kerbs practical and safe for blind persons as well as wheelchair s?

5.

Reserved parking space for persons with disabilities

(a)

Are there sufficient parking spaces designated for vehicles driven by or carrying persons with disabilities?

(b)

Are there laws and regulations, which ensure the provision of ample parking space?

6.

Municipal for organizations

(a)

Are there sufficient funds for organizations that represent persons with disabilities?

(b)

Are services such as meeting rooms and photocopying facilities made available?

B.

TRANSPORTATION

1.

Decision-making process

(a)

Is there a Transport Advisory Committee that includes with disabilities?

(b)

Does the Committee recommend policies based on needs identified by persons with disabilities?

(c)

Does the Committee report to the local government or its equivalent? 114

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

2.

Regular transportation system

(a)

Are there adequate assistive features to increase access on buses and in taxis?

(b)

Are the following transportation services barrier-free and accessible to persons with disabilities?

Yes

No

Yes

No

Mini-buses/vans Underground trains Over ground trains Trams Trains (inter-city) Trains (inter-state) Boats Ferries Ships Airplanes (domestic) (c)

Are the following locations barrier-free? Bus stops Underground/overground train stations Seaports Airports

(d)

Is there any disability awareness training for drivers and conductors on the public transport system?

3.

Parallel transportation system: a separate service for persons with disabilities

(a)

Is there a parallel transport system for engers with disabilities?

(b)

Do the service areas and the hours of operation ensure adequate service?

(c)

Are there sufficient vehicles, full-time/part-time drivers, and other staff for the system?

(d)

Is the structure of the system satisfactory to those who use it?

(e)

Are the eligibility criteria fair and equal?

(f)

Are there priority requests and advance booking policies?

(g)

Is there disability awareness training for drivers within the system? 115

4.

Taxis

(a)

Are barrier-free taxis available in the community?

(b)

Are there licensing regulations, which ensure the provision of accessible taxis?

5.

Transportation information

(a)

Is information available and accessible to persons with disabilities and elderly persons?

C.

Decision-making process

(a)

Is there a Housing Advisory Committee that includes with disabilities?

(b)

Does this Committee recommend policies based on needs identified by the community?

(c)

Does the Committee report to local government authorities?

(d)

Are there laws and regulations that ensure access to new government and shared housing?

(e)

Are there laws and regulations that ensure access to new private and shared housing?

(f)

Are there laws and regulations ensuring the modification of existing housing?

(g) (h)

Are there laws and regulations ensuring barrier-free private housing projects? Do local hotels, motels boarding houses and guest houses have barrier-free units for guests with disabilities?

2.

Steps taken to ensure the adequate provision of housing

(a)

Are accessible homes, apartments, flats, shared units and boarding houses

(c) (d) (e) (f)

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

HOUSING

1.

(b)

Yes

available for persons with disabilities? Are barrier-free rehabilitation services, halfway houses and shelter homes available for persons with disabilities? Does the municipality provide incentives to developers to meet building accessibility standards? Is funding for access refurbishment available? Is information regarding this funding easily available to persons with disabilities and elderly persons? Is barrier-free design information readily available?

116

3.

Community

Yes

No

(a)

Is there a housing referral system to assist persons with disabilities and elderly persons? Are there sufficient barrier-free houses on the market? Does the community accessible housing through the provision of services such as cleaning maintenance?

Yes

No

No

(d)

Private sector employment equity programmes Yes Do local businesses have employment openings for persons with disabilities? Is sufficient information on employment opportunities freely available? Are there opportunities for employment in the private sector and in a variety of locations for persons with disabilities? Is there disability awareness training for private sector employees and employers?

3.

Municipal incentives for the private sector

Yes

No

(a)

Do local authorities provide incentives to employers to encourage employment equity?

(b)

Are and funding available for persons with disabilities to start and to operate their own businesses?

4.

Community for integrated employment

Yes

No

(a)

Does community spirit prevail among private and public organizations to encourage the opening of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities?

(b) (c)

D.

EMPLOYMENT

1.

Municipal employment equity programmes

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Is there a municipal employment equity programme in place? Is there an employment equity coordinator? Is information freely available on employment opportunities? Is reasonable accommodation (services and physical adaptations) provided in places of employment of persons with disabilities? Is there disability awareness training for employees and employers?

(e) 2. (a) (b) (c)

117

5.

Community job training and placement programmes

(a)

Are community job training and placement programmes available for and accessible by persons with disabilities?

(b)

Is there adequate communication between local government officials and organizations that represent persons with disabilities and senior citizens?

(c)

Is there disability awareness training for staff involved in placement programmes?

(d)

Do partnerships between educational institutions and local authorities exist?

E.

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

RECREATION 1.

Decision-making process

(a)

Is there a Recreation Advisory Committee that includes with disabilities and elderly persons?

(b)

Does this Committee recommend policies based on requirements identified by persons with disabilities?

(c)

Does this Committee report to the local government or its equivalent?

2. (a) (b)

Services Are persons with disabilities integrated into community sports and recreation programmes? Are specialized sports and recreational programmes for persons with disabilities freely available?

(c)

Are there Special Needs Coordinators in sports and recreation centres?

(d)

Is information on sports and recreation facilities available and accessible?

(e)

Are there any volunteer groups who assist persons with disabilities to take part in integrated recreational activities?

(f)

Is there disability awareness training for staff in sports and recreational centres?

3.

Privately-owned facilities

(a)

Are theatres, cinemas and entertainment centres available?

(b)

Are private sports facilities accessible for persons with disabilities?

(c)

Do local authorities encourage the owners of private recreation centres to make their facilities barrier-free? Do non-profit making organizations offer community recreation programmes that can accommodate persons with disabilities and elderly persons?

(d)

118

(e)

Are the following locations barrier-free for persons with disabilities and elderly persons in the community? Sports stadiums Recreation/amusement centres Camping grounds Restaurants/cafeterias/canteens/food halls Social clubs Cultural and religious buildings Public parks and gardens

F.

EDUCATION 1.

Decision-making process

(a)

Is there an Education Advisory Committee that includes with disabilities and elderly persons?

(b)

Does this Committee recommend policies based on needs identified by the community?

(c)

Does this Committee report to the local government or the school board?

2.

Accessible schools

(a)

Are all schools in the community accessible for students and/or staff with disabilities?

(b)

Are there any regulations to ensure the accessibility of new schools?

(c)

Is there an accessibility plan and budget for modification of existing schools?

(d)

Are all secondary education buildings barrier-free?

(e)

Are all tertiary education facilities barrier-free?

(f)

Are all facilities, such as gymnasiums and science laboratories, inside local schools barrier-free?

(g)

Are there barrier-free toilets on each floor in all schools in the locality?

119

Yes

No

Yes

No

3.

Study options

(a)

Are students with disabilities placed in classrooms with non-disabled students?

(b)

Is there a policy covering integration of all students?

(c)

Is there a means whereby parents can contribute to the decision-making process on issues concerning students with disabilities?

(d)

Is educational provided for persons with disabilities?

(e)

Are students with disabilities able to participate in the classes of their choice?

(f)

Are students with disabilities able to participate in all or most extra-curricular activities?

(g)

Does the student council or union address issues concerning persons with disabilities?

4.

Community commitment to appropriate policies, programmes, services and

(a)

Is adequate accessible transportation for disabled students or staff available?

(b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Are there positions available for special education staff? Is there in-service training for regular teachers to meet special learning needs? Is there teacher and student disability awareness training? Are there any persons with disabilities on the school board? If not, has someone been designated to represent persons with disabilities?

120

Yes

No

Yes

No

Module 9 Chapter 1 Illustrative Training Materials “Training of Trainers” The illustrative training materials in this chapter are excerpted from the documentation on The Workshop to Train People as Trainers for the Promotion of Non-Handicapping Environments which was held at Bangkok Thailand, 2002 & 2004. The chapter also incorporate the lessons learned from the “Training of Trainers Workshops on Promotion of Barrier Free Environment” held at Bangalore & Chennai and series of Access Sensitization Workshops held at Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Baroda, Gawalior and Delhi, India 2003. “TRAINING OF TRAINERS” Basis for action: why it is important for people to have training skills? ! !

!

To deliver effective training for access promotion. To increase the number of trainers who can make strategic contributions to empower people to address issues concerning the right of access to facilities and services. To become active promoters of the participation of people with disabilities in mainstream society.

Module Coverage ! !

The trainer as facilitator- basic facilitation skills. Improving basic communication skills for the role of trainer–listening, attending, abstracting, evaluating, responding, .

!

Assessing training needs in individuals and in groups.

!

Visualizing, arranging and coordinating a training programme.

!

Evaluating training.

Methodology 1.

Schedule

Duration of three/five days is visualized for the module, with six half-day sub-modules and two overnight assignments. 2.

Methods There are four main types of training methods: (a) Group experience sharing/pooling. 121

(b)

Experiential exercises.

(c)

Case studies.

(d)

Lectures combined with power point presentations and discussions.

What are the qualities of a good trainer? Characteristics A good trainer has the following characteristics: !

Good knowledge of training.

!

Treats everyone equally.

!

Self confidence and confidence in the trainees.

!

Commitment (to social justice and empowerment of marginalized groups in the development process).

!

Open mindness.

!

Interest.

!

Equality.

!

Self-discipline.

!

Empathy.

!

Simplicity.

!

Cheerfulness.

!

Creativity.

Skills The skill-set of a good trainer includes skills in the following: 1.

Training.

2.

Mobilization and skills in inspiring.

3.

Group management.

4.

Self-control in conflict situation.

5.

Listening and other observation skills. 122

6.

Innovation.

7.

Verbal and non-verbal communication.

8.

Skill, in eliciting information for monitoring and evaluating and documentation.

Training methods 1.

Lecture:- Useful for enabling people to learn a new subject such as type of disabilities and their access needs. Ensuring discussion is one way of making a lecture interesting, so that it does not become a monologue.

2.

Role-play:- This is a useful method when there is a need to illustrate issue-specific situations. This serve as a good discussion starter. It helps in learning by particularizing situations and roles.

3.

Group discussion:- It is a useful method to get everyone to participate.

4.

Case study:- This method conveys information about a real incident. It is useful as a method of persuading people about something that they may think is not possible.

