Temporary products for temporary accessibility
It's only temporary. Will these accessibility features do?
Watch or Listen: 3:53 min | Images: 8 | Author: Dean Homicki | Return to Journal Menu
Temporary products for temporary accessibility
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Click/Tap the audio player below to listen to the transcript of this journal post as an audible version. This is a streamed broadcast from the Staebl.academy website.
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It's only temporary. Will these accessibility features do?
Introduction:
Today's commercial and government building projects have a growing emphasis on mobility and accessibility. However, the effectiveness of temporary access features during construction often falls short of understanding the practical requirements and long-term usability.
The Nature of Temporary Access:
Temporary access features provided crucial mobility and orientation provisions during construction. They are meant to facilitate safe and barrier-free movement for workers, visitors, and individuals with disabilities in and around building sites. However, the temporary nature of these provisions implies that they are not intended to be permanent solutions.
Barrier-Free Access Disintegration:
One notable example underscores the impact of neglecting the maintenance and longevity of temporary access provisions. This journal showcases a new government project where mobility access was provided for a person with a disability. However, after a mere six months, the temporary measures have deteriorated significantly and no longer offer the intended accessibility. The result is a confusing patchwork of Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI) products and signs, leaving persons with disabilities disoriented, unsafe and frustrated.
Exploring the Duration of "Temporary":
The video journal raises essential questions about the meaning and duration of "temporary" in the context of access provisions. How long should temporary access features be expected to remain fit for use? Is six months an acceptable timeframe for degradation and disassembly? What steps should be taken to ensure continued access and prevent confusion for individuals with disabilities?
The Importance of Long-Term Usability:
While temporary access features serve their purpose during construction, it is crucial to recognise the usability, functionality and maintenance requirements. Neglecting their upkeep not only undermines the legal accessibility requirements but also creates confusion and frustration for those who rely on them.
Striving for Sustainable Accessibility:
The long-term implications of temporary provisions at the construction phase, establishing maintenance protocols, and ensuring continuous communication and collaboration between construction and site management teams is a way to prevent discrimination and unsafe work practices.
Conclusion:
The concept of "temporary" in the context of access provisions is a topic that deserves attention and discussion. The disintegration of mobility, access, and orientation cues within a short period highlights the need for greater awareness and commitment to asking critical questions and striving for sustainable accessibility. Temporary access provisions can serve their purpose effectively if conducted with the same professionalism and informed practised as expected from longer-term solutions.
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Location: Preston, Victoria
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Dean Homicki from Stæbl Academy.
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