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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract 1
Acknowledgement 2
Chapter 1 - An Introduction 3 9
Chapter 2 Disability And the Built Environment 10 17
Chapter 3 Legislation & Policy Framework 18 24
Chapter 4 The Wheelchair And I: A Documentary (An Audit)Wheelchair Bound in the Sydney CBD Sydney City LGA
Wheelchair Bound in the Eastern Suburb Randwick LGA
Wheelchair Bound in the North West Sydney Hornsby LGA
25 - 2627 72
73 114
115 146
Chapter 5 Research Outcomes 147 159
Chapter 6 Way Forward & Conclusion 160 - 164
Bibliography 165 169
Appendix 170 - 181
1
Abstract
The built environment always offers many challenges to its users, but especiallyfor people with disabilities. The access limitations of our urban areas, as a resultof poor planning and design, are largely attributed to traditional neglect ofthe disabled population as a minority group. However, recent data reveals areality which is to the contrary. Moreover, this issue will be further exacerbatedby a rapidly aging population.
In recent years, there has been greater recognition by government of theneed to rectify accessibility barriers, and moves have been initiated toimprove accessibility in building design. Yet a holistic approach has yet to bedevised to remove such barriers from the public domain in totality. Urbanplanning must provide a built environment which facilitates the needs ofpeople with disabilities and encourages their independence and socialinclusion.
The aim of this thesis is to identify accessibility barriers within the public domainand recommend the means in which planning can play a role to rectify them.With the aid of a wheelchair and a camera, an accessibility audit wasundertaken in the CBD, inner and outer areas of Metropolitan Sydney toidentify barriers. Personal reflections of both physical and attitudinal barriersare also recorded.
2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I must express my gratitude to the following people, who have in differentways made the production of this thesis possible:
Dr Susan Thompson for supervising this thesis and for her key guidance,enthusiasm, inspirational drive and much support,Tammy and Ka Yan for their precious input, who provided invaluable helpwith image analysis, computer skills and assistance in my fieldworkobservation , and more importantly, their unconditional love and support,Camryn for her consistent encouragement, direction, friendship, emotionalsupport and contribution in fieldwork observation,Kyou and Bertha for their care and support,Ranky and Adz for their invaluable help in fieldwork observation andsupport,Ms Hume for helping me reviewing the thesis and offering her guidance,Adrian for his love, care, support, company, patience, helpful advice andreviewing the thesis, andMy parents, my brothers and my sister for their tremendous support,unfailing love and faith in me.
Chapter 1: Introduction 3
INTRODUCTION
In considering the issue of disability in our society, the built environment is probably
the most potent symbol of the exclusion of people with impairments from society.
- Simon Ungar, Glasgow Caledonian University
PROBLEM SETTING
The urban environment offers many challenges to its users, but especially for those with physical,
sensory or learning disabilities. These challenges often present themselves as obstacles towards
full accessibility.
How significant is the issue of inaccessibility? . one may ask.
Accessibility of the built environment is a key requirement for people with disabilities to achieve
greater independence, participation and social inclusion. An accessible environment, which
ensures all its users can access goods and services, receive education and seek employment
and recreation, is fundamental to a society that is based on equal rights and opportunities.
Moreover, the following trends indicate that disability will become a more prominent condition
amongst the Australian population:
• The disabled population is no minority group.
According to the Survey of Disability, Aging and Carers 2003 undertaken by the Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 3.9 million people in Australia had a disability1 in 2003. This figure
represents 20% of the population. In other words, one in five people were suffering from a
limitation, restriction or impairment of some sort that restricted everyday activity.
• The rate of disability will substantially increase in light of a rapidly aging Australian population.
The prevalence of disability generally increases with age (refer to Table 1.1), due to increased
exposure to accidents and risks, work related injuries and illnesses with age. In 2003, the
overall disability prevalence rate was 4% for the 0-4 years old age group, 41% for the 65-69
age group and 92% for the over-90 age group. With a significant number of baby boomers
reaching old age, and longer life expectancies, there is little doubt that disability rates will
1 The definition of disability in accordance with the ABS s Survey of Disability, Aging and Carers: any limitation, restriction
or impairment, which has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least six months and restricts everyday activities.
Chapter 1: Introduction 4
increase significantly in the future.
Table 1.1: Disability Rates by Age and Gender (ABS 2003)
THE NEED FOR AN INCLUSIVE URBAN ENVIRONMENT
In light of the above trends, the society must prepare itself to sufficiently cater for the changing
needs of its demography. One of the key new needs of the new demography would be an
accessible environment.
Past designs of the urban environment often hindered and restricted access by people with
disabilities. There were several contributory factors:
In the past, there were a lack of legislation and policies which protected the rights of
people with disabilities
In the past, professionals in the planning, design, property development, construction
field were not attentive to the needs of the end user
Social and attitudinal barriers possessed by the general society viewed people with
disabilities as inferior and of little value (Imrie and Hall 2001)
It is this discriminatory and ignorant attitude towards people with disabilities that has led to the
development of a highly inaccessible urban environment.
The most obvious barriers are those which impede or restrict access by persons with disabilities,
especially if the person is wheelchair bound. There is a somewhat different category consisting
of alterations which have been made for wheelchair users, but which have clearly been poorly
designed and thus causing inconvenience and risks. A third type of barrier can be identified and
it is relatively subtle. This refers to those places where access has been provided, but the mode of
Chapter 1: Introduction 5
access makes the wheelchair user feel like a second-class citizen. As the issue of disability
becomes more prominent, design will be more important than ever.
Fortunately, societies improve. With much greater recognition of the rights of people with
disability, inclusive design principles are being increasingly promoted by government bodies and
activist groups, and are being swiftly incorporated into legislation and policies.
The term, inclusive design, with regards to the built environment, refer to the practice of providing
access to all aspects of the built environment and community for all people. The fundamental
condition is that such access should be considered as a right of all people, and not a privilege.
The role of planners, in light of this, is to ensure that the development of urban environment
embraces inclusive design principles, facilitates all its users to live and pursue life freely and ensure
that they all have equal rights and opportunities in the lives.
OBJECTIVES
The three chief objective of this thesis is to:
• Identify needs of disabled people
• Identify the barriers in several built environments within Sydney
• Identify means of eliminating barriers
REASONS FOR THIS FOCUS
The contemporary planner must today deal with a wide range of different stakeholders,
understand their needs and fulfil different requirements and desires. One of the minority groups
that is less catered for within the demography are people with disabilities. The many basic day to
day activities that abled-body people carry out in the urban environment on a day to day basis,
such as freely accessing public places and making use of public amenities, are actually
challenges that persons with disabilities need to tackle everyday.
My interest in the topic of disability was partly fuelled by a number of daily encounters and
observations.
The most motivational event was witnessing the activities of one of my neighbours, who is
wheelchair-bound. He frequently makes short trips by himself to the Maroubra Town Centre and
the local park on his electric wheelchair. On numerous occasions, he was seen travelling on the
road space of our street rather than on the pedestrian pathways. Upon further investigation, I
Chapter 1: Introduction 6
realise that the hilly terrain of my street and the lack of ramps along the sidewalks means that
wheelchair users have no choice but to travel along the street itself.
Figure 1.1. An inaccessible footpath for people with disabilities.
Wheelchair users have no choice but to travel on the road
itself, increasing safety risk. Stairs are also less convenient for
elderly people.
It was this observation that drove my urge to investigate how our urban environment caters for
persons with disability.
This urge was further sparked by working with a property developer during my practical year of
work experience. I vividly remember that a provision within a Local Environmental Plan required
one of his developments to provide a minimum of 2 disabled parking spaces. These two spaces
were provided at the basement level of the development. However, access to the residential
units above was provided by stairs only. This led me to question why the spaces were provided in
the first place. There were obviously gaps within the existing planning legislation framework. This is
simply a case of satisfying requirements, with no thought given to the actual needs of certain
members of the community.
As a planner, I feel our profession can do better.
METHODOLOGY
This thesis was developed through the compilation and analysis of a variety of primary and
secondary resources.
Chapter 1: Introduction 7
Primary Sources
A significant component of this thesis is an Accessibility Audit which I will undertake in three
Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the Sydney Metropolitan Area. They are:
Sydney City LGA, representing the Central Business District (CBD) of Sydney
Randwick City LGA, representing Inner Sydney
Hornsby Shire LGA, representing Outer Sydney
Within each of the above LGAs, the accessibility of the following aspects of the built environment
will be examined:
Town Centre
The public domain of a town centre within the three LGAs will be looked at. The definition of
town centre for the purpose of this exercise is a commercial and retail area which contains:
- Services e.g. a bank, a post office
- Entertainment e.g. a cinema, a shopping centre
- Rest areas e.g. a park, an open arcade
- Public transport nodes e.g. a bus stop, a railway station
Recreational Area
Recreational areas for the purpose of the Audit are parks, beaches or outdoor open spaces
which have been detailed and/or recommended in the Councils websites. A requirement in
the selection criteria is that the recreational area must be suitable for all members of a family,
ideally with picnic areas and BBQ facilities.
Event Venue
The venues of special events introduced on the Councils websites will also be audited. The
events chosen for this audit are those that have been labelled as all welcomed , events for
all and for family gatherings .
The Audit will assess how adequate the various urban environments are at accommodating
wheelchair users and identify areas for improvement. This will be done through a personal
documentary using a wheelchair and a camera to visually document the process. I believe that
by navigating my way through the various areas in a wheelchair, it would be much easier to
identify the obstacles and barriers in the built environment. Moreover, this would be a great
opportunity to experience the social attitudes and barriers that people with disabilities would
potentially have to endure at a daily basis.
Secondary Sources
The secondary sources consist of published text, government policies and strategies and
Chapter 1: Introduction 8
graphics relevant to the topic. These sources included:
Social plans from various NSW Local Councils
Published data sources and information packages from the Australian Bureau of Statistics
Design manuals and guidelines for barrier-free built environments
Planning and building legislation and policies
Legislation regarding disability discrimination and human rights
Websites of disability activist groups and human rights organisations both within Australia and
internationally
Subsequently to the undertaking of the audit and a review of secondary resources, an analysis
would be undertaken to determine how best to design a urban environment for a diverse society
and upheld social sustainability.
The core task of this thesis is to undertake the audit taking into consideration the various problems
and barriers which face disabled people. Primary and secondary sources can help me to
understand further the existing problems for disabled people in the built environment, as a result,
an analysis can be undertaken to determine the current issues / oversights for disabled people,
so we can understand more about the actual needs and demand of disabled people.
THESIS OUTLINE
Following this chapter, this thesis report is further divided into five chapters.
Chapter 2
This chapter will present a review of literature on problems associated with disability and mobility
impairment. The theories of Disability Models are presented and discussed. The facts and figures
regarding disability in Australia will be reviewed.
Chapter 3
Current legislation, policies and strategies relevant to people with disability and the built
environment are reviewed.
Chapter 4
The findings of the Accessibility Audit are presented. Personal reflections are highlighted in this
chapter.
Chapter 5
This chapter analyses the outcomes of my audit, highlighting some of the poor design issues
which were common in the three LGAs. Suggestions and advice are provided based on the
Chapter 1: Introduction 9
research outcomes.
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 concludes the thesis by summing up the information compiled in the thesis.
Chapter 2: Disability and the Built Environment 10
DISABILITY AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The Chapter provides some background information relating to the topic of disability. The various
models of disability will be presented, followed by definitions and trends and figures. The theme of
barrier-free environments will also be discussed.
MODELS OF DISABILITY
Since the 1960s and 70s, there have been fundamental shifts in the ways in which disability issues
have been defined and approached (The University of Waikato, 2006). Changing social attitudes
has generated more positive recognition of the status and identity of persons with disabilities and
new ways of thinking about disability. Academics have devised models of disability to provide a
basis upon which government and society can devise strategies for meeting the needs of
disabled people.
These models provide an insight into attitudes, conceptions and prejudices of society, and how
they impact on persons with disability. (The Alaska Mental Health Consumer Web)
Models (of Disability) reveal the ways in which our society provides or limits access to
work, goods, services, economic influence and political power for people with
disabilities.
(The Alaska Mental Health Consumer Web 2006)
The three key models of disability are:
• The Moral Model
• The Medical Model
• The Social Model
These models are influenced by two fundamental continua of philosophies. (The Alaska Mental
Health Consumer Web 2006)
The Moral Model
The Moral Model is the oldest and currently the least prevalent approach of thinking about
disability. It prevails in certain cultures and religions, whereby disability is regarded to be the result
of sin. People with disabilities are often kept away from the outside world, ridding them of their
chance of playing a meaningful role in society. Their family members often possess feelings of
Chapter 2: Disability and the Built Environment 11
shame, thus creating an even greater sense of physiological burden on them (World Institute on
Disability 2006).