5.

Printed matter: -By giving handouts on the information, to be conveyed, the participants need not bother to take notes, and can concentrate on the training completely.

6.

Mock exercises: -Imitation and simulation are mock exercises.

7.

Videos and slides:- These are effective audio-visual ways of presenting information in training.

8.

Demonstration:- We show something by doing. People generally more easily what have seen, done and experienced.

9.

Debate:- Use debate to find solutions for a controversial issue for example “Men are lazier than women”. One person has to moderate to ensure it does not lead to a fight or personal animosity.

10.

Quiz:- This training method uses a competitive game approach to facilitate learning. It should be followed by group discussion to clarify and reinforce the main points to be conveyed to ensure that everyone has a common understanding of what is intended.

11.

If there are deaf participants, the trainer must have a session with the sign language interpreter, so as to ensure that the interpreters correct understanding of what is to be conveyed.

Physical requirements 1.

Sitting arrangement:- In the form of a small circle is most effective in promoting rapport and a more relaxed and informal mood. It also draws participation from . In case it is not possible to arrange seating in a small circle, the next best is to seat people in a horseshoe arrangement. The different needs of various cross-disability groups should be taken into consideration so that they can move about easily and feel comfortable in their surroundings. 123

2.

3.

Some points on working with deaf people:- Below are some insight shared by deaf people (a)

Have a positive attitude towards deaf people–how technically competent we are in g is less important than our attitude.

(b)

Be a friend of deaf people.

(c)

Socializing and interactions are important for building relationships with deaf people.

(d)

Maintain eye when g with all of a deaf audience, not just with one deaf person.

(e)

Be pleasant, smile and use facial expressions.

(f)

When speaking through an interpreter, look at the deaf person and not at the interpreter.

Tea breaks and meals:-In making tea break and meal arrangements, take into consideration the needs of wheelchair s and blind people. If it is a buffet style meal, then there should be people to serve the blind persons and wheelchair s, especially if the food is not within their reach. Servers must inform the blind persons what kind of food is available and ask if they want it before scooping the food onto their plates. Sighted persons sitting at the same table should orient their blind peers to the exact position of their food and drinks using the ‘clock’ method, for example, 12 o’clock means the item referred to is directly in front of the blind person. In organizing meals and snacks, bear in mind the religious and special meal requirements of the participants and resource persons.

4.

During training:-Prepare materials bearing in mind the level of the participants and the that they can understand more easily. In a multi-cultural and multi-lingual scenario that uses sign and other language interpreters, simple words and short sentences facilitate interpretation. Use attractive, well labeled and colorful material, for example, charts, drawings and diagrams. Visual cues are especially important for deaf participants. For blind participants, provide a good verbal description of the charts, drawings and diagrams. When requesting blind persons to come forward towards us, switch off the microphones first, before making the request. Otherwise the voice from the speakers may mislead them.

124

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Two–day Module First Day Orientation on course- including aims and objectives. 9.30 am-10.00 am Introduction of participants & personal experiences, perceptions and terminology. What is access? Understanding Diverse Access needs – Physically Impaired – Vision Impaired – Hearing Impaired

10.00 am-10.30 am

Break

10.30 am-10.45 am

Disability awareness: Simulation exercise (indoor & outdoor environments)

10.45 am12.00 noon

Simulation (sharing of experiences). Discussion on the suitability of the environment for People with Disabilities (sensory, physical and cognitive) and elderly.

12.00 noon12.30 pm

Anthropometrics

12.pm-1.00 pm

Break

1.00 pm-2.00 pm

External & Internal Environment – Design Considerations

2.00 pm-2.30 pm

Function of access features: Why certain access features are needed?

2.30 pm-3.30 pm

Interaction Session

3.30 pm-4.00 pm

Break

4.00 pm-4.15 pm

Presentation of guidelines on how to conduct an access audit.

4.15 pm-5.00 pm

125

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Two–day Module Second Day Departure for Location Field visit and Access Audit

9.30 am-10.00 am 10.00 am-12.00 pm

Report making by participants

12.00 noon1.00 pm

Break

1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Report presentation. Comprehensive solution with illustrations.

2.00 pm-3.00 pm

Case Study of a built environment.

3.00 pm-3.25 pm

Barrier-Free Tourism. A Case study

3.25 pm-4.00 pm

Break

4.00 pm-4.15 pm

Accessible Transportation in India. A case study of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)

4.00 pm-4.30 pm

Plan of action

4.30 pm-4.50 pm

Valedictory Session

4.50 pm-5.00 pm

126

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Three–day Module First Day Orientation on course aims and objectives.

9.30 am-10.00 am

Introduction of participants & personal experiences, perceptions and terminology.

10.00 am-10.30 am

Access legislation: Usage and limitation with reference to PWD Act, 1995 and Building Bylaws

10.30 am-10.45 am

Break

10.45 am-11.00 am

Understanding Diverse Access needs – Physically Impaired & Cognitive – Vision Impaired – Hearing Impaired

11.00 am-11.45 am

Disability awareness: Simulation exercise (indoor, outdoor and transport environments) Briefing Simulation Exercise

11.45 am-1.00 pm

Break

1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Simulation (sharing of experiences)

2.00 pm-3.30 pm

Break

3.30 pm-3.45 pm

Function of access features: Why certain features are needed?

3.45 pm-5.00 pm

127

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Three–day Module Second Day

Internal & External Environment and Barriers and Design Considerations

9.30 am-10.45 am

Break

10.45 am-11.00 pm

Case study of VSO

11.00 am- 11.30 pm

Promotion of Barrier-Free Tourism in India Case study of Dilli Haat & Garden of Five Senses Accessible Public Transport- Case Study of DTC & HCBS (Delhi)

11.30 pm-12.15 pm 12.15 pm-1.00 pm

Break

1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Anthropometrics

2.00 pm-2.45 pm

Minimum Design Considerations.

2.45 pm-3.45 pm

Break

3.45 pm- 4.00 pm

Presentation of guidelines on how to conduct an Access Audit.

4.00 pm-5.00 pm

128

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Three–day Module Third Day

Field visit and Access Audit (The selected site may include a tourist destination shopping center/ University/ Government Office/Railway Station/ Bus Terminus, etc.).

9.30 am-1.00 pm (Departure for the field visit at 9.00 am. Access Audit from 9.30 am-1.00 pm. Departure for the conference venue at 1.00 pm)

Break

1.30 pm-2.30 pm

Report making by participants

2.30 pm-3.30 pm

Break

3.30 pm-3.45 pm

Report presentation comprehensive solution with illustrations. (OHP, Power point presentation or any other means)

3.45 pm-4.45 pm

Valedictory

4.45 pm-5.00 pm

129

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Five–day Module First Day Orientation on course aims and objectives.

9.30 am-10.00 am

Introduction of participants & personal experiences, perceptions and terminology. Access legislation: Usage and limitation with reference to PWD Act, 1995 & Building Bylaws Break

10.00 am-10.30 am

Understanding Diverse Access needs – Physically Impaired & Cognitive – Vision Impaired – Hearing Impaired

11.15 am-12.00 noon

Disability Awareness: Simulation Exercise Briefing: how to use assistive devices.

12.00 noon-1.00 pm

Break

1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Disability awareness: Simulation exercise (Indoor, outdoor and transport environments)

2.00 pm-4.00 pm

Break

4.00 pm-4.15 pm

Simulation (sharing of experiences). Discussion on the suitability of the environment for People with Disabilities (sensory, physical and cognitive) and elderly.

4.15 pm-5.00 pm

130

10.30 am-11.00 am 11.00 am-11.15 am

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Five–day Module Second Day Preliminary field visit objective and briefing

9.30 am-10.00 am

Field visit (School/ NGO/ Government Office, etc.)

10.00 am-1.00 pm

Break

1.00 pm-2.00 pm

session on the field visit

2.00 pm-3.30 pm

Break

3.30 pm-3.45 pm

Anthropometrics (Barrier and Free Environment and Universal Design)

3.45 pm-5.00 pm

131

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Five–day Module Third Day Internal Environment-Design Considerations

9.30 am-10.45 am

Break

10.45 am-11.00 am

A Case Study

11.00 am-11.45 pm

Functions of access features: Why certain access features are needed?

11.45 am-1.00 pm

Break

1.00 pm-2.00 pm

External Environment–Design Considerations

2.00 pm-2.45 pm

A Case Study

2.45 pm-3.15 pm

Minimum Design Considerations

3.15 pm-4.00 pm

Break

4.00 pm-4.15 pm

Project formulation (Team-work):

4.15 pm-5.00 pm

Presentation of guidelines on how to conduct an access audit.

132

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Five–day Module Fourth Day Undertake a full access survey of a pre-selected site. Field visit. (The selected sites may include a Tourist destination/ Bus Terminus/Railway Station / Shopping center, etc.).

9.30 am-1.00 pm

Break

1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Propose a comprehensive solution with illustrations: report compilation by the participants.

2.00 pm-4.00 pm

Break

4.00 pm-4.15 pm

Report presentation. (The participants wil participate in the evaluation process and will evaluate and assess each other’s work).

4.15 pm-5.00 pm

133

TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR PROMOTION OF BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT Five–day Module Fifth–Day Promotion of Barrier Free Tourism

9.30 am-10.30 am

Case Study of a tourism site (Local Initiative if any)

10.30 am-11.00 am

Break

11.00 am-11.15 am

Accessible Public Transport-Case Study

11.15 am-12.00 noon

Accessible public transport facility and services: Participation of groups in the formulation of policies and the implementation of plans in public transportation.

12.00 noon-1.00 pm

Break

1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Plan of Action Summary of the experiences and knowledge that the participants can take back with them (technical knowledge, confidence and advocacy skills to bring about change).

2.00 pm-3.45 pm

Break

3.45 pm-4.00 pm

Valedictory and Certificate Presentation

4.00 pm-5.00 pm

134

Module 10 Chapter 1 The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 Preliminary 1.

This Act may be called the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification, appoint.

