You're Welcome - Access to Pedestrian Areas

An introduction for management on providing access to pedestrian areas

Some key considerations when planning More information access to pedestrian areas and footpaths are:  Access checklists and requirements – go to the Disability Services Commission’s Provide a firm, continuous path free of publication ‘Access Resource Kit’ on their obstructions and without steep slopes. website www.disability.gov.au under ‘Access Publications’ in the section Where long walkways are provided, ‘Access and Universal Design’. provide signage that displays direction, distance and terrain.  Providing access – go to ‘Access and Universal Design’ on the Disability Boardwalks can overcome problems of Services Commission website traversing rough, uneven, sandy www.disability.wa.gov.au terrain. Reeded decking of boardwalks requires the slats to be run  Who can assist to design and audit perpendicular to the direction of travel. facilities, including the names of Building lines and pathway edges (for accredited access consultants – go to the example, the edge of a concrete Access Consultants Association website pathway, where it abuts grass) are at www.access.asn.au used by those who are blind or have  Your legal responsibilities to provide low vision to provide a orientation cue. access – go to Disability Rights on the Keep these clear of trip hazards Australian Human Rights Commission (signage, pot plants, retail displays, website www.hreoc.gov.au trailing plants, overhanging branches).

Provide seating at regular points along long walkways. Seating to be at a good height, have armrests and be protected from the weather and sun.

Where drinking fountains are provided, provide one that is accessible to all.

Ensure all squeeze points are wide enough for wheelchair and mobility aid users to open and pass through.

Where toilets are provided, provide a clearly signed unisex accessible toilet.

Providing good directional, informative, accessible signage will assist all people to find their way.

The You’re Welcome WA Access Initiative was developed by the Disability Services Commission with the Western Australian Local Government Association, Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability, People with Disabilities (WA) Inc, Tourism Western Australia, National Disability Services WA, Nican WA and City of Perth.