The Medical Model
With the development of modern medicine and the enhanced role of physicians in the 18th
century came a more scientific understanding of the causes of impairment, and a sense of
confidence in the ability for medical science to cure people with disability.
The Medical Model locates the problems of disability in the person with the disability. It assumes
that the solution to disability is to cure the person with a disability, or make them more normal .
As the assessment of impairments is done in a comparative manner against what is considered to
be normal and results in what one cannot do, persons with disability are thus often labelled as
lacking or abnormal .
Moreover, under this model, society has no underlying responsibility to make a place for a person
with disabilities, since they live as an outsider waiting to be cured. Those that are deemed to be
incurable must therefore be institutionised. (United Nations Enable, 2006)
The disability movement has been critical of the medical model. The fact is that many disabilities
and chronic medical conditions can never be cured. Simply reverting them to institutions and
stripping them of their rights to participate in the society is completely discriminatory. Persons with
disabilities are quite capable of being independent and should be given every right to pursue
their desires in life.
The model demonstrates that it may not be the physical condition that limits one s mobility, but
the attitudinal and physical barriers.
The Social Model of Disability
More recently, there has been much greater recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities,
due in part to that fact that persons with disabilities have become more vocal and assertive
about their rights, and have aspired to equity and participation in society. (Clarkson, Coleman et
al. 2003, 1)
Under this model, the definition of disability recognises the interactions between a disabled
person and environmental/attitudinal barriers he/she may face.
The distinction is made between the definition of disability and impairment:
Impairment: The loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or
Chapter 2: Disability and the Built Environment 12
permanent basis.
Disability/Disablement: The loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in normal life of
community on an equal level with others due to physical and social barriers.
Disabled People s International 1981
The social model recognises that difficulties and problems experienced by persons with
disabilities are a result of the inability of society to adjust to the needs and desires of the disabled
community. In order to improve their quality of life and provide them with the equal opportunities,
physical, attitudinal and institutional barriers must be removed. (The Alaska Mental Health
Consumer Web, 2006)
TERMS & DEFINITIONS OF DISABILITY
Definition of Disability
According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), endorsed
by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and used in Australia, disability is an umbrella term for
any or all of the components: impairment, activity limitation and participation restriction, as
influenced by environmental factors (Healey 2005: 1).
- Situation of possessing an actual physical, mental or other impairments
- For the purpose of this thesis, it is to describe the widespread phenomena of people being
unable to do things in society because the society itself has failed to reconstruct itself in all
possible ways to ensure that individual impairments are not a barrier to their full participation
(Green Party of England & Wales, 1993)
People with disability might experience inconvenience and difficulties in their lives. Therefore,
they need some assistance with various daily activities such as transport, meal preparation,
property maintenance etc. According to 2003 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, four levels
of core activity limitation for disabled people were determined. This is based on whether a person
needs personal assistance with, has difficulty with, or uses aids or equipment for any of the core
activities (ABS 2006).
Disability Groups
Under the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare s Disability and Disability Services in Australia
(January 2006).
Physical Disability is associated with impairments which results in some degree of restricted
Chapter 2: Disability and the Built Environment 13
activity in areas of mobility and manipulation. The conditions that result in physical disability
include spinal cord injury, arthritis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury and
other conditions of the muscular, nervous and respiratory systems. The range of extent of activity
limitation and participation restriction will vary with the extent of the impairment and
environmental factors. Environmental adjustments are related to
Intellectual Conditions which is caused by various genetic disorders
Psychiatric associated with clinically recognisable symptoms and behaviour patterns
associated with distress that may impair personal functioning in normal social activity. Underlying
medical conditions include schizophrenia, phobias, neuroses
Sensory/Speech impairment of sight, hearing and speech. Activity limitations will occur in a
number of areas such as communication and mobility. A specific range of environmental factors
will affect the level of disability experienced by people in this grouping.
For the purpose of this thesis, I will be focusing on persons with physical disabilities.
Core Activity Limitation
Core activity limitation refers to a limitation in core activities such as self care, communication or
mobility. The levels of severity of such limitations are: mild, moderate, severe and profound.
FACTS AND FIGURES OF DISABILITY
A significant source of data regarding disability is cumulated in the Australian Bureau of Statistic
Having no difficulty performing a core activity but
using aids or equipment because of disability
MILD -
Not needing assistance, but having difficulty
performing a core activity
MODERATE -
Sometimes needing assistance to perform a core
activity
SEVERE -
Unable to perform a core activity or always
needing assistance
PROFOUND -
Chapter 2: Disability and the Built Environment 14
(ABS) Disability, Ageing and Carers: Summary of Findings (2003). Below is a summary of the
survey s findings:
• 1 in 5 people in Australia had a reported disability. This equates to a disabled population of
3,958,300. This rate was much the same for males (19.8%) and females (20.1%). There was little
change in the disability rate between 1998 (20.1%) and 2003 (20.0%)
• Of all these, 3,001,900 have either a severe or profound core-activity limitation
• Disability rate increased with age. In 2003, slightly over half of all persons within Australia aged
65 years and over had a disability, with 19% with a profound or severe core-activity limitation.
The rate of disability amongst persons over 90 years and over increased to 92% for persons.
• Physical conditions were the most common main health conditions of persons with a disability
(84%). The remaining 16% had a mental or behavioural disorder as their main condition
(Healey 2005:8)
• Of all people aged 60 year and over, 41% reported needing assistance, because of disability
or old age, to manage health conditions or cope with everyday activities. However, people
aged 85 years and over reported a much higher need for assistance than those aged 60-69
years (84% compared with 26%) (Healey 2005:6)
• Physical /diverse disabilities were the most prevalent, whichever of the four estimates is
considered (Table 1). Based on consideration of all reported conditions, 2,043,400 people
aged under 65 years reported one or more physical / diverse disabilities (12% of the
population of that age). Of these, 1,995,300 also reported one or more activity limitations or
participation restrictions (12% of the under 65 population) and, using the narrowest scope,
512,600 (3.0%) had a profound or severe core activity limitation (AIHW)
Chapter 2: Disability and the Built Environment 15
Table 2.1: Estimates of main disability groups in Australia, 2003
BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT
According to Haber and Blank (1992), there are three interrelated components that make up a
truly barrier-free environment. These include the private domain (the home and its immediate
surroundings), the public domain (recreational, social, and commercial activities), and the
linkage between them (Figure 2.2).
Chapter 2: Disability and the Built Environment 16
Figure2.2: Linkage between Private Domain and Public Domain
Source: Haber & Blank 1992: 107
Barrier free environments maximise accessibility and promote mobility and independence. An
accessible environment is able to enrich a person s potential for feeling positive. (The Board of
Management of Spastic Centres of SA, 1992: 16).
Accessibility and mobility are two inseparable aspects related to designing for the disabled.
Haber & Blank 1992, 107
In order to provide for true accessibility and mobility, planners have to ensure that the built
environment offers opportunities for disabled people to socially interact with others, to contribute
to the society and achieve independence.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF BARRIER-FREE ENVIRONMENT
Here are some of basic design guidelines and design principles for barrier-free environment.
These guidelines can be divided by two categories: (1) Urban Design Consideration and (2)
Architectural Design Consideration.
Urban Design Consideration
Clear signs with symbols, text and directional arrows should be in place in the public domain
Accessible amenities should be designed for the convenience of people with disabilities such
as public telephones, water fountains, newspaper kiosks (United Nations Enable 2006)
Clear, obstruction-free, level and wide pathways should be provided for the convenience of
all users (United Nations Enable 2006)
Changes in level between the pavement and the road surface should be minimised. Kerb
ramps should be used wherever there is a difference in level on pedestrian paths or cross
Private Domain
Public Housing
Private Housing
Public Domain
Educational
Medical
Commercial
Recreational
Social Service
Community
Train Bus Car Taxi
Special transport
Pedestrian walkways
Linkage
Chapter 2: Disability and the Built Environment 17
paths (United Nations Enable 2006)
Safe and independent pedestrian crossing should be provided with even road surface, guide
strips and warning markings (United Nations Enable 2006)
Accessible parking facilities should be provided as close as to the point of destination, with a
sufficient width of parking aisle, with sufficient provision and labelling (United Nations Enable
2006)
Adequate railings should be installed on both sides along ramp
Architectural Design Consideration
Ramps beside steps leading up or down to a building (Haber & Blank 1992: 207)
Automatic doors should be provided and opened before a person gets near them (Haber &
Blank 1992: 207)
Doors in all occasions are wide enough for wheelchair entry and exit (Haber & Blank 1992:
207)
Clear signs indicating the location of hallways, rooms and in particular, elevators and exits
(Haber & Blank 1992: 207)
The doors and entrances of toilets should be large enough for wheelchair users, so the
wheelchair has room to both enter and turn around inside (Haber & Blank 1992:207)
Well-dimensioned elevators should be provided with adequate space inside and wide entry
doors (United Nations Enable 2006)
SUMMARY
The Social Model of Disability recognises that the problems experienced by a person with
disabilities is due to the inability of society to adjust to the needs and desires of the disabled
community. Equal opportunities can be achieved if physical, attitudinal and institutional
barriers are removed.
Disability rate increased with age.
The barrier free environment should be access for all - the public domain and private domain
should have some transport network or good design street furniture connect to each others.
Chapter 3: Legislation and Policy Framework 18
LEGISLATION AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
The Australian Government is a signatory to several international agreements that oblige it to address
discrimination based on disabilities. There are numerous pieces of legislation, policies, standards which seek
to enhance the accessibility of people with disabilities within the built environment. How each of these
documents seek to ensure a barrier free urban environment will be discussed.
THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT
The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 is a piece of legislation that provides
protection against discrimination based on disabilities. The DDA also protects the associates of
people with disabilities, such as their partners, relatives, friends, carers and co-workers, against
discrimination as a result of this association.
The DDA makes it unlawful to discriminate a person on the grounds of disability in the following
aspects of areas of life :
• Employment
• Education
• Accommodation
• Sport
• Clubs and Associations
• Access to and use of premises used by the public
Under Part 2, Division 2, Section 23 of the DDA, it is stated that:
Section 23 - Access to Premises
(1) It is unlawful for a person to discriminate against another person on the ground of the other person s
disability or a disability of any of that other person s associates:
(a) by refusing to allow the other person access to, or the use of, any premises that the public or a
section of the public is entitled or allowed to enter or use (whether for payment or not); or
(b) in the terms or conditions on which the first-mentioned person is prepared to allow the other
person access to, or the use of, any such premises; or
(c) in relation to the provision of means of access to such premises; or
Chapter 3: Legislation and Policy Framework 19
In essence, section 23 of the DDA makes it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of disability in
the provision of access and use of premises. The DDA s definition of premises is very broad, and
includes:
• a structure, building, aircraft, vehicle or vessel; and
• a place (whether enclosed or built on or not); and
• a part of a premises (Section 4, DDA)
In fact, any part of the built environment' that the public is entitled, or allowed, to enter or use
falls within the definition (Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, 2006). This
includes places which are under construction.
The enforcement of the DDA is largely dependent on individual complaints. If an individual feels
that he/she has been aggrieved by discrimination as a result of inadequate access to a premise,
he/she can lodge a complaint with the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
Commission (HREOC), as provided by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act
1986. The complaint will then be handled by the Commission, and a reconciliation process will be
commenced in an attempt to resolve the compliant and reach an agreement. If the
reconciliation process is not successful, the complainant can then take the matter to the Federal
Court of Australia or the Federal Magistrates Services for determination.
The DDA also provides for the making of subordinate regulation in the form of disability standards.
Section 31 of the DDA gives powers to the Attorney General to formulate disability standards for
the purposes of (Productivity Commission, 2006):
• setting out the implicit requirements of the DDA
• specify the steps necessary to comply with the DDA to reduce uncertainty for potential
complainants and respondents
• detailing specific measures which facilitate access and participation by people with
disabilities
(d) by refusing to allow the other person the use of any facilities in such premises that the public or
a section of the public is entitled or allowed to use (whether for payment or not); or
(e) in the terms or conditions on which the first-mentioned person is prepared to allow the other
person the use of any such facilities; or
(f) by requiring the other person to leave such premises or cease to use such facilities.