2.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, “appropriate Government” means, in relation to the Central Government or any establishment wholly or substantially financed by that Government, or a Cantonment Board constituted under the Cantonment Act, 1924, the Central Government; in relation to a State Government or any establishment wholly or substantially financed by that Government, or any local authority, other than a Cantonment Board, the State Government; in respect of the Central Coordination Committee and the Central Executive Committee, the Central Government; in respect of the State Coordination Committee and the State Executive Committee, the State Government; “blindness” refers to a condition where a person suffers from any of the following conditions, namely:total absence of sight; or visual acuity not exceeding 6/60 or 20/200 (snellen) in the better eye with correcting lenses; or limitation of the field of vision subtending an angle of 20 degree or worse; “Central Coordination Committee” means the Central Coordination Committee constituted under subsection (1) of section 3; “Central Executive Committee” means the Central Coordination Committee constituted under sub-section (1) of section 9; “cerebral palsy” means a group of non-progressive conditions of a person characterized by abnormal motor control posture resulting from brain insult or injuries occurring in the pre-natal, peri-natal or infant period of development; “Chief Commissioner” means the Chief Commissioner appointed under sub-section (1) of section 57; “Commissioner” means the Commissioner appointed under sub-section (1) of section 60; “competent authority” means the authority appointed under section 50; “disability” means blindness; low vision; leprosy-cured; hearing impairment; locomotor disability; mental retardation; mental illness; “employer” means, in relation to a Government, the authority notified by the Head of the Department in this behalf or where no such authority is notified, the Head of the Department; and in relation to an 135

establishment, the chief executive officer of that establishment; “establishment” means a corporation established by or under a Central, Provincial or State Act, or an authority or a body owned or controlled or aided by the Government or a local authority or a Government company as defined in section 617 of the Companies Act, 1956 and includes Departments of a Government; “hearing impairment” means loss of sixty decibels or more in the better ear in the conversational range of frequencies; “institution for persons with disabilities” means an institution for the reception, care, protection, education, training, rehabilitation or any other service of persons with disabilities; “leprosy cured person” means any person who has been cured of leprosy but is suffering from loss of sensation in hands or feet as well as loss of sensation and paresis in the eye and eye-lid but with no manifest deformity; manifest deformity and paresis but having sufficient mobility in their hands and feet to enable them to engage in normal economic activity; extreme physical deformity as well as advanced age which prevents him from undertaking any gainful occupation, and the expression “leprosy cured” shall be construed accordingly; “locomotor disability” means disability of the bones, ts or muscles leading to substantial restriction of the movement of the limbs or any form of cerebral palsy; “medical authority” means any hospital or institution specified for the purposes of this Act by notification by the appropriate Government; “mental illness” means any mental disorder other than mental retardation; “mental retardation” means a condition of arrested or incomplete development of mind of a person which is specially characterized by sub-normality of intelligence; “notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette; “person with disability” means a person suffering from not less than forty per cent of any disability as certified by a medical authority; “person with low vision” means a person with impairment of visual functioning even after treatment or standard refractive correction but who uses or is potentially capable of using vision for the planning or execution of a task with appropriate assistive device; “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; “rehabilitation” refers to a process aimed at enabling persons with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric or social functional levels; “Special Employment Exchange” means any office or place established and maintained by the Government for the collection and furnishing of information, either by keeping of s or otherwise, respecting persons who seek to engage employees from amongst the persons suffering from disabilities; persons with disability who seek employment; vacancies to which person with disability seeking employment may be appointed; “state Coordination Committee” means the State Coordination Committee constituted under sub-section (1) of section 13; “state Executive Committee” means the State Executive Committee constituted under sub-section (1) of section 19. The Central Coordination Committee 3.

(1)

The Central Government shall by notification constitute a body to be known as the Central Coordination Committee to exercise the powers conferred on, and to perform the functions assigned to it, under this Act.

(2)

The Central Coordination Committee shall consist of - the Minister in charge of the Department of Welfare in the Central Government, Chairperson, ex officio; the Minister of State in-charge of the Department of Welfare in the Central Government, Vice-Chairperson, ex officio; Secretaries to the Government of India in-charge of the Departments of Welfare, Education, Woman and Child 136

Development, Expenditure, Personnel, Training and Public Grievances, Health, Rural Development, Industrial Development, Urban Affairs and Employment, Science and Technology, Legal Affairs, Public Enterprises, , ex officio; Chief Commissioner, Member, ex officio; Chairman Railway Board, Member, ex officio; Director-General of Labour, Employment and Training, Member, ex officio; Director, National Council for Educational Research and Training, Member, ex officio; three of Parliament, of whom two shall be elected by the House of the People and one by the Council of States, ; three persons to be nominated by the Central Government to represent the interests, which in the opinion of that Government ought to be represented, ; Directors of the–National Institute for the Visually Handicapped, Dehradun; National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, Secundrabad; National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped, Calcutta; Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, Mumbai, , ex officio; four to be nominated by the Central Government by rotation to represent the States and the Union territories in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government: Provided that no appointment under this clause shall be made except on the recommendation of the State Government or, as the case may be, the Union territory; five persons as far as practicable, being persons with disabilities, to represent non-governmental organizations or associations which are concerned with disabilities, to be nominated by the Central Government, one from each area of disability, : Provided that while nominating persons under this clause, the Central Government shall nominate at least one woman and one person belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes; t Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Welfare dealing with the welfare of the handicapped, Member-Secretary, ex officio.

4.

(3)

The office of the Member of the Central Coordination Committee shall not disqualify its holder for being chosen as or for being a Member of either House of Parliament.

(1)

Save as otherwise provided by or under this Act a Member of Central Coordination Committee nominated under clause (i) or clause (1) of sub-section (2) of section 3 shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of his nomination; Provided that such a Member shall, notwithstanding the expiration of his term, continue to hold office until his successor enters upon his office.

(2)

The term of office an ex officio Member shall come to an end as soon as he ceases to hold the office by virtue of which he was so nominated.

(3)

The Central Government may if it thinks fit remove any Member nominated under clause (i) or clause (1) of sub-section (2) of section 3, before the expiry of his term of office after giving him a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the same.

(4)

A Member nominated under clause (i) or clause (1) of sub-section (2) of section 3 may at any time resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Central Government and the seat of the said Member shall thereupon become vacant.

(5)

A casual vacancy in the Central Coordination Committee shall be filled by a fresh nomination and the person nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office only for the remainder of the term for which the Member in whose place he was so nominated.

137

5.

(6)

A Member nominated under clause (i) or clause (1) of sub-section (2) of section 3 shall eligible for renomination.

(7)

nominated under clause (i) and clause (1) of sub-section (2) of section 3 shall receive such allowances as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

(1)

No person shall be a Member of the Central Coordination Committee, who- is, or at any time has been, adjudged insolvent or has suspended payment of his debts or has compounded with his creditors, or is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court, or is or has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central Government, involves moral turpitude, or is or at any time has been convicted of an offence under this Act, or has so abused in the opinion of the Central Government his position as a Member as to render his continuance in the Central Coordination Committee detrimental to the interests of the general public.

(2)

No order of removal shall be made by the Central Government under this section unless the Member concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the same.

(3)

Not withstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section (6) of section 4, a Member who has been removed under this section shall not be eligible for renomination as a Member.

6.

If a Member of the Central Coordination Committee becomes subject to any of the disqualifications specified in section 5, his seat shall become vacant.

7.

The Central Coordination Committee shall meet at least once in every six months and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

8.

(1)

Subject to the provisions of this Act, the function of the Central Coordination Committee shall be to serve as the national focal point on disability matters and facilitate the continuous evolution of a comprehensive policy towards solving the problems faced by persons with disabilities.

(2)

In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Central Coordination Committee may perform all or any of the following functions, namely: review and coordinate the activities of all the Departments of Government and other Governmental and non-Governmental Organizations which are dealing with matters relating to persons with disabilities; develop a national policy to address issues faced by persons with disabilities; advise the Central Government on the formulation of policies, programmes, legislation and projects with respect to disability; take up the cause of persons with disabilities with the concerned authorities and the international organizations with a view to provide for schemes and projects for the disabled in the national plans and other programmes and policies evolved by the international agencies; review in consultation with the donor agencies their funding policies from the perspective of their impact on persons with disabilities; take such other steps to ensure barrier free environment in Public places, work places, public utilities, schools and other institutions; monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and programmes designed for achieving equality and full participation of persons with disabilities; to perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the Central Government. 138

9.

(1)

The Central Government shall constitute a Committee to be known as the Central Executive Committee to perform the functions assigned to it under this Act.

(2)

The Central Executive Committee shall consist of the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Welfare, Chairperson, ex officio; the Chief Commissioner, Member, ex officio; the Director-General for Health Services, Member, ex officio; the Director-General, Employment and Training, Member, ex officio; six persons not below the rank of a t Secretary to the Government of India, to represent the Ministries or Departments of Rural Development, Education, Welfare, Personnel Public Grievances and Pension and Urban Affairs and Employment, Science and Technology, Member, ex officio; the Financial Adviser, Ministry of Welfare in the Central Government, Member, ex officio; advisor (Tariff) Railway Board, Member, ex officio; four to be nominated by the Central Government, by rotation, to represent the State Governments and the Union territories in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government; one person to be nominated by the Central Government to represent the interest, which in the opinion of the Central Government ought to be represented, Member; five persons, as far as practicable, being persons with disabilities, to represent non-governmental organizations or associations which are concerned with disabilities, to be nominated by the Central Government, one from each area of disability, : Provided that while nominating persons under this clause, the Central Government shall nominate at least one woman and one person belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes: t Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Welfare dealing with the welfare of the handicapped, Member-Secretary, ex officio.

(3)

Member nominated under clause (i) and clause (i) of sub-section (2) shall receive such allowances as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

(4)

A Member nominated under clause (i) or clause (i) of sub-section (2) may at any time resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Central Government and the seat of the said Member shall thereupon become vacant.

10. (1)

The Central Executive Committee shall be the executive body of the Central Coordination Committee and shall be responsible for carrying out the decisions of the Central Coordination Committee:

(2)

Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Central Executive Committee shall also perform such other functions as may be delegated to it by the Central Coordination Committee.

11.

The Central Executive Committee shall meet at least once in three months and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

12. (1)

The Central Executive Committee may associate with itself in such manner and for such purposes as may be prescribed by the Central Government any person whose assistance or advice it may desire to obtain in performing any of its functions under this Act.

