Jane
From experience, even when there has been very
extensive consultation on making new building projects accessible for
everyone, there is a testing moment of truth when the facility actually
opens, and the revisions/omissions which were never part of the first plan
come to light. I am considering pushing for an allowance in every building
project budget: 'snagging and retrofixing to restore access to levels
agreed in original design'. I have found it very hard to get changes made
after the main contractor is off-site.
In the situation that you are have, the main things to consider might be
1 Can you indicate a safe path, avoiding the obstacles, to people who are
visually impaired. 'Follow the yellow brick road' approach.
2 Where a head-height angled or dropped obstacle exists, can you provide a
ground-level warning to people who are visually impaired, preferably
without destroying the aesthetics of the new building, for example big
plant tubs, or demarkating areas with large pebbles set into floor covering
could help.
You may need an expert opinion if you are going to require additional
works, I'd try:
James Holmes-Siedle
All Clear Designs
0171 384 2950
Joint Mobility Unit
RNIB
0171 388 1266
Centre for Accessible Environment
0171 357 8182
I hope that's useful,
Best wishes
Debbie Gibberd
Disability Officer
0171 477 8806
City University
Northampton Square
London EC1V 0HB
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