Chapter 3: Legislation and Policy Framework 20
• establishing a timetable for the full compliance with the DDA
• encouraging the use of voluntary action plans to meet the established timeframes
• enabling input from interested parties
Disability standards have the objection of reducing the reliance on the DDA s complaint
mechanism, as they provide much more detailed information, and thus greater certainty for
individuals and parties covered by the DDA.
THE BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA (BCA)
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is produced and maintained by the Australian Building
Codes Board (ABCB) on behalf of the Commonwealth Government, in conjunction with the eight
State and Territory Governments who each have statutory responsibility for building control and
regulation within their jurisdiction. The BCA is a national code, which is administered at a State
and Territory Level. It has been recently revised, and the BCA 2006 came into effect in all States
on 1 May 2006.
The BCA is a comprehensive set of performance and technical requirements related to the
design and construction of buildings and other structures throughout Australia. The performance
requirements, which can be considered as minimum requirements , must be satisfied by the
design and the construction of new buildings and structures, and the requirements vary
according to their classification (refer to Table 3.1).
Classifications Type of Buildings
Class 1 Residential dwellings, boarding house, guest house or hostel
Class 2 Residential dwelling of two or more sole occupancy units
Class 3 Residential building motel, hotel, or residential part of institution
Class 4 A single dwelling in a building that is Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9
Class 5 An office building for commercial purposes
Class 6 A shop or other building for retail service to public
Class 7 A car park or wholesale storage buildings
Class 8 A laboratory or production trade premises
Class 9 A public building of health care, assembly or school
Class 10 Non habitable building such as garage, shed, fence, mast or swimming pool
Table 3.1 The Types of Buildings under each Classification
Volume 1 covers Class 2 to Class 9 buildings, and volume 2 covers Class 1 and Class 10 buildings.
The performance requirements can be satisfied in three ways:
Chapter 3: Legislation and Policy Framework 21
• Meeting the Deem to Satisfy Provisions, which are the detailed technical requirements within
the BCA
• Developing an Alternative Solution that can be demonstrated as capable of meeting the
performance requirements, or
• A combination of both.
Section D of the BCA covers aspects of access and egress:
Part D3 of the BCA covers the area of access for people with disabilities.
The Deem-to-Satisfy Provisions are referred to in Clause D3.0(a), while Alternative Solutions are
specified in Clause D3.0(b). Clause D3.2 specifies the general building access requirements:
As can be seen above, the requirements in the BCA seek to ensure accessibility for people with
disabilities to enter and exit buildings. However, as the name implies, the BCA is specific to the
design of buildings only and therefore does not indicate measures to address accessibility in
many other areas of the built environment, including the public urban domain.
AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS (AS)
Australian Standards (AS) are published by Standards Australia and provide minimum standards
for construction. These are called up under Federal and State legislation, as well as Local
D3.2 General Building Access Requirements
(a) Buildings must be accessible as required by Table D3.2
(b) Parts of buildings required to be accessible must comply with this Part and AS 1428.1
(c) External access to a building required to be accessible must in accordance with this Part and AS
1428.1 and must be provided
(i) from the allotment boundary at the main points of entry; and
(ii) from any accessible carparking space on the allotment in accordance with D3.5; and
(iii) from any adjacent and associated accessible building on the allotment; and
(iv) through the principal public entrance.
D01
The Objective of this Section is to -
(a) provide, as far as is reasonable , people with safe, equitable and dignified access to
(i) a building; and
(ii) the services and facilities within a building
(b) safeguard occupants from illness or injury while evacuating in an emergency
Chapter 3: Legislation and Policy Framework 22
Government by laws regarding the construction of new buildings. Australian Standards are also
called up in the BCA.
There are multiple Australian Standards which consider design and access issues for people with
disabilities. However, most relevant for the purposes of this thesis is AS 1428: Design for Access and
Mobility. This series of Australian Standards provides design requirements for buildings to
encompass the specific needs of people with disabilities. The series contains the following
standards:
Standard Title
AS 1428.1 2001 Design for access and mobility - General requirements for access - New building
work
AS 1428.2 1992 Design for access and mobility - Enhanced and additional requirements - Buildings
and facilities
AS 1428.3 1992 Design for access and mobility - Requirements for children and adolescents with
physical disabilities
AS/NZS 1428.4: 2002 Design for access and mobility - Tactile indicators
Australian Standards applies to new building works only.
DISABILITY STANDARDS FOR ACCESS TO PREMISES
Despite the existence of the DDA and BCA, there is currently no certainty that a building
constructed in accordance with the BCA is sufficient to avoid a complaint under the DDA (DIPNR,
2006). Hence in 2000, the Commonwealth Government amended the DDA to allow the
development of the Disability Standards for Access to Premises (Premises Standard).
The Premises Standard aims to provide greater certainty to owners and developers about their
obligations under the DDA, by improving clarity and consistency between the DDA and the BCA.
The Premises Standard will clearly define the level of access that must be provided in the built
environment in order to meet DDA requirements. The BCA will also be amended to reflect the
content of the Premises Standard, hence this means that satisfying the provisions of the BCA is
equivalent to meeting the requirements of the Premises Standard and therefore satisfying the
objectives of the DDA.
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT ACT 1979
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EP&A) 1979 provides a means of formal
assessment of development proposals. The EP&A Act does not specifically refer to requirements
Chapter 3: Legislation and Policy Framework 23
to provide accessibility for people of disabilities. However, section 79C(1) Matters for
Consideration outlines the matters that need to be evaluated prior to determining a
Development Application (DA). The matter listed in sub-section (e) is:
This presence of this provision means that the interest of people with disabilities should be
considered in a DA assessment process. This interest would obviously include access to the
proposed development. However, the term public interest has not been defined or specifically
spelt out. In assessing DAs, there will generally be a large number of issues that need to be
considered, and disabled access could potentially be overlooked in the assessment.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993
The New South Wales Local Government Act 1993 also specifies the matters for consideration in
determining development applications. Section 89(2) and (3) states that:
79C Evaluation
(1) Matters for Consideration
In determining a development application, a consent authority is to take into consideration such of
the following matters as are of relevance to the development the subject of the development
application:
(e) the public interest
82 Matters for consideration
(2) If no requirements are prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1) (a), and no criteria are adopted
for the purposes of subsection (1) (b), the council in determining an application:
(a) is to take into consideration, in addition to the principles of ecologically sustainable
development, all matters relevant to the application, and
(b) is to seek to give effect to the applicant s objectives to the extent to which they are compatible
with the public interest.
(3) Without limiting subsection (2), in considering the public interest the matters the council is to consider
include:
(a) protection of the environment, and
(b) protection of public health, safety and convenience, and
(c) any items of cultural and heritage significance which might be affected.
Chapter 3: Legislation and Policy Framework 24
Again, the Local Government Act requires that the public interest be considered in the
assessment of a DA, and similar to argument presented before, disabled assess could easily be
overlooked as a public interest.
Summary
• There are various pieces of legislation that seek to address the issue of accessibility by people
with disabilities within the built environment.
• Governments are working to improve legislation to further enhance accessibility issues.
• However, it appears there is still significant work to be done, especially with regards to
accessibility in the general public domain.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 25
THE WHEELCHAIR AND I: A DOCUMENTARYThis chapter describes the methodology of the accessibility audit and presents its findings.
A substantial component of the accessibility audit is the fieldwork observations which were
carried out within different urban environments within the three Local Government Areas (LGA).
They were the:
Sydney City LGA, representing the Central Business District (CBD) of Sydney
Randwick City LGA, representing Inner Sydney
Hornsby Shire LGA, representing Outer Sydney
The audit is based on a personal documentary carried out using a wheelchair and a camera to
visually document the process. The aspects of the built environment which were investigated as
part of the audit include:
the public domains,
recreation places, and
event venues (refer to Table 4.1)
Public Domain Recreation Event
Sydney CityLGA
(CBD)
*Town Hall CBD *Pyrmont Point Park
*Darling Harbour
*City Night Market
*Surry Hills Festival
Randwick CityLGA
(Inner Sydney)
*Randwick Junction
*Maroubra Town
Centre
*Coogee Beach *2006 Wallabies Fan
Day
Hornsby ShireLGA
(Outer Sydney)
*Hornsby Town
Centre
*Fagan Park
*Crossland Reserve
*Asquith Public
School Country
Harvest Fair and
Market
Table 4.1: Journey of the Audit
Methodology
The fieldwork exercises involved either my volunteers or myself, sitting in a wheelchair, navigating
through the built environment.
The audit covers the design, features and issues of urban design which affect the accessibility in
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 26
the built environment, such as the availability of disabled parking, accessible toilets, kerb ramps,
and dimension of footpaths, quality of pavings etc. Fieldwork observations can be affected by
the time of the day and the weather, for example, the colour contrast of the road surface and
general illumination of the environment might be different from time to time (Sawyer & Bright
2004,25). Therefore, most of the fieldwork observation are done on day time and sunny day,
except the City Night Market and Surry Hills Festival which were carried out on a rainy day.
In order to ease the data collection process whilst on site, a checklist was prepared and used
during the fieldwork (refer to Appendix 1).
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 27
SYDNEY CBD
Dates a) 2 June 2006b) 13 June 2006
Time a) 12:00pm 2:20pmb) 2:00pm 4:15pm
Weather a) Overcastb) Good
THE CBD
The heart of Sydney, the Central Business District (CBD)(Figure 4.1) is home to majorshopping centres, hotels and entertainment venues, and many important financialand business institutions. (Sydney City Council)
Figure 4.1: Map of the CBD & Audit Route
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 28
PARKING
Comments
ü The number of disabled parking spaces in the CBD is considered to be sufficient
û On street disabled parking spaces are indicated by signs on a street pole. Perhaps if a
blue & white wheelchair logo was painted on the ground, it would be more easily
identified.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Large Dedicated Disabled Parking Spaces
• None Available
Normal Dedicated Disabled Parking Spaces
• Most parking facilities within the CBD have dedicated disabled spaces
• x 3 on Sussex Street
• x 2 on Clarence Street
• x 1 on York Street
• x 2 on Pitt Street
• x 1 on Campbell Street
Non-Dedicated Parking Spaces
• There are various parking facilities within the CBD
• On-street Parking is available on George Street, Kent Street, Sussex Street, Liverpool Street,
Bathurst Street and Druitt Street
Rail
• There are numerous train stations at the CBD providing services to various parts of the
Sydney Metropolitan Area:
• Central Station
• Town Hall Station
• Wynyard Station
• Circular Quay Station
• Martin Place Station
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 29
• St James Station
• Museum Station
• Refer to Central to Town Hall Rail Trip below
Figure 4.2 Figure 4.3
Light Rail
• Light Rail services runs between the CBD to Lilyfield, with various stops at Pyrmont and
Glebe.
• All Light Rail Stations have either lift or ramp access.
• The doors of the Light Rail cars are level with the platform, enabling wheelchair users to
board and alight safely and conveniently.
• Tactile tiles are provided on the platform for the visually impaired.
Monorail
• The Monorail Service provides access to various parts of the CBD including Darling
Bus
• Most STA bus services provide services between the CBD and the inner city, north shore,
northern beaches, eastern suburbs and other regional centres such as Parramatta,
Hurstville, Burwood etc.
• STA s Sydney Bus Fleet is 35% Wheelchair Accessible
• There are at least 30 bus routes at the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) which go to the
airport, inner city areas, western suburbs and North Sydney.
• All bus stops have weather shelters. Bus stops not covered by awnings of adjacent
buildings will have glass enclosed shelters by JCDecaux (Figure 4.2 & 4.3).
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 30
Harbour and Chinatown, QVB and Pitt Street Mall.
• All Monorail Stations have lift access.
• However, the price of the services is considered fairly expensive. The monorail is generally
considered to be more of a tourist attraction.Taxis
• Taxi ranks are located at numerous locations within the CBD including Central Station,
Market Street, Pitt Street and George Street.
• Accessible taxis can be frequently seen in the CBD.
Facilities at Town Hall Station
There are lots of facilities at Town Hall station including :
Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) are reachable by wheelchair users (refer to Figure 4.4).
Figure 4.4 Figure 4.5
Lifts provides wheelchair access to certain platforms. However, Town Hall Station is only
partially accessible. (refer to Figure 4.5)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 31
Figure 4.6 Figure 4.7
Portable platform to train ramps facilitates wheelchair users to board and alight trains.
(refer to Figure 4.6)
Accessible toilet cubicles are only available in the male toilet. In requesting access to the
toilet, the staff offered to clear the male toilet for me to use. (refer to Figure 4.7)
Comments
ü There is a wide range of public transport service within the CBD, which is as expected.