(2)

A person associated with the Central Executive Committee under sub-section (1) for any purpose shall have the right to take part in the discussions of the Central Executive Committee relevant to 139

that purpose, but shall not have a right to vote at a meeting of the said Committee, and shall not be a member for any other purpose. (3)

A person associated with the said Committee under sub-section (1) for any purpose shall be paid such fees and allowances, for attending its meetings and for attending to any other work of the said Committee, as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

The State Coordination Committee 13. (1)

(2)

Every State Government shall, by notification, constitute a body to be known as the State Coordination Committee to exercise the powers conferred on, and to perform the function assigned to it, under this Act. The State Coordination Committee shall consist of The Minister in-charge of the Department of Social Welfare in the State Government, Chairperson, ex officio; the Minister of State in-charge of the Department of Social Welfare, if any, ViceChairperson, ex officio; Secretaries to the State Government in-charge of the Departments of Welfare, Education, Woman and Child Development, Expenditure, Personnel Training and Public Grievances, Health, Rural Development, Industrial Development, Urban Affairs and Employment, Science and Technology, Public Enterprises, by whatever name called, , ex officio; Secretary of any other Department which the State Government considers necessary, Member, ex officio; Chairman Bureau of Public Enterprises (by whatever name called) Member, ex officio; five persons, as far as practicable, being persons with disabilities, to represent non-governmental organizations or associations which are concerned with disabilities, to be nominated by the State Government, one from each area of disability, : Provided that while nominating persons under this clause, the State Government shall nominate at least one woman and one person belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes; three of State Legislature, of whom two shall be elected by the Legislative Assembly and one by the Legislative Council, if any; three persons to be nominated by that State Government to represent agriculture, industry or trade or any other interest, which in the opinion of State Government ought to be represented, , ex officio; the Commissioner, Member, ex officio; Secretary to the State Government dealing with the welfare of the handicapped, Member-Secretary, ex officio.

(3)

Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, no State Coordination Committee shall be constituted for a Union territory and in relation to a Union territory, the Central Coordination Committee shall exercise the functions and perform the functions of a State Coordination Committee for the Union territory: Provided that in relation to a Union territory, the Central Coordination Committee may delegate all or any of its powers and functions under this sub-section to such person or body of persons as the Central Government may specify.

14. (1)

Save as other wise provided by or under this Act, a Member of a State Coordination Committee nominated, under clause (f) or clause (h) of sub-section (2) of section 13 shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of his nomination: Provided that such a Member shall, notwithstanding the expiration of his term, continue to hold office until his successor enters upon his office. 140

(2)

The term of office of an ex officio Member shall come to an end as soon as be ceases to hold the office by virtue of which he was so nominated.

(3)

The State Government may, if it thinks fit, remove any Member nominated under clause (f) or clause (h) of sub-section (2) of section 13, before the expiry of his term of office after giving him a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the same.

(4)

A Member nominated under clause (f) or clause (h) of sub-section (2) of section 13 may, at any time, resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the State Government and the seat of the said Member shall thereupon become vacant.

(5)

A casual vacancy in the State Coordination Committee shall be filled by a fresh nomination and the person nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office only for the remainder of the term for which the Member in whose place he was so nominated.

(6)

A Member nominated under clause (f) and clause (h) of sub-section (2) of section 13 shall be eligible for renomination.

(7)

nominated under clause (f) and clause (h) of sub-section (2) of section 13 shall receive such allowances as may be prescribed by the State Government.

15. (1)

No person shall be a Member of the State Coordination Committee, who is, or at any time, has been adjudged insolvent or has suspended payment of his debts or has compounded with his creditors, or is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court, or is or has been convicted of an offence which in the opinion of the State Government involves moral turpitude, or is or at any time has been convicted of an offence under this Act, or has so abused, in the opinion of the State Government his position as a member as to render his continuance in the State Coordination Committee detrimental to the interests of the general public.

(2)

No order of removal shall be made by the State Government under this section unless the Member concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the same.

(3)

Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section (6) of section 14, a Member who has been removed under this section shall not be eligible for renomination as a Member.

16. If a Member of the State Coordination Committee becomes subject to any of the disqualifications specified in section 15, his seat shall become vacant. 17. The State Coordination Committee shall meet at least once in every six months and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings as may be prescribed. 18. (1)

Subject to the provisions of this Act, the function of the State Coordination Committee shall be to serve as the state focal point on disability matters and facilitate the continuous evolution of a comprehensive policy towards solving the problems faced by persons with disabilities.

(2)

In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing function the State Coordination Committee may, within the State perform all or any of the following functions, namely:-

141

review and coordinate the activities of all the Departments of Government and other Governmental and non-Governmental Organizations which are dealing with matters relating to persons with disabilities; develop a State policy to address issues faced by persons with disabilities; advise the State Government on the formulation of policies, programmes, legislation and projects with respect to disability; review, in consultation with the donor agencies, their funding policies from the perspective of their impact on persons with disabilities; take such other steps to ensure barrier free environment in public places, work places, public utilities, schools and other institutions; monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and programmes designed for achieving equality and full participation of persons with disabilities; to perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the State Government. 19. (1) (2)

The State Government shall, constitute a committee to be known as the State Executive Committee to perform the functions assigned to it under this Act. The State Executive Committee shall consist of– (a)

the Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Chairperson, ex officio.

(b)

the Commissioner, Member, ex officio.

(c)

nine persons not below the rank of a t Secretary to the State Government, to represent the Departments of Health, Finance, Rural Development, Education, Welfare, Personnnel Public Grievances, Urban Affairs, Labour and Employment, Science and Technology, , ex officio.

(d)

one person to be nominated by the State Government to represent the interest, which in the opinion of the State Government ought to be represented, Member.

(e)

five persons, as far as practicable being persons with disabilities, to represent nongovernmental organisations or associations which are concerned with disabilities, to be nominated by the State Government, one from each area of disability, . Provided that while nominating persons under this clause, the State Government shall nominate at least one woman and one person belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.

(f)

t Secretary dealing with the disability division in the Department of Welfare, ecretary, ex officio.

(3)

nominated under clause (d) and clause (e) of sub-section (2) shall receive such allowances as may be prescribed by the State Government.

(4)

A Member nominated under clause (d) or clause (e) may at any time resign his office by writing under his hand address to the State Government and the seat of the said Member shall thereupon become vacant.

20. (1)

The State Executive Committee shall be the executive body of the State Coordination Committee and shall be responsible for carrying out the decisions of the State Coordination Committee. 142

(2)

Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the State Executive Committee shall also perform such other functions as may be delegated to it by the State Coordination Committee.

21. The State Executive Committee shall meet at least once in three months and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings as may be prescribed by the State Government. 22. (1)

The State Executive Committee may associate with itself in such manner and for such purposes as may be prescribed by the State Government any person whose assistance or advice it may desire to obtain in performing any of its functions under this Act.

(2)

A person associated with the State Executive Committee under sub-section (1) for any purpose shall have the right to take part in the discussions of the State Executive Committee relevant to that purpose, but shall not have a right to vote at a meeting of the said Committee, and shall not be a member for any other purpose.

(3)

A person associated with the said Committee under sub-section (1) for any purpose shall be paid such fees and allowances, for attending its meetings and for attending to any other work of the said Committee, as may be prescribed by the State Government.

23.

In the performance of its functions under this Act, the Central Coordination Committee shall be bound by such directions in writing, as the Central Government may give to it; and the State Coordination Committee shall be bound by such directions in writing, as the Central Coordination Committee or the State Government may give to it: Provided that where a direction given by the State Government is inconsistent with any direction given by the Central Coordination Committee, the matter shall be referred to the Central Government for its decision.

24. No act or proceeding of the Central Coordination Committee, the Central Executive Committee, a State Coordination Committee or a State Executive Committee shall be called in question on the ground merely on the existence of any vacancy in or any defect in the constitution of such Committees. Prevention and Early Detection of Disabilities 25. Within the limits of their economic capacity and development, the appropriate Governments and the local authorities, with a view to preventing the occurrence of disabilities, shall undertake or cause to be undertaken surveys, investigations and research concerning the cause of occurrence of disabilities; promote various methods of preventing disabilities; screen all the children at least once in a year for the purpose of identifying “at-risk” cases; provide facilities for training to the staff at the primary health centres; sponsor or cause to be sponsored awareness campaigns and disseminate or cause to be disseminated information for general hygiene, health and sanitation; take measures for pre-natal, perinatal and post-natal care of mother and child; educate the public through the pre-schools, primary health centres, village level workers and anganwadi workers; create awareness amongst the masses through television, radio and other mass media on the causes of disabilities and the preventive measures to be adopted. 143

Education 26. The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall ensure that every child with a disability has access to free education in an appropriate environment till he attains the age of eighteen years; endeavor to promote the integration of students with disabilities in the normal schools; promote setting up of special schools in Government and private sector for those in need of special education, in such a manner that children with disabilities living in any part of the country have access to such schools; endeavor to equip the special schools for children with disabilities with vocational training facilities. 27. The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall by notification make schemes for conducting part-time classes in respect of children with disabilities who having completed education up to class fifth and could not continue their studies on a whole-time basis; conducting special part-time classes for providing functional literacy for children in the age group of sixteen and above; imparting non-formal education by utilizing the available manpower in rural areas after giving them appropriate orientation; imparting education through open schools or open universities; conducting class and discussions through interactive electronic or other media; providing every child with disability free of cost special books and equipments needed for his education. 28. The appropriate Governments shall initiate or cause to be initiated research by official and nongovernmental agencies for the purpose of deg and developing new assistive devices, teaching aids, special teaching materials or such other items as are necessary to give a child with disability equal opportunities in education. 29. The appropriate Governments shall set up adequate number of teachers’ training institutions and assist the national institutes and other voluntary organizations to develop teachers’ training programmes specializing in disabilities so that requisite trained manpower is available for special schools and integrated schools for children with disabilities. 30. Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions, the appropriate Governments shall by notification prepare a comprehensive education scheme, which shall make provision for transport facilities to the children with disabilities or in the alternative financial incentives to parents or guardians to enable their children with disabilities to attend schools; the removal of architectural barriers from schools, colleges or other institutions imparting vocational and professional training; the supply of books, uniforms and other materials to children with disabilities attending school; the grant of scholarship to students with disabilities; setting up of appropriate fora for the redressal of grievances of parents regarding the placement of their children with disabilities; suitable modification in the examination system to eliminate purely mathematical questions for the benefit of blind students and students with low vision; restructuring of curriculum for the benefit of children with disabilities; restructuring the curriculum for benefit of students with hearing impairment to facilitate them to take only one language as part of their curriculum. 31. All educational institutions shall provide or cause to be provided amanuensis to blind students and students with or low vision.