ü Most services do provide disabled access.
ü Most transit stations and stops have amenities such as shelters and seating.
û However, wheelchair bound users may have to wait longer for accessible buses and taxis,
as not every bus or taxi is wheelchair accessible.
PUBLIC TOILETS
• There are plenty of accessible toilets within the CBD. However, during my trip I did not
come across any of them!
• Most of these accessible toilets are located within the shopping centres
Comments
ü It is convenient for persons with disability to find a toilet in the CBD
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 32
PEDESTRIAN AMENITY, STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Sidewalks and Footpaths
The width of the sidewalks meant that streetside amenities such as seating, street bins,
plant boxes and bollards did not become obstacles
Sidewalks on George Street are mostly tiled. The surfaces are generally slip resistant and
fairly level
On local streets, the sidewalks may be blocked by rubbish bins (refer to Figure 4.8)
• On the day, works were being carried out to the sidewalk on George Street just south of
Bathurst Street. The width of the passageway could accommodate a wheelchair to pass
through, with pedestrians from the opposite direction either stopping to give way, or
squeezing through (refer to Figure 4.9)
• Pitt Street Mall is wheelchair-friendly. Shop entries are stepless and wide. Amenities such as
bins and seating are offset to either side of the mall. The pavement tiles are slip resistant
when dry. However, from experience, the surface can get a little slippery in the rain (refer
to Figure 4.10)
Figure 4.8 Figure 4.9
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 33
Figure 4.10
• On Goulburn Street, some of the sidewalk surfaces are uneven, filled with potholes and
cracks. The poor condition causes great discomfort to wheelchair users (Figure 4.11)
Figure 4.11
Kerb Ramps
• Kerb ramps along major roadways provide a smooth transition between road and
pathway (refer to Figure 4.12).
• Surface of kerb ramps of the same colour.
• Placement of kerb ramps are in certain locations are not ideal. (refer to Figure 4.13)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 34
• Wooden boards with green anti-slip mats serves as kerb ramps when works are being
done to the sidewalks. There is just sufficient space for a wheelchair to get through (refer
to Figure 4.14)
Figure 4.14
Crossings
• There are no zebra crossings within the CBD. Crossings are provided at traffic intersections
• There are high levels of traffic in the CBD, but wheelchair users can safely cross on green
signals
Seating and Rest Areas
• Rest areas can be found at Sydney Square (outside of Town Hall) and outside of Pitt Street
Mall. Seatings is provided in these areas.
• Circular seating may make inconvenience to wheelchair users (refer to Figure 4.15)
• Bench seating makes wheelchair users stand out less (refer to Figure 4.16)
Figure 4.12 Figure 4.13
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 35
Comments
ü Width of sidewalks on main streets do not pose a problem for wheelchair users at all
ü Adequate space has been provided for wheelchair users even when works are being
undertaken on sidewalks
û Sidewalks within the CBD ought to be paved and maintained regularly as required
û Some obstacles such as wheelie bins may cause inconvenience to wheelchair users.
Council should perhaps alert businesses and households to be mindful of where they
place/store their bins.
ü Ramp kerb are gently sloped and is fairly wide for wheelchair use
ü Construction management has taken care of the needs of disabled pedestrians, by
providing temporary kerb ramps next to the construction site
û The kerb ramp could do with more contrasting colours and surface textures for
wheelchair users to more conveniently identify the sloping section
û Seating design should be more inclusive of wheelchair users
FACILITIES IN THE CBD
Public Telephone
• Public telephones are scattered around the CBD. They are placed at a level for
wheelchair users to use conveniently.
ATM
ATMs are provided outside of all banks, saving the need for wheelchairs users to enter into
the bank itself.
Although all ATMs are reachable by wheelchair users, some ATMs are placed too high
and do cause discomfort.
Figure 4.15 Figure 4.16
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 36
Kiosk
Figure 4.17
• There are a few kiosks located in CBD. However, it is very hard for wheelchair user deal
with the vendor over the counter (refer to Figure 4.18)
• The counter of the transit shop is particularly high. I could not even see the vendor over
the counter (refer to Figure 4.17)
Bins
• The location and the height of street bins are appropriate for wheelchair users
Comments
û Banks perhaps need to place ATMs lower to facilitate wheelchair users
û The design of kiosk would require redesign to be more accommodating to wheelchair
users
QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING
Access
The QVB is served by various public transport services
The entrances are stepless, wide, obstacle free and wheelchair accessible (refer to Figure
4.19)
The surface of the entry points is laid with red mats which are slip resistant (refer to Figure
4.20)
Figure 4.18
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 37
• Lifts provide wheelchair users to all levels within the QVB. The lift doors are just wide
enough to fit a wheelchair (refer to Figure 4.20). The size of the lift is just enough to
accommodate a wheelchair and a handful of standing patrons.
Disabled Toilet
There is only one accessible toilet in QVB, and it is located on the Lower Ground level.
The accessible toilet is a stand-alone facility, and is large enough for wheelchair users to
enter and manoeuvre with ease.
Parking in the Shopping Centre
Disabled parking is located on the Lower Ground level and can be accessed by the lift
from the other levels.
There are designated parking bays for persons with disabilities near the entry points. The
designated parking bays are the same size as normal parking spaces.
The entrance of lift is wheelchair accessible but is very tight. Also, perhaps due to its old
design, the lift does not line up with the floor, causing safety risks to wheelchair users and
able persons alike.
Comments
ü The QVB is generously served by public transport services.
ü Considering the age of the building, wheelchair users can still navigate through the
various levels with fair ease.
û There is only one accessible toilet, which is located at a fairly difficult-to-access spot within
the building. However, I acknowledge that the ability to provide alternative accessible
toilets in the building would depend on heritage approval
Figure 4.19 Figure 4.20
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 38
SELF REFLECTION
As the heart of Sydney, I believe that an accessible urban environment is a core requirement.
In my opinion, the City of Sydney Council has made a great effort to try and achieve this.
First of all, I was impressed with the disabled access information that Council has provided on
their website for the benefit of people with disabilities. The Access Maps pin points where
accessible amenities such as toilets, telephones, ATMs, public transport and parking spaces
are located within the CBD. Persons with disabilities who frequently visit the CBD could print
and carry these with them to get around more conveniently.
Access to the CBD is convenient, with various public transport options and ample provision of
disabled parking. The urban environment itself has also been designed with accessibility in
mind. I experienced very few barriers whilst I wondered my way around the CBD in the
wheelchair. Generally the sidewalks are wide, even and paved, with kerb ramps and traffic
lights to facilitate crossing of intersections. Amenities for persons with disability are scattered
throughout the city, maximising convenience.
In areas where construction works are in progress, the detour arrangements do cause
inconvenience but are overall considered to be acceptable. However, I do get nervous
when travelling through such confined spaces because I fear I may block the entire path.
Moreover, the noise that the wooden boards made as I travelled down those temporary kerb
ramps did not inspire too much confidence either.
Improvements could be made to the design of the street side kiosks that can be readily found
around the CBD. These kiosks, which are designed to bring convenience, should not exclude
certain members of our society. As wheelchair users cannot fully approach these kiosks, the
attendant would need to come out of the kiosk to serve them. A wheelchair friendlier design
would eliminate such a problem, speeding up the transaction and causing less
embarrassment.
Despite a generally accessible urban environment, the social barriers I felt during my fieldwork
were significant and caused major discomfort. Of all the places I have been to as part of this
thesis, I believe I received the most stares in the City of Sydney area. My belief is that they are
not necessarily discriminative towards disabled people, but are probably just annoyed with
the fact of having to be mindful of a wheelchair in a crowded, fast paced environment. Is a
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 39
disabled person a disability to the average person?
On a brighter note, not all was gloomy. The assistance I received from a couple in the QVB
car park made me realise there are still many kind-hearted people in our city who care.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 40
DARLING HARBOUR
Dates 26 May 2006Time 12:30pm 4:00pmWeather Overcast
Figure 4.21: The Map and the Audit route of Darling Harbour
DARLING HARBOURDarling Harbour (refer to 4.21) is one of the world's great waterfront destinations.
With its spectacular harbour setting, Darling Harbour has many of Australia's keytourist attractions and it s also a favourite place for Sydneysiders to spend their timerelaxing and celebrating.
Must-see attractions at Darling Harbour include (Darling Harbour, 2006):• Sydney Aquarium - one of the largest in the world with over 11,500 all Australian
aquatic animals• Australian National Maritime Museum free entry to Australia s most-visited
maritime museum• Chinese Garden of Friendship a cultural oasis in the heart of Sydney• IMAX Theatre catch a movie on this giant screen, more than eight storeys high• Powerhouse Museum home to Australian culture and history• Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Australia s premier venue for major
events and conferences• Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf two of Sydney's favourite dining and
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 41
entertainment destinations• Harbourside Shopping Centre offers a unique shopping, dining and leisure
experience.
PARKING
Commentsü The number of disabled parking spaces in the vicinity of Darling Harbour is
considered to be sufficient
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail• The closest railway station is Town Hall, which is approximately 10-15 minutes
away by foot via the footbridges on Market and Druitt Streets
Extra Wide Dedicated Disabled Parking Spaces• None Available
Normal Dedicated Disabled Parking Spaces• Most parking facilities within the CBD have dedicated disabled spaces• x 2 on Clarence Street• x 2 on Kent Street• x 3 on Hay Street• x 2 on Quay Street• x 2 on Fig Street• x 1 on Macarthur Street
Non-Dedicated Parking Spaces• There are ten parking stations located close to Darling Harbour, such as
Harbourside, Exhibition Hall, Pyrmont Street and Star City. All of these facilitiesprovide disabled parking
• On-street Parking is available on Goulburn Street, Liverpool Street, Sussex Street,Harris Street, Hay Street, Clarence Street, Kent Street, Quay Street and Fig Street
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 42
Bus• STA bus services are available on George Street (Town Hall), Pitt Street and Harris
Street and at the Entertainment Centre and Central Station
Light Rail• There are two light rail stations close to Darling Harbour and both are located on
Darling Drive. The Convention Station next to the Sydney Convention Centre, andthe Exhibition Centre Station next to the Sydney Exhibition Centre.
• At both stations, concrete slabs have been laid across the tracks to provideaccess to the western platform.
Monorail• The Convention Station is the closest Monorail Station.• A pedestrian footbridge provides access to the station from the western side of
the Sydney Convention Centre. However the bridge is only served by stairs.Wheelchair bound users must resort to crossing Darling Drive via the pedestriancrossing at the surface and use the lift at the station.
TaxisTaxi Stand on Wheat Road, east of Cockle Bay WharfTax Stand on Harbour Street at the Entertainment CentreTaxi Stand south of Medina Grand HarboursideTaxi Stand at the Garden of Darling HarbourTaxi Stand west of Harbourside Shopping CentreTaxi Stand west of the Novotel Central Hotel
Commentsü There is a variety of public transport options to choose from and they are
wheelchair accessible
PUBLIC TOILETS
There are 14 outdoor accessible toilets within Darling Harbour. All accessibletoilets are stand-alone facilities
• All facilities were unlocked and available for use• There is signage throughout Darling Harbour indicating where toilets and other
amenities are located. Signage is clearly legible from a distance (refer to Figure
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 43
4.22 & 4.23)
Figure 4.22 Figure 4.23
Commentsü It is convenient for persons with disability to find a toilet at Darling Harbour.ü Toilets are dispersed evening within Darling Harbour and distances between
toilets are short.û It may be due to my inexperience with a wheelchair, but swinging doors are hard
to open and close.
PEDESTRIAN AMENITY, STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Ramps and Landings• At locations where is there a difference in level e.g. at parks and ferry stops,
wheelchair accessible ramps are provided (refer to Figure 4.24, 4.25, 4.26 & 4.27)
Figure 4.24 Figure 4.25
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 44
All restaurants around Cockle Bay have ramp accessRamps are paved with non-slip surfacesMost of ramps have handrails on at least one side, and handrails continuethrough the landingsThe gradient of most ramps is constant between landingsAll ramps are wide enough for both wheelchair users and pedestrians to passthrough simultaneouslyThe handrails in front of the Chinese Garden was too high for wheelchair users(refer to Figure 4.28)
Figure4.28
• An up ramp leads up to a pedestrian bridge which provides access betweenTown Hall and Darling Harbour (Figure 4.29)
Figure4.26 Figure 4.27
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 45
Figure 4.29
Outdoor seating may sometimes hinder access to certain areas (Figure 4.30)
Figure 4.30
Pathways• As a fully pedestrianised area, pathways are wide, even and are in good
condition. There are no pot holes or depressions (Figure 4.31 & 4.32)• Pathways are paved with bricks• Poles, lights, bins, seats are offset to the side clear of pathways• Bollards restricts vehicular access but provide sufficient spaces for wheelchairs to
pass through (refer to Figure 4.33 &4.34)• The walkway is well connected to the picnic and caf areas (Figure 4.34)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 46
Figure 4.35
Seating and Rest Areas• Space between two benches allow wheelchair users to fit in (refer to Figure
4.36)• Wheelchair users can squeeze in at the corner of the picnic benches. However, it
is not particularly comfortable (refer to Figure 4.37)
Figure 4.31 Figure 4.32
Figure 4.34Figure 4.33
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 47
Commentsü In general, the environment within the Darling Harbour is very wheelchair friendly
and is pleasant to be in
FACILITIES IN THE DARLING HARBOUR
Public Telephone• Public telephones are available at the IMAX theatre and the Entertainment
Centre• They are placed at a level for wheelchair users to use conveniently (refer to Figure
4.38)
Figure 4.38
ATM• There is an ATM next to the IMAX theatre. It is reachable for wheelchair users (refer
to Figure 4.39)• The screen and keypad is at a height viewable and reachable by wheelchair
Figure 4.36 Figure 4.37
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 48
users. However, I was unable to see the last line of text on the screen. The heightmay also cause discomfort if more than a single transaction is required.
Figure 4.39
• ATMs are located outside of the banks, saving the need for wheelchair users toenter the bank itself
Caf s• There are cafes located next to the IMAX theatre. The glass panel makes it
difficult for vendors to deal with wheelchair users, requiring them to lean over(refer to Figure 4.40 & 4.41)
LiftWheelchair access onto the Pyrmont Bridge are provided by lifts on either sideThe lift is spacious enough to accommodate a wheelchair and 5 other personsSignage (refer to Figure 4.42)Wheelchair users can easily press the lift button. In fact it is at a very convenientheight (refer to Figure 4.43)Waiting for the lift took 5 minutes.
Figure 4.40 Figure 4.41
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 49
Bins• The location and the height of street bins are appropriate for wheelchair users
Commentsü Facilities are reachable by wheelchair usersû However, the designs of the ATMs and caf counters could be lowered
SELF REFLECTION
Darling Harbour is not only an accessible public space, I feel it is actually a pleasantand welcoming environment to be in. Not only were all facilities on site accessible, itseems the overall environment has been designed to specifically cater for personswith disability in mind, enabling them to easily navigate around and enjoy their staybarrier free.
I only have two minor complaints. Firstly, disabled toilets and parent rooms areintegrated. Personally I believe this is not an ideal arrangement. I believe that parentswill usually take a long time to cater for babies, and may occupy the facility for longperiods of time, thus causing inconvenience to persons with disability. Secondly, thelift at Pyrmont Bridge required a long wait. Given it s the only choice for wheelchairusers, it should be programmed to be not only safe but also convenient.
During my visit, there were various notable encounters. At the food court, one of thevending ladies was very kind and gave me a voucher. Another gave me a friendlygreeting. At KFC, a staff approached a cashier to serve me and saved me the wait. Ireceived looks of sympathy whilst passing through a picnic area. At the toilet, as an
Figure 4.42 Figure 4.43
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 50
abled lady was about to enter the toilet, she spotted me and instead let me in first. Asecurity guard outside a shop also opened the door for me as I approached.However, despite these, there were still a lot of people who avoided eye contactwhen they saw me in the wheelchair.
With regards to the lady who wanted to use the disabled toilet, I feel that this isactually a very common problem. Many people like to use the disabled toilets tosave queuing up, however they often leave a mess and thus causes a hassle forpersons with disability.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 51
PYRMONT POINT PARK
Dates 15 May 2006TimeLocationCost
3.45 noon 5.00 pmPirrama Road, PyrmontFree Entry
Weather Cloudy
Figure 4.44: Map of Pyrmont Point Park and the Audit Route
Brief Description of the park:
Pyrmont Point Park (refer to Figure 4.44) is only a few kilometres from Sydney CBD. The
park is next to Jones Bay so it provides some water view to the visitors. Picnic areas,
BBQ facilities and children s playground can be found in the park. Even though this is a
small park, this is a favourite place for some people walking a dog, jogging or having
a family gathering and relaxing.
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
None available
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
Two off street disabled parking at Pirrama Road, adjacent to the park (refer to
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 52
Figure 4.45)
Non-Dedicated
Approximately 15 off street parking spaces adjacent to the park
Approximately 10 on street parking opposite to the park
Design
The surface of the parking spaces is with blue printed wheelchair logos (refer to
Figure 4.45)
Wheelchair street sign erected adjacent to disabled spaces (refer to Figure 4.45)
The position of the disabled parking bays is good, it is close to the entrance
There is a ramped kerb located at the parking bays to allow access to the
accessible pathway (refer to Figure4.45)
Figure 4.45
Comments
ü Accessible parking bays are provided nearby the entrance of the park
ü The number of disabled parking spaces are very sufficient
ü Signage is considered to be satisfactory
ü Blue printed disabled logo stand out and very clearly
ü Ramp kerb in the immediate vicinity of disabled spaces creates convenience and
safe route for disabled people
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
None available
The closest station is Central, it is about 15 mins drive
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 53
Bus
Two bus stops along Pirrama Road, one of them is adjacent to the park
However, the bus stop adjacent to the park is without bus shelter and there is no
seating provided (refer to Figure 4.46)
There are two routes / bus services provided by Sydney Buses to Circular Quay,
Wentworth Park and Glebe Coop. Wheelchair access is provided in some of the
buses.
Figure 4.46
Taxi
I could not spot any taxis passing the park during my visit
Comments
ü The bus stops are conveniently located in close proximity to the park
û There are only two bus routes providing service to city
û Traffic light or pedestrian crossing should be installed for people to cross the road
to the bus stop
û Bus shelter and seating should be provide at the bus stop
PUBLIC TOILET
Disabled Toilet
One lone cubicle provided next to the park entrance
Facility not locked
Disabled toilet is wide enough to accommodate wheelchair (refer to Figure 4.47)
The cubicle is a good size, there is a lot of space
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 54
Figure 4.47
Signage
Signage of disabled is labelled on the door
No toilet signage throughout the park
Comments
ü There are lots of spaces for a wheelchair to move in the cubicle
û Even though the size of the park is not large, I think signage should be put to inform
of the location of the disabled toilet
û More toilet facilities needed. There are only 2 cubicles for each female and male
toilet. The disabled toilet might not be able to kept free for use by people with
disabilities during peak time
PEDESTRIAN AMENITY, STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Crossing
There were no pedestrian crossings on Pirrama Road into the park
Ramps, Kerbs
Well maintained ramp kerb constructed between the parking areas and walkway
(refer to Figure 4.48)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 55
Figure 4.48
Clearly defined transition roadway ramp kerb, walkway and roadway, with
contrasting colour (refer to Figure 4.49)
Figure 4.49
Ramp and Landing
Ramping and stairs provision are combined in the park (refer to Figure 4.50)
The ramp has a handrail on one side which continues through the landings (refer
to Figure 4.50)
The gradient of the ramp is constant between landings (refer to Figure 4.50)
The ramp does not come with non-slip surface, the material of the ramp is wood
(refer to Figure 4.51)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 56
Figure 4.50 Figure 4.51
Wheelchair accessible ramps are only available at either ends of the park (refer to
Figure 4.52)
Figure 4.52
Walkways
Tiled pathways from the parking facility extend to the entrance of the park
The walkway around and in the park are fully wheelchair accessible and wide
enough for wheelchair access, the ground is free from pot holes and puddles
(refer to Figure 4.53 & 4.54)
Figure 4.53 Figure 4.54
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 57
The gradient of the walkway is suitable for outdoor use
The walkway is paved with bricks or concrete, it is well maintained and in good
condition
There are two walkways in the park. The inner walkway is the direct route to the
BBQ and picnic areas and grass areas. The outer walkway is the route to the sea
view. Both of them run in a circular pattern
However, the outer walkway does not come with non-slip surface, it is a wooden
walkway
Comments
û The volume of traffic on Piramma road is busy. Given that there is no pedestrian
crossing, it is difficult for the wheelchair user to cross the road
û Ramps should not only be available on either side of the park, it would be better to
put one more ramp in the middle of the park
û The outer walkway is not suitable for wheelchair use when the surface is wet
ü The ramp provides convenience to the wheelchair user, it is wide enough to cater
for wheelchairs
ü The kerb ramp has smooth transition and is level with the road
ü The kerb ramp is a clearly defined transition between roadway and footpath
ü The walkway is very accessible; I feel that I am having a very safe ride when I am
using the walkway
ü The walkway is in a good condition, it is absolutely free from tree root damage,
cracks and unevenness
FACILITIES AT THE PARK
Refreshment Facilities
Drinking fountains (refer to Figure 4.56), picnic areas (refer to Figure 4.55), and BBQ
areas are accessible at the park
Figure 4.55 Figure 4.56
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 58
Rest areas are provided with seats and seating space for a person using a
wheelchair (refer to Figure 4.57)
Figure 4.57
Comments
ü Rest areas are everywhere in the park
ü Picnic areas and BBQ facilities can be used by disabled people
SELF REFLECTION
This was a pleasurable visit! I kind of enjoy the atmosphere in the park, this park is so
relaxing and enjoyable. All the facilities around or in the park (e.g. paved and well
maintained walkway) make me feel that disabled people are welcome. With this
atmosphere, I think disabled people will feel happy when they visit in the park. Also,
they can be very independent in the park because the wheelchair can move easily
on the walkway without other s help. I saw a few people in the park, some of them
were walking with dogs, some of them were taking a rest on the lawn and one of
them was taking pictures. We made eye contact and said hello to each other. These
people make the park become more comfortable and attractive
I was so impressed when I saw the kerb ramp right next to the disabled parking spaces.
This is the first time I have seen it in a park, I think it is very important to put a kerb there,
to bring convenience to disabled people.
There are lots of birds around the picnic area and BBQ facilities. I don t mind sharing
the place with the birds, however, the place had lots of bird shit on the ground.
When the wheelchair is rolling on the ground, the wheelchair users might get the dirt
from the wheels.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 59
Another problem to this park is the crossing on Pirrama Road. There are no pedestrian
crossings and it is hard to see the traffic (at the corner), I really need to listen for
vehicle sounds before I crossed. With the wheelchair, it is very hard to hurry while
crossing. Another I concern is the toilet facilities. The toilet looks like a temporary one. I
think that the toilet facilities are not big enough to cater people s need at peak times
(weekend), then people will occupy the disabled toilet.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 60
CITY NIGHT MARKET
Date 19 May 2006
Time 7:45 9:00pm
Location Chinatown, Dixon Street, Haymarket
Organiser City of Sydney Council (CoSC)
Cost Free
Weather Good
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET
The market was held on Dixon Street Mall, at the heart of Chinatown. The City Night Market is
a weekly event and is held every Friday from 6:00pm. It provides a mix of cultural vibrancy,
entertainment, street theatre, fine food, alfresco shopping and outdoor dining. (Sydney City
Council)
Figure 4.57: Map and Audit Route of City Night Market
PARKING
Large Dedicated Disabled Parking Spaces• None Available
Normal Sized Dedicated Disabled Parking Spaces• x1 on street @ Sussex Street
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 61
Comments
û It was rather difficult to find parking in the city.
û The closest street to alight would have been Little Hay Street. However, it was closed off to
traffic on the night. Instead, I had to alight on Sussex Street.
û There is one disabled parking space on Sussex Street. Perhaps a few more dedicated
disabled spaces could be provided on other streets as well
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail• Central Station is approximately 10 minutes away from the Market• Town Hall Station is approximately 10 minutes away from the Market
Bus• STA Bus Services stop on George Street, Pitt Street, Eddy Avenue and Harris Street• Bus services provide access to Northern CBD, inner city areas, eastern suburbs• STA s Sydney Bus Fleet is 35% Wheelchair Accessible
Light Rail• Haymarket Station is three minutes away from the Market• The Station platforms are elevated slightly above ground. Ramps provide
wheelchair access to the ground level.• The doors of the Light Rail cars are level with the platform, enabling wheelchair
users to board and alight safely and conveniently.• Tactile tiles are provided on the platform for the visually impaired.