144

Employment 32. Appropriate Governments shall identify posts, in the establishments, which can be reserved for the persons with disability; at periodical intervals not exceeding three years, review the list of posts identified and up-date the list taking into consideration the developments in technology. 33. Every appropriate Government shall appoint in every establishment such percentage of vacancies not less than three per cent for persons or class of persons with disability of which one per cent each shall be reserved for persons suffering from (i)

blindness or low vision;

(ii)

hearing impairment;

(iii)

locomotor disability or cerebral palsy, in the posts identified for each disability:

Provided, that the appropriate Government may, having regard to the type of work carried on in any department or establishment, by notification subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in such notification, exempt any establishment from the provisions of this section. 34. (1)

The appropriate Government may, by notification, require that from such date as may be specified, by notification, the employer in every establishment shall furnish such information or return as may be prescribed in relation to vacancies appointed for persons with disability that have occurred or are about to occur in that establishment to such Special Employment Exchange as may be prescribed and the establishment shall thereupon comply with such requisition.

(2)

The form in which and the intervals of time for which information or returns shall be furnished and the particulars, they shall contain shall be such as may be prescribed.

35. Any person authorized by the Special Employment Exchange in writing, shall have access to any relevant record or document in the possession of any establishment and may enter at any reasonable time and premises where he believes such record or document to be, and inspect or take copies of relevant records or documents or ask any question necessary for obtaining any information. 36. Wherein any recruitment year any vacancy under section 33, cannot be filled up due to non-availability of a suitable person with disability or, for any other sufficient reason, such vacancy shall be carried forward in the succeeding recruitment year and if in the succeeding recruitment year also suitable person with disability is not available, it may first be filled by interchange among the three categories and only when there is no person with disability available for the post in that year, the employer shall fill up the vacancy by appointment of a person, other than a person with disability: Provided that if the nature of vacancies in an establishment is such that a given category of person can not be employed, the vacancies may be interchanged among the three categories with the prior approval of the appropriate Government. 37. (1)

Every employer shall maintain such record in relation to the person with disability employed in his establishment in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed by the appropriate government. 145

(2)

38.

The records maintained under sub-section (1) shall be open to inspection at all reasonable hours by such persons as may be authorized in this behalf by general or special order by the appropriate Government.

(1) The appropriate Governments and local authorities shall by notification formulate schemes for ensuring employment of persons with disabilities, and such schemes may provide the training and welfare of persons with disabilities; the relaxation of upper age limit; regulating the employment; health and safety measures and creation of a non-handicapping environment in places where persons with disabilities are employed; the manner in which and the persons by whom the cost of operating the schemes is to be defrayed; and constituting the authority responsible for the istration of the scheme.

39. All Government educational institutions and other educational institutions receiving aid from the Government shall reserve not less than three per cent seats for persons with disabilities. 40. The appropriate Governments and local authorities shall reserve not less than three per cent in all poverty alleviation schemes for the benefit of persons with disabilities. 41. The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall, within the limits of their economic capacity and development, provide incentives to employers both in public and private sectors to ensure that at least five per cent of their work force is composed of persons with disabilities. Affirmative Action 42. The appropriate Governments shall by notification make schemes to provide aids and appliances to persons with disabilities. 43. The appropriate Governments and local authorities shall by notification frame schemes in favour of persons with disabilities, for the preferential allotment of land at concessional rates for house; setting up business; setting up of special recreation centres; establishment of special schools; establishment of research centres; establishment of factories by entrepreneurs with disabilities. Non-Discrimination 44. Establishments in the transport sector shall, within the limits of their economic capacity and development for the benefit of persons with disabilities, take special measures to adapt rail compartments, buses, vessels and aircrafts in such a way as to permit easy access to such persons; adapt toilets in rail compartments, vessels, aircrafts and waiting rooms in such a way as to permit the wheel chair s to use them conveniently. 45. The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall, within the limits of their economic capacity and development, provide for installation of auditory signals at red lights in the public roads for the 146

benefit of persons with visual handicap; causing curb cuts and slopes to be made in pavements for the easy access of wheel chair s; engraving on the surface of the zebra crossing for the blind or for persons with low vision; engraving on the edges of railway platforms for the blind or for persons with low vision; devising appropriate symbols of disability; warning signals at appropriate places. 46. The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall, within the limits of their economic capacity and development, provide for ramps in public building; adaptation of toilets for wheel chair s; Braille symbols and auditory signals in elevators or lifts; ramps in hospitals, primary health centres and other medical care and rehabilitation institutions. 47. (1)

No establishment shall dispense with, or reduce in rank, an employee who acquires a disability during his service: Provided that, if an employee, after acquiring disability is not suitable for the post he was holding, could be shifted to some other post with the same pay scale and service benefits: Provided further that if it is not possible to adjust the employee against any post, he may be kept on a supernumerary post until a suitable post is available or he attains the age of superannuating, whichever is earlier.

(2)

No promotion shall be denied to a person merely on the ground of his disability: Provided that the appropriate Government may, having regard to the type of work carried on in any establishment, by notification and subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in such notification, exempt any establishment from the provisions of this section.

Research and Manpower Development 48. The appropriate Governments and local authorities shall promote and sponsor research, inter alia, in the following areas: prevention of disability; rehabilitation including community based rehabilitation; development of assistive devices including their psycho-social aspects; job identification; on site modifications in offices and factories. 49. The appropriate Governments shall provide financial assistance to universities, other institutions of higher learning, professional bodies and non-governmental research units or institutions, for undertaking research for special education, rehabilitation and manpower development. Recognition of Institutions for Persons with Disabilities 50. The State Government shall appoint any authority as it deems fit to be a competent authority for the purposes of this Act. 51. Save as otherwise provided under this Act, no person shall establish or maintain any institution for persons with disabilities except under and in accordance with a certificate of registration issued in this behalf by the competent authority:

147

Provided that a person maintaining an institution for persons with disabilities immediately before the commencement of this Act may continue to maintain such institution for a period of six months from such commencement and if he has made an application for such certificate under this section within the said period of six months, till the disposal of such application. 52. (1)

Every application for a certificate of registration shall be made to the competent authority in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.

(2)

On receipt of an application under sub-section (1), the competent authority shall make such enquiries as it may deem fit and where it is satisfied that the applicant has complied with the requirements of this Act and the rules made thereunder it shall grant a certificate of registration to the applicant and where it is not so satisfied the competent authority shall, by order, refuse to grant the certificate applied for: Provided that before making any order refusing to grant a certificate the competent authority shall give to the applicant a reasonable opportunity of being heard and every order of refusal to grant a certificate shall be communicated to the applicant in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.

(3)

No certificate of registration shall be granted under sub-section (2) unless the institution with respect to which an application has been made is in a position to provide such facilities and maintain such standards as may be prescribed by the State Government.

(4)

A certificate of registration granted under this section, shall, unless revoked under section 53, remain in force for such period as may be prescribed by the State Government may be renewed from time to time for a like period; and shall be in such form and shall be subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the State Government.

(5)

An application for renewal of a certificate of registration shall be made not less than sixty days before the period of validity.

(6)

The certificate of registration shall be displayed by the institution in a conspicuous place.

53. (1)

The competent authority may, if it has reasonable cause to believe that the holder of the certificate of registration granted under sub-section (2) of section 52 has made a statement in relation to any application for the issue or renewal of the certificate which is incorrect or false in material particulars; or committed or has caused to be committed any breach of rules or any conditions subject to which the certificate was granted, it may, after making such inquiry, as it deems fit, by order, revoke the certificate: Provided that no such order shall be made until an opportunity is given to the holder of the certificate to show cause as to why the certificate should not be revoked.

(2)

Where a certificate in respect of an institution has been revoked under sub-section (1), such institution shall cease to function from the date of such revocation: Provided that where an appeal lies under section 54 against the order of revocation, such institution shall cease to function where no appeal has been preferred immediately on the expiry of the period 148

prescribed for the filing of such appeal, or where such appeal has been preferred, but the order of revocation has been upheld, from the date of the order of appeal. (3)

On the revocation of a certificate in respect of an institution, the competent authority may direct that any person with disability who is an inmate of such institution on the date of such revocation, shall be restored to the custody of her or his parent, spouse or lawful guardian, as the case may be, or transferred to any other institution specified by the competent authority.

(4)

Every institution which holds a certificate of registration which is revoked under this section shall, immediately after such revocation, surrender such certificate to the competent authority.

54. (1)

Any person aggrieved by the order of the competent authority refusing to grant a certificate or revoking a certificate may, within such period as may be prescribed by the State Government, prefer an appeal to that Government against such refusal or revocation.

(2)

The order of the State Government on such appeal shall be final.

55. Nothing contained in this Chapter shall apply to an institution for persons with disabilities established or maintained by the Central Government or State Government. Institution for Persons with Severe Disabilities 56. (1)

The appropriate Government may establish and maintain institutions for persons with severe disabilities at such places as it thinks fit.

(2)

Where, the appropriate Government is of opinion that any institution other than an institution, established under sub-section (1), is fit for the rehabilitation of the persons with severe disabilities, the Government may recognize such institution as an institution for persons with severe disabilities for the purposes of this Act: Provided that no institution shall be recognized under this section unless such institution has complied with the requirements of this Act and the rules made thereunder.

(3)

Every institution established under sub-section (1) shall be maintained in such manner and satisfy such conditions as may be prescribed by the appropriate Government.

(4)

For the purposes of this section “person with severe disability” means a person with eighty per cent or more of one or more disabilities.

The Chief Commissioner and Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities 57. (1)

The Central Government may, by notification, appoint a Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities for the purposes of this Act.

(2)

A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Chief Commissioner unless he has special knowledge or practical experience in respect of matters relating to rehabilitation.

(3)

The salary and allowances payable to and other and conditions of service (including pension, gratuity and other retirement benefits) of the Chief Commissioner shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government. 149

(4)

The Central Government shall determine the nature and categories of officers and other employees required to assist the Chief Commissioner in the discharge of his functions and provide the Chief Commissioner with such officers and other employees as it thinks fit.

(5)

The officers and employees provided to the Chief Commissioner shall discharge their functions under the general superintendence of the Chief Commissioner.

(6)

The salaries and allowances and other conditions of service of officers and employees provided to the Chief Commissioner shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

58. The Chief Commissioner shall coordinate the work of the Commissioners; monitor the utilization of funds disbursed by the Central Government; take steps to safeguard the rights and facilities made available to persons with disabilities; submit reports to the Central Government on the implementation of the Act at such intervals as that Government may prescribe. 59. Without prejudice to the provisions of section 58 the Chief Commissioner may of his own motion or on the application of any aggrieved person or otherwise look into complaints with respect to matters relating to–deprivation of rights of persons with disabilities; non-implementation of laws, rules, bye-laws, regulations, executive orders, guidelines or instructions made or issued by the appropriate Governments and the local authorities for the welfare and protection of rights of persons with disabilities, and take up the matter with appropriate authorities. 60. (1)

Every State Government may, by notification appoint a Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities for the purposes of this Act.

(2)

A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Commissioner unless he has special knowledge or practical experience in respect of matters relating to rehabilitation.

(3)

The salary and allowances payable to and other and conditions of service (including pension, gratuity and other retirement benefits) of the Commissioner shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.

(4)

The State Government shall determine the nature and categories of officers and other employees required to assist the Commissioner in the discharge of his functions and provide the Commissioner with such officers and other employees as it thinks fit.

(5)

The officers and employees provided to the Commissioner shall discharge their functions under the general superintendence of the Commissioner.

(6)

The salaries and allowances and other conditions of service of officers and employees provided to the Commissioner shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.

61. The Commissioner within the State shall coordinate with the departments of the State Government for the programmes and schemes for the benefit of persons with disabilities; monitor the utilization of funds disabused by the State Government; take steps to safeguard the rights and facilities made available to persons with disabilities; submit reports to the State Government on the implementation of the Act as such intervals as that Government may prescribe and forward a copy thereof to the Chief Commissioner. 150

62. Without prejudice to the provisions of section 61 the Commissioner may of his own motion or on the application of any aggrieved person or otherwise look into complaints with respect to matters relating to deprivation of rights of persons with disabilities; non-implementation of laws, rules, bye-laws, regulations, executive orders, guidelines or instructions made or issued by the appropriate Governments and the local authorities for the welfare and protection of rights of persons with disabilities, and take up the matter with the appropriate authorities. 63. (1)

The Chief Commissioner and the Commissioners shall, for the purpose of discharging their functions under this Act, have the same powers as are vested in a court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely: summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses; requiring the discovery and production of any document; requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office; receiving evidence on affidavits; and issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents.

(2)

Every proceeding before the Chief Commissioner and Commissioners shall be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code and the Chief Commissioner, the Commissioner, the competent authority, shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

64. (1)

The Chief Commissioner shall prepare in such form and at such time for each financial year as may be prescribed by the Central Government an annual report giving a full of his activities during the previous financial year and forward a copy thereof to the Central Government.

(2)

The Central Government shall cause the annual report to be laid before each House of Parliament along with the recommendations explaining the action taken or proposed to be taken on the recommendation made therein in so far as they relate to the Central Government and the reasons for non-acceptance, if any, of any such recommendation or part.

65. (1)

The Commissioner shall prepare in such form and at such time for each financial year as may be prescribed by the State Government an annual report giving a full of his activities during the previous financial year and forward a copy thereof to the State Government.

(2)

The State Government shall cause the annual report to be laid before each State Legislature along with the recommendations explaining the action taken or proposed to be taken on the recommendation made therein in so far as they relate to the State Government and the reasons for non-acceptance, if any, of any such recommendation or part.

Social Security 66. (1)

The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall within the limits of their economic capacity and development undertake or cause to be undertaken rehabilitation of all persons with disabilities.

(2)

For purposes of sub-section (1), the appropriate Governments and local authorities shall grant financial assistance to non-governmental organizations.

(3)

The appropriate Governments and local authorities while formulating rehabilitation policies shall consult the non-governmental organizations working for the cause of persons with disabilities. 151

67. (1)

The appropriate Government shall by notification frame an insurance scheme for the benefit of its employees with disabilities.

(2)

Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the appropriate Government may instead of framing an insurance scheme frame an alternative security scheme for its employees with disabilities.

68. The appropriate Governments shall within the limits of their economic capacity and development shall by notification frame a scheme for payment of an unemployment allowance to persons with disabilities ed with the Special Employment Exchange for more than two years and who could not be placed in any gainful occupation. Miscellaneous 69. Whoever fraudulently avails or attempts to avail, any benefit meant for persons with disabilities, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees or with both. 70. The Chief Commissioner, the Commissioners and other officers and staff provided to them shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code. 71. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Central Government, the State Governments or the local authority or any officer of the Government in respect of anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act and any rules or orders made thereunder. 72. The provisions of this Act, or the rules made thereunder shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other law for the time being in force or any rules, order or any instructions issued thereunder, enacted or issued for the benefit of persons with disabilities. 73. (1)

The appropriate Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act.

(2)

In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely : the manner in which a State Government or a Union territory shall be chosen under clause (k) of sub-section (2) of section 3; allowances which shall receive under sub-section (7) of section 4; rules of procedure which the Central Coordination Committee shall observe in regard to the transaction of business in its meeting under section 7; such other functions which the Central Coordination Committee may perform under clause (h) of sub-section (2) of section 8; the manner in which a State Government or a Union Territory shall be chosen under clause (h) of sub-section (2) of section 9; the allowances which the shall receive under sub-section (3) of section 9; rules of procedure which the Central Executive Committee shall observe in regard to transaction of business at its meetings under section 11; the manner and purposes for which a person may be associated under sub-section (1) of section 12; fees and allowances which a person associated with the Central Executive Committee shall receive under sub-section (3) of section 12; allowances which shall receive under sub-section (7) of section 14; rules of procedure which a State Coordination Committee shall observe in regard to transaction of business 152

in its meetings under section 17; such other functions which a State Coordination Committee may perform under clause (g) of sub-section (2) of section 18; the allowances which shall receive under sub-section (3) of section 19; rules of procedure which a State Executive Committee shall observe in regard to transaction of business at its meetings under section 21; the manner and purposes for which a person may be associated under sub-section (1) of section 22; fees and allowances which a person associated with the State Executive Committee may receive under sub-section (3) of section 22; information or return which the employer in every establishment should furnish and the Special Employment Exchange to which such information or return shall be furnished under sub-section (1) of section 34; the form and the manner in which record shall be maintained by an employer under sub-section (1) of section 37; the form and manner in which an application shall be made under sub-section (1) of section 52; the manner in which an order of refusal shall be communicated under sub-section (2) of section 52; facilities or standards required to be provided or maintained under sub-section (3) of section 52; the period for which a certificate of registration shall be valid under clause (a) of sub-section (4) of section 52; the form in which and conditions subject to which a certificate of registration shall be granted under clause (c) of subsection (4) of section 52; period within which an appeal shall lie under sub-section (1) of section 54; the manner in which an institution for persons with severe disabilities shall be maintained and conditions which have to be satisfied under sub-section (3) of section 56; the salary, allowances and other and conditions of service of the Chief Commissioner under sub-section (3) of section 57; (za) the salary, allowances and other conditions of service of officers and employees under sub-section (6) of section 57; (zb) intervals at which the Chief Commissioner shall report to the Central Government under clause (d) of section 58; (zc) the salary, allowances and other and conditions of service of the Commissioner under sub-section (3) of section 60; (zd) the salary, allowances and other conditions of service of officers and employees under sub-section (6) of section 60; (ze) intervals within which the Commissioner shall report to the State Government under clause (d) of section 61; (zf) the form and time in which annual report shall be prepared under sub-section (1) of section 64; (zg) the form and time in which annual report shall be prepared under sub-section (1) of section 65; (zh) any other matter which is required to be or may be prescribed. (3)

Every notification made by the Central Government under the proviso to section 33, proviso to sub-section (2) of section 47, every scheme framed by it under section 27, section 30, sub-section (1) of section 38, section 42, section 43, section 67, section 68 and every rule made by it under sub-section (1), shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule, notification or scheme, both Houses agree that the rule, notification or scheme should not be made, the rule, notification or scheme shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule, notification or scheme, as the case may be. 153

(4)

Every notification made by the State Government under the proviso to section 33, proviso to subsection (2) of section 47, every scheme made by it under section 27, section 30, sub-section (1) of section 38, section 42, section 43, section 67, section 68 and every rule made by it under subsection (1), shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of State Legislature, where it consists of two Houses or where such legislature consists of one House before that House.

74. In section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, for clause (d), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:“(d) a person with disability as defined in clause (i) of section 2 of the Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.”

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Chapter 2 Regional Training Workshop on Promotion of Accessible Tourism (24-28 September 2000) Asia-Pacific Conference on Tourism for People with Disabilities (24-27 September 2000) Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia REPORT I.

RECOMMENDATIONS A.

Issues

People with disabilities and older persons are growing groups and consumers of tourism services. Families with young children are beginning to travel more. These three groups have similar needs for accessible tourism. However, the majority of tourism service providers in the ESCAP region do not, as yet, understand the economic and social significance of early action to create barrier-free tourism. The built environment (buildings, streets, parks, public transportation and communication infrastructure) has a major impact on the quality of tourism experience, especially concerning its safety, convenience, efficiency and enjoyment aspects. There is insufficient integration of the planning and development of the built environment and tourism development, both within and across countries. To create tourism that caters to the full range of consumer needs, there is a need to improve the useability of transportation, accommodation, tourism sites and services, and tour programmes. B.