Monorail• The Paddy s Market Monorail Station is approximately 5 minutes• Monorail Stations have lift access
Taxis• A taxi stand is located outside the Entertainment Centre and Furama Hotel
Non-Dedicated Parking Spaces• Off-street Parking Facility at the Entertainment Centre, Market City and Capitol
Square• On-street Parking is available on Sussex Street, Liverpool Street, Liverpool Street,
Goulburn Street and George Street
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 62
• Taxis frequent the area. It was not a problem waiting
Comments
ü There is a wide range of public transport service nearby, providing access to and from the
Market.
ü Most services do provide disabled access.
û However, wheelchair bound users may have to wait longer for accessible buses and taxis
PUBLIC TOILETS
• There are no toilet facilities available at the Market.• There are no accessible toilets provided on site.• The closest disabled toilet facility is at Market City, Belmore Park and Central
Station
Comments
û The wheelchair bound needs to travel a certain distance before they can access an
accessible toilet
PEDESTRIAN AMENITY, STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Walkway
• The main thoroughfare, Dixon Street, is a pedestrianised area.
• The street surface was paved with tiles, and is fairly resistant to slippage.
• The condition of the surface is good, reflecting the durability of the tiles and perhaps
good maintenance.
• There is an open drain running down the street. The depression may pose as a risk to
wheelchair users and the visually impaired. (refer to Figure 4.58)
Figure 4.58
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 63
• The crossfall of the Mall is considered to be too steep, and great care was required in
manoeuvring the wheelchair.
• Although the street itself was fairly wide, the presence of the stalls and other obstacles
such as bins and outdoor seating has restricted pedestrian space to a great degree.
There was simply no space to allow wheelchair users to pass through at some locations,
let alone stop to browse (refer to Figure 4.59 and 4.60)
Figure 4.59 Figure 4.60
Kerb Ramps
• There are kerb ramps on Hay Street to facilitate wheelchair users to cross the road.
Seating and Rest Areas
• Rectangular concrete blocks along the Mall act as seating. However, during the Market,
they become a part of most stalls, acting as storage areas (refer to Figure 4.61 and
Figure 4.62)
Figure 4.61 Figure 4.62
• There are numerous stalls which were selling traditional Chinese food. However, the lack
of eating areas meant that many people had to finish off their food standing or walking.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 64
Comments
ü Dixon Street Mall is generally wheelchair user-friendly
û However, with the hosting of the City Night Market, the wheelchair-bound will find it
difficult to navigate through the narrow spaces in the crowded Mall
û There is little space for wheelchair users to stop and rest
FACILITIES IN THE MARKET
Lighting
• Despite commencing late into the evening, the market was brightly lit. The neon lights on
the shopfronts and floodlights from the temporary stalls provide great illumination through
the night (refer to Figure 4.63 & 4.64).
Figure 4.63 Figure 4.64
Stalls
• Most food stalls are too high for wheelchair users to see what is being cooked and to deal
with the vendors (refer to Figure 4.65). This may be due to the need to accommodate
cooking equipment.
• Most other stalls are relatively low in height, hence allowing wheelchair users a better view
(refer to Figure 4.66).
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 65
Figure 4.65 Figure 4.66
Comments
û Some of the equipment used during the Market Night does not accommodate
wheelchair users.
SELF REFLECTION
As a frequency visitor to the City Night Market, this particular visit has given me an all new
insight. Being restrained in a wheelchair, I could definitely feel being disabled by the
environment I was in. In addition to the physical barriers mentioned above, there were
numerous occasions where I was also made to feel unwelcome:
• I received stares from several shoppers, including a number of teenagers. This was
probably because my wheelchair was blocking their path, or perhaps because they
believe that wheelchair users should not cause inconvenience to others by entering
crowded spaces.
• Whilst moving up the Mall, I approached a narrow space and thus gave way to
people coming from the opposite direction. However, the man behind me shouted:
Hey, move on, this is the City! .
• The waitresses who were standing outside their restaurants trying to draw customers
seem to deliberately ignore me. They did not approach me and some even avoided
eye contact.
• I also got looks from a number of vendors. I could only guess what they were thinking.
Navigating through the crowds with a wheelchair, I found that I had to say sorry and
excuse me numerous times. However, sitting in front of the PC and writing this, I wonder why I
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 66
did so. Obviously I had to be polite to make my way through the crowds, but should I have
been sorry for causing inconvenience? I am sure a disabled person would not have felt that
way.
Overall, I don t particularly recommend wheelchair users to go to the City Night Market as
they may not be able to enjoy themselves fully.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 67
SURRY HILLS FESTIVAL
Date 20May 2006
Time 1.30 pm 4.00pm
Location Prince Alfred Park, Chalmers Street, Surry Hills
Cost Gold coin donation
Weather Cloudy and Showers
Figure 4.67: Map of Surry Hills Festival and the Audit Route
Brief description of the festival:
Surry Hills Festival (refer to Figure 4.67 & 4.68) aims to help the fundraising for the Surry
Hills Neighbourhood Centre to run multicultural services, childcare and programs for
the needy. There are lots of entertainments in the festival for everyone including Surry
Hills dog shows, live music stages, DJ areas, belly dancing, a huge children s area and
a senior s program. The festival also contains 200 market stalls and 40 delicious food
stalls.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 68
Figure 4.68: Map of Surry Hills Festival from Sydney City Council
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
None availabe
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
1 x On Street (at the corner of Chalmers street and Cleveland Street) (Have to
check again)
Non-Dedicated
On-street parking available along Cleveland Street, Chalmers Street, Belvoir Street,
Bedford Street and Rutland Street
Comments
û Very hard to find parking around this area, I spent 45 mins finding a parking space
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 69
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
Central Station is next to Prince Alfred Park, within 5 minutes
Bus
Bus Terminal on Central with services to the CBD, Eastern suburbs and inner Sydney
areas
Bus stops are located at Cleveland Street and Chalmers Street
Taxi
Taxi Stand on Chalmers Street, next to Central Station
Comments
ü Both the Central station and taxi stand are conveniently located in close proximity
to the Oval
ü Bus stops are located within proximity / distance
PUBLIC TOILET
Disabled Toilets
2 accessible toilets provided within park venue
Facility located next to Gate 1 entrance
Another facility located on Cleveland Street side of the park
Facility not locked
Signage
Signage on the door
No signage informed of the location of the toilet throughout the festival venue
Comments
û Disabled toilets should be provided on gate 3 entrance as well
û There is inadequate signage to inform the disabled where toilet facilities are
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 70
PEDESTRIAN AMENITY, STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Walkways
The walkway is wide enough to share with other people and other wheelchair user
No obstacles along the walkway
The surface of the walkway is slip resistant
Some of the surface is not in good condition with some pot holes, cracks and
unevenness (refer to Figure 4.68 and Figure 4.69)
Figure 4.68 Figure 4.69
Kerb ramp
Entry point with kerb ramp and free of step
Kerb edges are everywhere in the park (refer to Figure 4.70)
Figure 4.70
Comments
ü The walkway is wide and easy to access
û Most of the stalls are far from the kerb edge, and are not reachable by the
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 71
wheelchair user (refer to Figure 4.71)
ü Wheelchair user can only reach the stalls which are near the kerb edge (Figure
4.72)
û Some parts of the grass areas (e.g. blue stage)are next to the kerb edge, so the
wheelchair user can t go there and does not know what is going on
û Some of the grass areas are reachable (e.g. the area next to blissworks and the
show ground) where the kerb edge does not exist (Figure 4.73). So I could hear DJ
talk and live music
û Food stalls were very far from the kerb, the wheelchair user can t even see what
food they are selling
Figure 4.71 Figure 4.72
Figure 4.73
FACILITIES IN THE PARK
Rest Area
Rest Area only provided outside of food stalls
No wind protection area or rain shelter provided
Comments
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 72
û Rest Areas should be provided in different places
û It was raining on that day but we could not find any shelter from the rain. Kerbs
were everywhere and wheelchair users could not even get close to the stalls to
get shelter
SELF REFLECTION
Due to the bad weather, I have to declare that I have not finished the observation of
this event. I think I have only done half of work, then it started raining. My sister was
pushing the wheelchair quicker when we tried to find shelter. However, we could not
find any shelters after a long walk. Other people just stepped over the kerb edge and
go into the stalls. I feel very poor and hopeless, my sister and I were the only pair
moving on the walkway to find shelter. Other people just looked at us and pointed at
us but no one came to help us. I could feel the isolation, not only from the built
environment (the barrier of the kerb edge), but from the other people as well. We
finally found a big tree to escape from the rain but our clothes were soaked.
Since the wheelchair could not get over the kerb (it was a pretty high kerb), I could
only look at the stalls from the main way. Sometimes, I could not even see the
products there because of the crowd in front of the stall. There was one stall selling
badges, the stall is a bit far from the kerb. However, the boss of the stall had put his
badges stand on the walkway, so I could see and touch the badges. The badges
stand could even be changed in height to adjust to my eye level. The boss was
shouting when he saw wheelchair user in front of the stand: My products are for
everybody. I strongly felt that I was very welcome to this stall.
There was a little accident during my visit, I got chewing gum on the wheel of my
wheelchair. It took a few minutes to get rid of it.
I strongly feel that the stalls should be put closer to the kerb so that wheelchair users
can reach the counter. Also, some shelter should be provided. I personally think that
disabled people can go to this event in good weather.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 73
RANDWICK JUNCTION
Dates a) 28 May 2006
b) 16 June 2006
Time a) 4.00pm 4.30 pm
b) 2:30pm 4.15 pm
Weather a) Sunny
b) Sunny
Brief description of Randwick Junction:
Figure 4.74: Map and the Audit Route at Randwick Junction
The suburb of Randwick (refer to Figure 4.74) is located on the northern boundary of
Randwick City and is bounded by the suburbs of Kensington to the west and
Clovelly/Coogee to the east. Randwick has a large commercial area (extending
along Belmore Road) which also incorporates multi storey apartments above. Bus
services operate on the main roads in Randwick, with buses along Belmore Road
providing a public transport interchange, with a north/south connection and Alison
Road providing east/west connections. Bus services are the only form of public
transport available to the suburb. (Randwick City Council)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 74
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
None available
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
Two on street parking at Silver street, nearby Belmore road (refer to Figure 4.75)
One on street parking at Arthur street, nearby Belmore road (refer to Figure 4.76)
Figure 4.75 Figure 4.76
Non-Dedicated
Approximately 43 off street parking at Council car park located at the corner of
Silver Street and Elizabeth Street
Approximately 20 on street parking along Belmore Road
On-street parking available at Clara Street, Arthur Street, Waratah Avenue, Silver
Street and Alison Road
Comments
ü It is good that there are a few disabled parking spaces next to Belmore Road so
disabled people have more choices in parking, they do not have to park in the
Shopping centres all the time
ü Given that there are a few disabled parking spaces in two shopping centres, the
number of disabled parking spaces is sufficient.
û The disabled parking spaces only have a sign on pole. The ground is not painted
with any blue logo or symbol
û There is no disabled parking in the council car park
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 75
û Have to pay more attention to the tree, it nearly blocks the disabled sign (Figure
AC)
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
None available
Bus
Bus services are provided by STA around Randwick Junction, there are a few bus
stops in and around the Junction
STA has buses that provide disabled access
Bus service in Randwick Junction with services to city, the airport, eastern suburbs,
inner city and western suburbs
There are at least 15 bus routes to Randwick Junction
Awnings of buildings act as weather shelter for bus stops on Belmore Road (refer to
Figure 4.77)
Most STA bus stops now have glass shelters provided by JCDecaux (refer to Figure
4.78)
Figure 4.77 Figure 4.78
Taxi
There is no taxi stand on Belmore Road
I could spot lots of taxis passing Belmore Road during the site visit
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 76
Comments
ü Bus stops are conveniently and located in good location
ü Bus services are very sufficient. There are lots of bus routes to the city.