Promotion of Tourism for All

1.

Guiding Principles

Persons with disabilities have equal right of access to all tourism infrastructure, products and services, including employment opportunities and benefits that the tourism industry can provide. The tourism industry should provide the same choices for all consumers to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities, and protection of the individual’s right to travel with dignity. Tourism master plans, policies and programmes should incorporate the principle of universal access to tourism infrastructure, products and services. Furthermore, access improvement in tourism benefits many other groups, including older persons and families with young children. The inclusion of universal design in tourism development can create environments, products and services that are useable by a wide spectrum of consumers, irrespective of their experience, knowledge, skills, age, gender, as well as their physical, sensory, communication and cognitive abilities. Thus the spirit of barrier-free tourism means the reduction of all physical and non-physical barriers and dangers so that they do not adversely affect tourism experiences and activities. 155

With regard to tourism access improvement, it is important for all concerned to take into consideration the rights and needs of diverse groups, including single disability groups, persons with multiple disabilities, and women and girls with disabilities. 2. (a)

(b)

Strategic Actions People with disabilities and disabled persons’ organizations should: (1)

Develop empowerment programmes focusing on skills for advocacy and negotiation with the tourism industry.

(2)

Acquire skills in appraising tourism facilities, programmes and services, and in recommending action to raise their quality, as appropriate.

(3)

Learn to conduct access surveys.

(4)

Document and share information on the quality of tourism components and experiences (accommodation, transportation, tourism sites and services, tour programmes, and information and communications systems).

(5)

Create local access guides and maps for in-country and foreign visitors.

(6)

Serve as resource persons or advisors to training institutions and policy-making bodies concerned with tourism services.

(7)

Communicate rights and needs in an effective manner to people encountered in the course of travel, especially those who are unaware and inexperienced concerning disabled persons or discriminatory in their behaviour.

(8)

Strengthen craft production and marketing skills among persons with disabilities as an economically viable interface with the tourism industry.

(9)

disabled persons in acquiring training and employment in the tourism industry.

Government authorities should: (1)

Train immigration officers and ministry of foreign affairs staff concerned with visa applications on disabled person-friendly procedures to be observed in a systematic manner.

(2)

Work towards uniform disabled person-friendly immigration procedures at the sub-regional level.

(3)

Improve the accessibility of immigration offices to facilitate travel document application by all tourists including tourists with disabilities.

(4)

Exempt from customs duty all assistive devices required by disabled persons for ing their activities of daily living, including computers required by blind persons.

(5)

Update annually a list of items that should be exempted from customs duty.

(6)

Simplify customs clearance procedures for all assistive devices required by disabled persons for ing their activities of daily living, including computers required by blind persons. 156

(7) (c)

(d)

(e)

Train customs officers on ways of communicating with disabled persons, especially with deaf and hard of hearing persons.

Tourism service providers should: (1)

Develop in-house programmes to raise awareness, sensitivity and skill levels to provide more appropriate services for persons with disabilities.

(2)

Communicate more with disabled persons and their organizations to exchange accurate and reliable information for strengthening tourism services to better meet diverse consumer needs.

(3)

Encourage tourism service providers to make their websites accessible for disabled persons, especially blind persons.

(4)

Involve disabled persons with the requisite experience and skills in conducting access surveys of premises and to serve as resource persons and advisors in improving tourism services.

(5)

Introduce barrier-free tourism into the agendas of their regular meetings.

(6)

Introduce accessibility as a criterion in the ranking of hotels and restaurants.

Tourism training institutions should: (1)

Include in training curricula (for all levels) the following contents concerning a client focus that respects the rights and needs of diverse consumer groups, including persons with disabilities: attitude, knowledge and skills development, as well as cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

(2)

Develop and use training modules for sensitizing front-line service staff to relate, in an appropriate manner, with disabled travelers.

Inter-governmental organizations should: (1)

Foster inter-country exchange and networking concerning experiences and practices on endeavors towards barrier-free tourism;

(2)

Identify, inter-regionally and within the ESCAP region, best practices in the promotion of barrier-free tourism for wider reference and possible adaptation in the ESCAP region.

(3)

Facilitate, in cooperation with sub-regional organizations, inter-country discussion towards the adoption of uniform disabled person-friendly immigration procedures.

(4)

Work towards the lifting of discriminatory and restrictive conditions, such as the requirements of an accompanying person and medical certification that are imposed on travelers with disabilities.

(5)

Explore possible means of granting accreditation to tourism industry establishments that are accessible by disabled persons.

(6)

Develop an outline of core contents for training tourism personnel.

(7)

Develop training content and capability to strengthen enger services at transport interchanges (bus, railway, ferry, ship and airplane terminals). 157

(8)

II.

Promote the application of universal design principles to improve the accessibility of tourism sites, especially cultural, heritage and pilgrimage sites.

ORGANIZATION OF THE WORKSHOP-CUM-CONFERENCE A.

Background

ESCAP organized the Regional Training Workshop on Promotion of Accessible Tourism (24-28 September 2000) in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Conference on Tourism for People with Disabilities (2427 September 2000). The Workshop was co-funded by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), United Nations, New York, through its Development Project H: “Capacity building and institutional development for equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities”. The Workshop-cumConference was held at Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Social Welfare Board, Government of Indonesia. It was organized by the Community Based Rehabilitation Development and Training Center, Solo, Indonesia, and co-sponsored by ESCAP, the Nippon Foundation and the Indonesian Society for the Care of Disabled Children. The hosting of both events constituted a contribution of the Government of Indonesia to regional cooperation in of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons. B.

Objectives

The Conference was organized to provide a forum for the discussion of major issues related to accessible tourism for people with disabilities, with a view to identifying key policy and strategy elements for promoting barrier-free tourism. The proposal for such a Conference had been discussed at the Eighteenth Session of the Regional Interagency Committee for Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee on Disability-related Concerns held in November 1999. The Workshop was organized to provide participants from ESCAP developing countries with training on a multisectoral approach to the promotion of barrier-free tourism. C.

Attendance

Two hundred participants attended the Workshop-cum-Conference seminar. They were from Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam. They included persons with disabilities, tourism officials, tourism industry representatives and human resources development experts from hospitality management institutions. There were three resource persons from Peru, Singapore and South Africa. Their expertise covered the following areas: promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, and citizens’ participation on accessibility issues, training persons with disabilities as trainers on the conduct of access surveys, access-related awareness raising among professionals responsible for the design and maintenance of the built environment, barrier-free design and its strategic application. D.

Opening

The First Lady of Indonesia inaugurated the Conference. His Excellency Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid, President of Indonesia, delivered the keynote statement at the opening session. His Excellency Mr. I Gede Ardika, Minister of Culture and Tourism addressed the participants. There was a rich programme of performances by local persons with diverse disabilities. 158

E.

Programme

The substantive programme of the Workshop-cum-Conference was composed of eight plenary sessions of technical presentations and two group discussion sessions. The technical presentations covered the following: regional overview of universal design principles, rights and needs of persons with disabilities, priorities for strategic action, quality of life and tourism, tourism for people with disabilities, human resources development in tourism, travel health, and the access survey as an empowerment tool. A field visit programme was organized for the participants to observe Balinese cultural activities and interact with Balinese disabled persons who were engaged in those activities, as well as in craft production. The resource persons conducted a special training session for the Workshop participants on: strategic interventions for the promotion of accessible tourism; collaboration with tourism authorities on access improvement; and working on access improvement among disabled persons living in urban poverty, and the rights of persons with disabilities. F.

Adoption of the Report and Closing

The participants adopted their report, including the recommendations and the Bali Declaration on Barrierfree Tourism for People with Disabilities, on 27 September 2000. The Bali Declaration is annexed to this report. In adopting the report, nine participants formed a networking group on tourism for people with disabilities. The group agreed to disseminate the recommendations and the Bali Declaration through their respective networks. Group also agreed to maintain e-mail with one another, and to provide mutual and encouragement on follow-up action. HE the Minister of Culture of Tourism, Government of Indonesia, received the finalized Bali Declaration from the participants and pledged his commitment to follow-up action in of the implementation of its operative provisions.

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Annexure Bali Declaration on Barrier-Free Tourism for People with Disabilities We, the participants of the Asia-Pacific Conference on Tourism for People with Disability, held at Bali, Indonesia, from 24 to 27 September 2000: Recognizing that tourism is a rapidly growing industry in the Asian and Pacific region and that people with disabilities, older persons and families with young children are growing groups of consumers of travel, sports, and other leisure-oriented products and services, Appreciating that the Community Based Rehabilitation Development and Training Centre (CBRDTC), Solo, Indonesia, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the National Social Welfare Board, Government of Indonesia, and with the co-sponsorship of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Nippon Foundation and the Indonesian Society for the Care of Disabled Children (YPAC), have taken the initiative to organize the above Conference, the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss major issues relating to accessible tourism for people with disabilities, with a view to identifying key policy and strategy elements for promoting barrier-free tourism, Recalling that the governments of the Asian and Pacific region have declared the period 1993 to 2002 as the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, Further recalling that the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), at its fifty-sixth session held in Bangkok in June 2000, recognized the need for universal access to transport and tourism facilities for people with disabilities and older persons, and requested the secretariat to such activities, Noting that, while barrier-free tourism facilities and services would benefit larger numbers of tourists, including parents with young children and multi-generation family travellers, most tourism service providers in the Asian and Pacific region do not yet recognize the importance of this issue, in the absence of explicit government policies and strategies for promoting barrier-free tourism, as well as a lack of training for tourism personnel on the access rights and needs of tourists with disabilities, and a shortage of tourism programmes that are accessible by people with disabilities, Noting further that barrier-free tourism is becoming an increasingly important feature in a competitive global tourism market and can serve as an effective tool for enhancing the socio-economic benefits of the tourism sector for the overall development of the countries and areas in the ESCAP region, 1.

Affirm our commitment to promoting barrier-free tourism in the Asian and Pacific region;

2.

Urge all parties concerned with tourism policy and practice, including the tourism industry, to strengthen Asian and Pacific tourism infrastructure, facilities, services and programmes by enhancing universal access to meet the needs of all tourism consumers, in consonance with changes in social and demographic trends; 160

3.