PUBLIC TOILET
Disabled Toilet
None available around Randwick Junction
Comments
û Disabled toilet should be put nearby Randwick Junction
REST AREAS
There are some seats provided along Belmore Road (refer to Figure 4.79 & 4.80)
No obvious rest areas within immediate town centre
The closest rest area is Alison Park on Alison Road
Figure 4.79 Figure 4.80
Comments
û There are lack of rest areas in Randwick Junction
û Large pot plant on either side of the bench acts to separate wheelchair users from
their company
STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Pedestrian Crossing
There are two marked pedestrian crossing on both side entrances of Royal
Randwick Shopping Centre on Belmore Road (refer to Figure 4.81)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 77
One traffic light crossing at the corner of Alison Road and Belmore Road, another
traffic light crossing is at the corner of High Street and Belmore Road
Crossing space is wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass easily
The pedestrian crossings is clearly marked
Figure 4.81
Kerb Ramp
The kerb ramp is located at a marked crossing but it is not wholly contained within
the designated crossing area (refer to Figure 4.82)
Figure 4.82
There are kerb ramps in place at street corners, pedestrian crossing and set down
areas
Kerb ramps are positioned so that wheelchair user has an unobstructed view of
the road and oncoming traffic
Only some of the kerb ramps are indicated by a change in colour or texture (refer
to Figure 4.82 & 4.83)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 78
Figure 4.83
Some kerb ramps are not in a good condition, broken ramp kerb can be found at
Waratah Avenue (refer to Figure 4.84)
Figure 4.84 Figure 4.85
Some kerb ramps are too steep and are not level with the road (refer to Figure
4.85)
Ramp and Landing
I cannot find any ramp and landing in the town centre
Most shops and services are located on the ground floor either with or without
stairs access (refer to Figure 4.86 & 4.87)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 79
Figure 4.86 Figure 4.87
Paths and walkways
Some part of the walkway are paved and some part of the walkway are made
with concrete. However, some parts of the walkway along Belmore Road not in
good condition (refer to Figure 4.88 & 4.89)
Figure 4.88 Figure 4.89
Bins, planter boxes and bollards are all in one line adjacent to the walkway at
Belmore Road, so the pathway is quite clear
There are some outdoor dinning areas in front of Cafes, which occupy some
space from the walkway (refer to Figure 4.90 & 4.91)
Figure 4.90 Figure 4.91
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 80
At Waratah Avenue, the walkway is not free from pot holes, cracks, tree root
damage or unevenness (refer to Figure 4.92)
Figure 4.92
There is no walkway from the corner of Elizabeth Street and Waratah Avenue to
the Council Car Park. My wheelchair had to share the narrow roadway with cars.
The roadway is in an unbelievably messy condition (refer to Figure 4.93)
Figure 4.93
Most of the walkway along Belmore Road is wide enough to accommodate a
wheelchair and large pedestrian flow
Comments
ü Pedestrian crossings are safe and pedestrian friendly
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 81
û Kerb ramps are not in good condition at Waratah Avenue
ü The kerb ramps has a smooth transition at the pedestrian crossing
û Lots of shops along Belmore Road have a big step at the shop front
û Outdoor dinning areas occupy some spaces from the walkway, which becomes
narrow (Figure AP)
û There is lack of walkway from Elizabeth Street to the council car park
FACILITIES IN THE TOWN CENTRE
Telephone
None available
ATM
ATMs are provided outside the banks
ATMs are not fully reachable, it really depends on the design of the ATM. But most
of them are suitable for wheelchair users
ANZ s ATM is a good model for wheelchair users. The screen height and the
keyboard height is suitable for wheelchair users
Bins
The location and the height of waste bins are appropriate, they are reachable by
disabled people
Comments
û Public phone can not be found in the town centre
ROYAL RANDWICK SHOPPING CENTRE
Approach to Shopping Centre
The shopping centre is within easy walking distance of public transport
The main paths to the mall entrances are continuous accessible paths of travel
The main path is the most direct path of travel
The surface of the entry points is not slip resistant (refer to Figure 4.94)
The entry point has a billboard in the middle, but is wide enough for wheelchair
access (refer to Figure 4.94)
The entry point is free of steps with kerb ramps in place (refer to Figure 4.94)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 82
Figure 4.94
Disabled Toilet
There is only one disabled accessible toilet at ground level in the shopping centre
(2 levels)
One stand alone cubicle provided in the shopping centre
Disabled toilet entrance just wide enough to accommodate wheelchair
Disabled toilet is a small size
The walkway which access as the disabled toilet is very narrow, the wheelchair just
fitting and it is difficult to share the way with other people (refer to Figure 4.95)
Figure 4.95
Parking in the Shopping Centre
Approximately six disabled parking spaces in the underground car park
There are designated parking bays for persons with disabilities near the entry points
The designated parking bays are a suitable size
The designated parking areas are clearly signed with the blue print disable
symbol
The auto pay station is slightly too high to deposit coins
The entrance to the lift is accessible and wide enough for people with disabilities
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 83
There is a ramp connected to the car park and ground level of the shopping
centre (refer to Figure 4.96)
Figure 4.96
Comments
ü The shopping centre is in a good position, it is right in the middle of the Randwick
Junction. There are lots of bus routes to the shopping centre and is within walking
distance to some residential areas
ü The facilities in the shopping centre are adequate
SELF REFLECTION
I can t believe that there is no disabled parking in the council car park. I am so
shocked by this. I would assume that the Council would provide at least one or two
parking spaces for disabled people in the Council car park. Also, there is no walkway
from Elizabeth Street to the car park, which shows that the Council does not expect
disabled people to use the council car park. Honestly, I am very disappointed.
However, I was so surprised to see a disabled parking space outside of TAB. I don t
know whether the disabled space is for TAB but I am glad to see this. Disabled people
should have entertainment like other people in the society.
The only disabled toilets are in shopping centres. I think it is very harsh for disabled
people. I believe that disabled toilets are an important component in urban design
and the Council should consider it as a main element in a master plan
The traffic flow is not calm in the Junction but they are willing to give way to
wheelchair users. I really think that the walkway along Belmore Road is much better
than Waratah Avenue, Silver Street and Arthur Street. Travelling by wheelchair along
Waratah Avenue was bumpy and made me feel a bit dizzy.
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 84
MAROUBRA TOWN CENTRE
Dates 29 May 2006
Time 11.00 am 2.15pm
Weather Sunny
Brief description of the town centre:
Figure 4.97: Map and the Audit Route in Maroubra Junction
The suburb of Maroubra (refer to Figure 4.97) is located on the south east of Randwick
City and is bounded by South Coogee and Kingsford to the north, Botany Bay LGA to
the west, and Malabar and Matraville to the south. The Maroubra Junction shopping
centre is one of the main shopping areas in Randwick City and is located on Anzac
Parade and Maroubra Road. Bus services operate along Anzac Parade, these bus
services are the only form of public transport available to the suburb. (Randwick City
Council)
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
Two Off Street parking at Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road (refer to Figure 4.97)
Two Off Street parking at Anzac Parade and Haig Street
Two Off Street parking at Anzac Parade and Boyce Road
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 85
Figure 4.97
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
One on Street parking at Anzac Parade, adjacent to Pacific Square
Non-Dedicated
Approximately 144 off street parking around Maroubra Junction (along Anzac
Parade)
Comments
ü Accessible parking is nearby in Maroubra town centre
ü The number of disabled parking spaces is sufficient
ü Signage is considered to be satisfactory
ü The designated parking areas are clearly signed with a blue print disabled logo at
entry of space and pole sign is adjacent to the parking areas
ü The designated parking bays are the closest parking spaces to the accessible
entrance
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
None available
Bus
Bus services are provided by STA around Maroubra Junction, there are a few bus
stops in and around the Junction
STA has buses that provide disabled access
Bus service in Maroubra Junction has services to city, the airport, eastern suburbs,
inner city and western suburbs
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 86
There are at least 15 bus routes to Maroubra Junction
The Bus service in Maroubra Junction has express bus services to city and airport
Most bus stops in Maroubra Junction have been upgraded with bus shelters but
there still a few ungraded bus stops at Maroubra Road (refer to Figure 4.98and
Figure 4.99)
Figure 4.98 Figure 4.99
Since part of Pacific Square is under construction, there is not much space for the
bus stop and it is very inconvenient. The pedestrian walkway next to the bus stop
has become very narrow and has no shelter. (refer to Figure 4.100)
Figure 4.100
Taxi
There is a taxi stand on Maroubra Road, nearby Maroubra Junction
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 87
Comments
ü Bus stops are conveniently located in good positions
ü Bus services are very sufficient. There are at least ten bus routes to the city.
û Some bus stops need to be upgraded with seats and shelter
û The bus stop at Maroubra road is too close to the taxi stand (refer to Figure 4.101)
Figure 4.101
PUBLIC TOILETS
Disabled Toilet
One disabled toilet located in the heart of Maroubra Junction (refer to Figure
4.102)
The toilet is wheelchair accessible
The toilet area has slip resistant floors
The door of the toilet is automatic, it does have an indicator and lock to show if
the WC is in use
There is a 20 minute limit for toilet use and no cost required
There is no visible sign showing the location of the public toilet in the town centre
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 88
Figure 4.102
Comments
ü The location of the disabled toilet is in a good position, it is in the heart of Maroubra
Junction
ü The design of the facility is good, the door automatically opens and it has lots of
space in the toilet
û There is inadequate signage to inform the disabled where the toilet facilities are in
the town centre
REST AREAS
There are two rest areas on both corners of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Junction
The rest areas are provided with seating and space for a wheelchair user (refer to
Figure 4.103)
Some part of the rest areas in Maroubra Junction are shaded with trees but there
are no wind protected areas or shelter from rain, it is a totally open space
There is a drinking fountain provided and reachable but it is not working. The
drinking fountains is not located in the rest areas, it located outside of the rest area
and next to the traffic light (refer to Figure 4.104)
The rest areas are alongside pedestrian walkways
The rest areas are an alcohol free zones
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 89
Figure 4.103 Figure 4.104
Another rest area is located at Pacific Square Domain, it is located right next to the
entrance (refer to Figure 4.105)
Seats are provided at Pacific Square Domain
The rest area at Pacific Square Domain is an open space
Outdoor dinning areas are available at Pacific Square Domain with some bench
on site (refer to Figure 4.105)
Figure 4.105
Comments
ü It is good that council has made the rest area become an alcohol free zone which
helps combat crime and anti-social behaviour in this area
ü The water fountain is not located in the rest areas. There is no point to putting a
water fountain outside the rest area, especially if it is not working
û The rest areas cannot be used if raining
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 90
STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Kerb Ramp and Pedestrian Crossing
All the kerb ramps in or around Maroubra Junction have smooth transition
Some kerb ramps are indicated by a change in colour or texture (refer to Figure
4.106)
As far as I can see, most of the kerb ramps are level with road. However, I found
that there is one kerb ramp with not a good gradient at the corner of Maroubra
Road and Benetts Road (refer to Figure 4.107)
Kerb ramps are always in place at street corners, pedestrian crossings and other
crossing points
Figure 4.106 Figure 4.107
Ramp and Landing
There is a ramp next to the Post Office and this is the only ramp I found in the town
centre. The ramp comes with one side hardrail (refer to Figure 4.108)
Most of the local shops are located on the ground floor, most of them with a big
step at the shop front (refer to Figure 4.109)
Figure 4.108 Figure 4.109
The entrances at all service sectors such as banks (refer to Figure 4.110), centrelink
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 91
(refer to Figure 4.111), 7- Eleven, Bowen Library etc. are free of step and accessible
by wheelchair
Figure 4.110 Figure 4.111
A temporary ramp is located next to the construction site (Pacific Square), it
comes with a slip resistant map (refer to Figure 4.112)
Figure 4.112
Paths and Walkways
There is accessible walkway between key public areas such as Pacific Squares
and Bowen library
The walkways are clear of obstacles. Bins, planter boxes and bollards are all in one
line along the pathway
Some of the walkways are paved (refer to Figure 4.115), it does provide a firm and
stable surface. Some walkways are made of concrete, however, the concrete
walkway at Maroubra Road is not in good condition; the surface is not free from
pot holes, cracks and unevenness (refer to Figure 4.114)
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 92
Figure 4.114 Figure 4.115
Most of the walkways in town centre are wide enough to accommodate a
wheelchair and a large pedestrian flow (refer to Figure 4.116 & 4.117)
Figure 4.116 Figure 4.117
The walkway next to parking area (the corner of Maroubra Road and Anzac
Parade) is too narrow to cater for a wheelchair and pedestrians (refer to Figure
4.118)
Figure 4.118
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 93
Comments
û The concrete walkway along Maroubra Road is not in good condition
û Lots of shops along Maroubra Road have a big step at the shop front. The big
step at the entrance of the shops acts as a barrier for disabled people
û Some of the walkway is too narrow to share with pedestrians. Some pedestrians
are forced to walk on the roadway when they give way to the wheelchair
û Some kerb ramps are not at a good gradient and too high for disabled people
ü A temporary ramp is provided next to the construction site, providing more
convenience to disabled people
FACILITIES IN THE TOWN CENTRE
Telephone
Accessible telephones are available nearby Maroubra Junction
Telephones are located outside the Post Office (refer to Figure 4.119)
There is a clear space provided in front of the telephone for a wheelchair user to
approach
Figure 4.119
ATM
ATMs are provided outside the bank.