Request disabled persons and their organizations to develop and implement empowerment programmes focusing on advocacy, facilitation and negotiation so that they may work more effectively with the tourism industry, government authorities and ESCAP to improve existing practices relating to accessibility, as well as to the tourism industry in introducing universal access principles to ensure tourism for all;

4.

Urge governments to include in tourism development plans measures for, and to develop action programmes to promote, barrier-free tourism for people with disabilities, older persons and families with young children;

5.

Request governments of the ESCAP region to cooperate with the tourism industry to adopt and implement measures that respect the rights of persons with disabilities to have equal access to tourism facilities, programmes and services;

6.

Request governments to strengthen craft production, entrepreneurial and marketing skills among persons with disabilities as an economically viable interface with the tourism industry and as a vehicle for poverty alleviation;

7.

Request governments to and strengthen cooperation with ESCAP, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the World Tourism Organization (WTO), UNESCO, International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Pacific-Asia Travel Association (PATA) and other international tourism organizations, to develop regional and inter-regional initiatives on the promotion of barrier-free tourism;

8.

Urge ESCAP to extend its technical assistance to governments of the Asian and Pacific region in promoting barrier-free tourism for people with disabilities, older persons and families with young children through, inter alia, the following: (a)

Organization of forums to facilitate inter-country exchange and cooperation on human resources development concerning initiatives to promote tourism for all;

(b)

ing the development of training materials on disability awareness in tourism education and training for use in government and private sector training programmes.

Photograph of UNESCAP participants at the Conference

161

Chapter 3 Biwako Millennium Framework Lake “Biwa” is the largest freshwater lake in Japan, in the City of Otsu. It is in this city that the Highlevel Intergovernmental Meeting to Conclude the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons is held. Hence, the name of the framework “Biwako” (“ko” means a lake). The word “Millennium” indicates that the Framework is being adopted at the beginning of the new millennium and that it is also structured to supplement the UN Millennium Development Goals and targets. “An Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society” represents the guiding principles of this framework. An “inclusive” society is a society for all, and a “barrier-free” society refers to a society free from institutional, physical and attitudinal barriers, as well as social, economic and cultural barriers. A “rights-based” society means a society based on the human rights of all individuals where peoples with disabilities are valued and placed at the centre of all decisions affecting them. DRAFT BIWAKO MILLENNIUM FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE, BARRIER-FREE AND RIGHTS-BASED SOCIETY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC In May 2002, ESCAP adopted the resolution “Promoting an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for people with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific region in the twenty-first century”. The resolution also proclaimed the extension of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002, for another decade, 2003-2012. The “Draft Biwako Millennium Framework” outlines issues, action plans and strategies towards an inclusive, barrier-free and rights based society for persons with disabilities. To achieve the goal, the framework identifies seven priority areas for action, in each of which critical issues and targets with specific time frames and actions follow. In all, 18 targets and 15 strategies ing the achievement of all the targets are identified. The next decade will ensure the paradigm shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based approach to protect the civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights of persons with disabilities. To pursue the targets and strategies, consultations with and involvement of civil society, inter alia, selfhelp organizations and concerned NGOs are essential.

162

The following sections summarize the seven priority areas for action, the targets, strategies, time-frames, and the ing/monitoring mechanisms. (1)

Self-help organizations of persons with disabilities

Persons with disabilities and their self-help organizations are the most equipped, best informed to speak on their behalf and can contribute to solutions on issues that concern them. Two targets are set to make the difference: (1)

By 2004, Governments, international funding agencies and NGOs should establish policy to and develop self-help organizations.

(2)

By 2005, Governments and civil society organizations should fully include self-help organizations in decision-making processes. Actions for the targets include the participation of persons with disabilities in policy-making, political representations and capacity building.

Self-help organizations should include marginalized persons with disabilities such as women and girls with disabilities, persons with intellectual disabilities, persons who are HIV-positive and affected by leprosy. (2)

Women with disabilities

Women with disabilities are multiply disadvantaged through their status as women, as persons with disabilities, and majority numbers as persons living in poverty. Three targets are set to solve these problems:

(3)

(1)

By 2005, Governments should ensure anti-discrimination measures to protect women with disabilities.

(2)

By 2005, self-help organizations adopt policies to promote full representation of women with disabilities,.

(3)

By 2005, women with disabilities should be included in the hip of national mainstream women’s associations.

Early intervention and education

Less than 10 per cent of children and youth with disabilities have access to any form of education compared with an enrolment rate of over 70 per cent for non-disabled children and youth in primary education in the Asian and Pacific region. This exclusion from education for children and youth with disabilities results in exclusion from opportunity for further personal, social and vocational development. Three targets are set for these problems: (1)

Children with disabilities will be an integral part of the population targeted by Millennium Development Goal Target 3, which is to ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling.

163

(2)

By 2010, at least 75 per cent of children and youth with disabilities will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling.

(3)

By 2012, all infants and young children (0 – 4 years) will have access to and receive communitybased early intervention services.

Actions in this area include adequate legislation for inclusive education and national data collection on children with disabilities (0-16 years). (4)

Training and employment, including self-employment

Persons with disabilities remain disproportionately undereducated, untrained, unemployed, underemployed and poor. They have insufficient access to the mainstream labour market partially due to social exclusion, lack of trained and competent staff and adequate training for independent workers. Three targets follow:

(5)

(1)

By 2012, at least 30 per cent of the signatories (member states) will ratify ILO Convention 159 concerning Vocational Rehabilitation on Employment (Disabled Persons).

(2)

By 2012, at least 30 per cent of all vocational training programmes in signatory countries will include persons with disabilities.

(3)

By 2010, reliable data on the employment and self-employment rates of persons with disabilities will exist in all countries.

Access to built environment and public transport

Inaccessibility to the built environment, including public transport systems, is still the major barrier for persons with disabilities. This problem will only exacerbate, as the number of older people with disabilities increase in the region. Universal design approaches benefit all people in society including older persons, pregnant women and parents with young children. Its economic benefits have been legitimized, yet substantive initiatives at policy level have not been taken. Two targets are set to improve the situation:

(6)

(1)

Governments should adopt and enforce accessibility standards for planning of public facilities, infrastructure and transport, including those in rural/agricultural contexts.

(2)

By 2012, existing public transport systems and all new and renovated public transport systems should be accessible.

Access to information and communication including ICT

In the last 10 years, there has been much progress in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development, and it opens up many opportunities for people with disabilities in networking, solidarity employment and independent living. But it has also widened the gap between persons with disabilities and the non-disabled. The Digital divide includes inaccessibility to 164

infrastructure for ICT, Internet, and ICT skills. These problems are acute in rural areas. The multi-media environment is creating barriers for people with visual disabilities. Three targets are set to improve the situation:

(7)

(1)

By 2005, persons with disabilities should have at least the same rate of access to the Internet and related services as the rest of citizens in a country of the region.

(2)

By 2004, international organizations should incorporate accessibility standards for persons with disabilities in their international ICT standards.

(3)

Governments should adopt, by 2005, ICT accessibility guidelines for persons with disabilities in their national ICT policies.

Poverty alleviation through social security and livelihood programmes

Persons with disabilities are the poorest of the poor. It is estimated that 160 million persons with disabilities, over 40 per cent of disabled persons are living in poverty, unable to benefit from their socio-economic rights. Poverty and disability worsens each other when persons with disabilities are socially excluded and adequate social services are not provided. Pursuant to the UN Millennium Development Goal target 1: (1)

Governments should halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of persons with disabilities whose income/consumption is less than one dollar a day. Actions call for Governments to integrate disability dimensions into MDG baseline data collection and analysis, to allocate a certain percentage of the total rural development / poverty alleviation funds towards persons with disabilities.

National plan of action (five-year) on disability Strategy 1 calls for Governments to develop and adopt, by 2004, a five-year comprehensive national plan of action to implement the targets and strategies of the framework. Promotion of rights-based approach to disability issues Strategy 2 calls for Governments to adopt and implement non-discrimination policies. Strategy 3 draws attention to National Human Rights Institutions as agencies to protect disabled people’s rights. Strategy 4 calls for Governments to actively involve persons with disabilities in any policy development. Strategy 5 calls for Governments to ratify the core international human rights treaties. Strategy 6 calls for Governments to the Ad Hoc Committee for the comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities Disability statistics/common definition of disabilities for planning A common system of definition and classification of disability is not uniformly applied in the region. Two strategies are set to solve the problem. Strategy 7 calls for Governments to develop, by 2005, their system in disability-related data collection and analysis. Strategy 8 calls for Governments to adopt, by 2005, definitions on disability based on the United Nations publication “Guidelines and Principles for the Development of Disability Statistics. 165

Strengthened community development approach to prevention, rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities Community-based approach is augmenting and replacing traditional institutional and centralized rehabilitation programmes for disabled people’s economic, social and other human rights enhancement. Strategy 9 calls for Governments to immediately develop national policies to promote community-based approaches. Cooperation and for action: sub-regional, regional and inter-regional Special focus is on strengthening cooperation among governments at the sub-regional level. Strategy 10 and 11 call for formulating sub-regional priorities and plans of action, by 2004, to achieve the targets. At a regional level, strategy 12 calls for Governments, the United Nations system, civil society organizations and the private sector to collaborate, and take advantage of the training and communication capability of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability. This center is to be opened in 2004 in Bangkok, as a legacy of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons. It has the capacity of one of the most powerful focal points in the region. Strategy 13 and 14 call for Governments, civil society organizations and the private sector to establish a network of centres of excellence in focused areas to maximize cooperation and collaboration. ESCAP and other United Nations agencies should assist in the establishment of a network of centres of excellence. Strategy 15 emphasizes cooperation between ESCAP and other regional agencies for exchange of information, experiences and expertise. Monitoring and review ESCAP should convene biennial meetings to review achievements and to identify actions that may be required to implement the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action. At these meetings, the representatives of national coordination committees on disability matters comprising Government ministries/agencies, NGOs, self-help organizations and the media will be invited to present reports to review progress in the implementation of the framework. The mid-point review of the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action should be conducted. Based on the review, the targets and strategic plans for the second half of the Decade may be modified and new targets and strategic plans formulated.

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