ATMs are not fully reachable, it really depends on the design of the ATM. But most
of them are suitable for wheelchair users (the screen height and the keyboard
height)
The ATM in front of Westpac and Bank of Queensland cannot be reached by a
wheelchair user, I could not even put my key card in the machine (refer to Figure
4.120 & 4.121)
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 94
Figure 4.120 Figure 4.121
Bins
The location and the height of waste bins are appropriate, they are reachable by
disabled people
Comments
ü The telephone can be used by disabled people easily
û It is very hard to reach the ATM if we are facing to it, its better if we can position
the wheelchair sideways
ü All the bins are reachable
SHOPPING CENTRE - PACIFIC SQUARE
Approach to Shopping Centre
The shopping centre is within easy walking distance of public transport
The main paths to the mall entrances are continuous accessible paths of travel
The main path is the most direct path of travel
The surface of the entry points is not slip resistant (refer to Figure 4.122)
There are no hazards at the entry point and it is free of kerbs and steps (refer to
Figure 4.122)
Automatic sliding door is available at the entry points (refer to Figure 4.122)
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 95
Figure 4.122
Disabled Toilet
There is only one disabled accessible toilet at ground level in the shopping centre
One stand alone cubicle provided in the shopping centre
Disabled toilet entrance is an automatic sliding door (refer to Figure 4.123), it is
wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs
Disabled toilet is a good size, there is a lot of space inside
Figure 4.123
Parking in the Shopping Centre
Approximately four disabled parking spaces in the underground car park
There are designated parking bays for persons with disabilities near the entry points
The designated parking bays are a suitable size
The designated parking areas are clearly signed and have the blue print disable
symbol in use, but the blue print is a bit faded (refer to Figure 4.124)
There is no lift available from the car park, the elevator is connected to the ground
level and underground car park (refer to Figure 4.125)
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 96
Figure 4.124 Figure 4.125
Comments
ü I think that the shopping centre is located in a good position, it located at the
heart of Maroubra Junction. There are two bus stops outside of the shopping
centre to provide bus services to everyone.
ü The facilities in the shopping centre are adequate
SELF REFLECTION
I was shocked when I was doing the fieldwork in Maroubra Junction. I have seen lots of
disabled people and wheelchairs around this area where I have been living in this
area for eight years but I never noticed this. I am surprise that most of them are by
themselves to going around Maroubra Junction; they look so free and independent. I
also feel disabled people are more friendly in Maroubra, they will say hi and smile at
you.
Even though I have been living in Maroubra for eight years I had never approached
the rest areas in the town centre. I think that not many residents or people will stay in
this place because it was occupied by drunk people. You can find drunk people
screaming and sleeping in this area. Recently, the Council has made this rest areas an
alcohol free zone, so this place can be used in an appropriate way now. Nevertheless,
I personally do not feel that the location of the rest areas is adequate because of the
quantity of traffic at the Maroubra Junction intersection which makes the rest area
unpleasant, very noisy and polluted.
I think Maroubra is a nice neighbourhood for disabled people. Given that I have seen
Chapter 4 Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 97
lots of disabled people in Maroubra Junction, who look happy and pleased. I believe
that Maroubra is a convenient and liveable place for them with sufficient facilities and
services including banks, a post office, Centrelink, shopping centre, a library etc. Also,
the bus service is very sufficient in this area.
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 98
COOGEE BEACH
Dates 28 May 2006
Time 01:30pm 4:15pm
Weather Sunny, Light winds
Brief Description of the Beach:
Coogee Beach is a popular beach in the Eastern Suburb. This seaside suburb is not
only popular for tourists but also a good place for locals. Coogee is a great place to
eat, surf and swim. Along Coogee Beach, people can explore beautiful coastal walks,
the lush parklands with outdoor barbeque and picnic facilities, kids play areas and the
finest sand beach.
Figure 4.126: Map and the Audit at Coogee Beach
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
Two Off Street parking (within Oval s off street parking facility)
Two Off Street parking (at the corner of Dolphin and the Bream Street) (refer to
Figure 4.126)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 99
Figure 4.126
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
One On Street parking at Carr Street (refer to Figure 4.127)
Three On Street parking along Coogee Bay Road (refer to Figure 4.128)
Figure 4.127 Figure 4.128
Non-Dedicated
Approximately 40 off street parking within Oval s parking facilities
Approximately 30 off street parking at the corner of Dolphin and the Bream Street
On-street parking available along Arden Street, Dolphin Street, Bream Street, Carr
Street, Coogee Bay Road and Brook Street
Comments
ü The number of disabled parking spaces are sufficient
ü Signage is considered to be satisfactory
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 100
û Blue print disabled logo are not marked on the street disabled parking bays
û The disabled parking space on Carr Street is not in a convenience position. There is
only stairs directly to the beach from this point. The closest ramp to the beach is
near Arden Street
û There is layback in immediate vicinity of disabled space, requiring wheelchair users
to navigate around the car park creating inconvenience and safety risks for
disabled people
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
None available
Bus
Bus Terminal on Arden Street with services to the city, the airport and eastern
suburbs
Bus shelter with seating provided at the bus terminal (refer to Figure 4.129 & 4.130)
Figure 4.129 Figure 4.130
Taxi
Taxi Stand is available on Arden Street
Comments
ü Both the bus terminal and taxi stand are conveniently located in close proximity to
the beach
ü There is a continuous wheelchair accessible path to the beach side from bus
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 101
terminal
û There is a lack of wheelchair space in the bus shelter, so the wheelchair might be
inconvenient to other travellers
PUBLIC TOILET
Disabled Toilet
Toilet closed off for works and was not accessible
Temporary toilet facilities for disabled were not provided (refer to Figure 4.131 &
4.132)
No signage indicating how long the works will last
Facilities located next to the bus terminal and opposite to the Coogee Bay Road
Figure 4.131 Figure 4.132
Comments
û Temporary disabled toilet should be provided on site
û There is inadequate signage to inform people where the toilet facilities are
û There is no way that disabled people can use the temporary toilet considering that
the door is too small and with steps
PEDESTRIAN AMENITY, STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Crossing
Crossing of Arden Street provided at Coogee Bay Road traffic lights
Crossing of Arden Street provided at Carr Street traffic lights
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 102
Ramps, kerbs and laybacks
Ramp kerbs have been constructed at the Crossings of Arden Street (refer to
Figure 4.133)
Figure 4.133
(Electricity) Pole erected in the middle of a corner kerb ramp at the corner of
Brooke Street and Coogee Bay Road, restricting wheelchair access to either side
of it, effectively defeating the purpose of the ramps. (refer to Figure 4.134)
Figure 4.134
Layback with lip or step at Crossings of Arden Street to Carr Street (refer to Figure
4.135)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 103
Figure 4.135
Ramps and handrail are provided at the beach side so the wheelchair can get
close to the sand area (Figure 4.136)
Figure 4.136
Walkways
Part of the walkway along Arden Street is very narrow, only one wheelchair wide
on the way (refer to Figure 4.137 & 4.138)
Figure 4.137 Figure 4.138
Part of walkway along Arden Street is not in good condition (refer to Figure 4.139)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 104
Figure 4.139
The walkway is very narrow along Coogee Bay road due to outdoor dinning areas.
Wheelchair has to share a narrow walkway with tables, chairs and pedestrians
(refer to Figure 4.149)
Figure 4.140
The walkway along the beach front is fully wheelchair accessible and wide
enough for wheelchair access; the ground is paved with bricks, free from pot holes
and puddles and in good condition (refer to 4.141)
Figure 4.141
The gradient of the pathway along the beach is suitable for outdoor use
The walkway along the beach front is run in a circular pattern
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 105
Comments
û The position of the pole is critical. The pole should not be located in the middle of
the ramp kerb. It ruins the purpose of the ramp kerb
û Layback with lip can be very dangerous to wheelchair user. The wheelchair user
might fall down if they lose control
û The walkway along Arden Street needs improvement too. We should not focus on
the beach front only
û Outdoor dining areas occupy too much space of the walkway, they become an
obstacle for the walkway
ü Handrails provided along the beach front walkway
ü Stairs and ramping provision are combined at the beach front
ü Beach front is fully wheelchair accessible
FACILITIES AT COOGEE BEACH
Refreshment Facilities
Drinking fountains, picnic areas and BBQ areas are accessible at the beach front
(refer to Figure 4.142)
Figure 4.142 Figure 4.143
Rest areas are provided with seats and seating space for a person using a
wheelchair (refer to Figure 4.143)
There are lots of Caf s along Arden Street and Coogee Bay Road
Comments
ü Rest areas are everywhere along beach front, the atmosphere is very comfortable
and cosy
ü Picnic areas and BBQ facilities are in good condition, clean and tidy
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 106
SELF REFLECTION
My wheelchair and I stood out very clearly along the beach side, people kept paying
attention to me. There were a few incidents at Coogee including:
I had lunch at one of the Caf s on Arden Street. I chose to sit outside because I
thought I would get more space outside. Waitresses are very passionate there.
They took the chair away and made sure my wheelchair fitted to the dinning table.
I felt I was very welcome and comfortable there.
However, one lady pointed at me and the wheelchair while I was having my lunch.
She didn t say anything to me but I felt discriminated against by her
When I was going around the beach, one little girl riding a bike, pointed at me
and said Why is she here? Then her dad said, Shut up! I feel that education for
children is very important, children should have some understanding about
disability
Everyone looking at me when I was waiting in the terminal. I think it is because my
wheelchair blocked a few people s spaces when I was in the terminal. I didn t feel
comfortable when they were looking at me
I strongly believe that disabled people can use all facilities at the beach front and
they will have good time there. Coogee beach front is an area which is suitable for
disabled people to enjoy themselves and relax.
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 107
2006 WALLABIES FAN DAY
Date 29 May 2006
Time 3.30 pm 4.30 pm
Location Coogee Oval, Brook Street, Coogee
Cost Free
Weather Sunny
Figure 4.144 i: Map and the audit route of 2006 Wallabies Fan Day
Brief description of the Event:
2006 Wallabies Fan Day (refer to Figure 4.114 i) was organised by Randwick City
Council and the Australian Rugby Union (ARU). People can watch the Wallabies train
at Coogee Oval and would have a chance to meet the favourite Wallabies and
obtain autographs. The Wallabies Fan Day is free to all attendees and will be a family
friendly environment. The atmosphere is always a happy one, with face painters, Wally
the mascot, giveaways, rugby interactive opportunities and music. It truly is a colourful
community event! (Randwick City Council, 2006)
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
2 x Off Street (within Oval s off street parking facility) (refer to Figure 4.144)
2 x On Street (along Brook Street, on either side of the Oval s main entrance)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 108
Figure 4.144
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
None available.
Non-Dedicated
40 x Off Street parking within Oval s parking facility. The facility is accessed from
Alfreda Street.
On-street parking available along Alfreda Street and Brook Street
Design
The surface of the parking spaces was painted blue with wheelchair logos.
A wheelchair sign was erected adjacent to disabled spaces.
The ground of the parking areas is firm and slip resistant and in a good condition
Comments
ü The number of disabled spaces at this venue was considered suitable for an event
of this size.
ü The quality of the materials conveys a sense of durability.
ü The state of the dedicated facility is considered to be satisfactory, reflecting
Council s effort to provide a modern and well maintained infrastructure for public
use.
ü Signage is considered to be satisfactory.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 109
None available
Bus
Bus Terminal on Arden Street with services to the city, the airport and eastern
suburbs.
Taxi
Taxi Stand on Arden Street, adjacent to Oval (i.e. north of Alfreda Street)
Comments
ü Both the bus terminal and taxi stand are conveniently located in close proximity to
the Oval
PUBLIC TOILET
Disabled Toilet
1 stand alone cubicle provided within Oval venue
Facility located approximately 5 minutes from Oval s main entrance
Facility not locked
Disabled toilet entrance is just wide enough to accommodate wheelchair (refer to
Figure 4.145)
Dimensions of toilet makes it difficult to maneuver, (maybe we weren t skilled
enough?)
Figure 4.145
Signage
Signage on the door
No signage throughout the Oval venue
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 110
Comments
û Disabled toilets should be provided on either side of the Oval
û The toilet cubicle is considered to be too small
û There is inadequate signage to inform the disabled where toilet facilities are
PEDESTRIAN AMENITY, STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Crossing
Crossing of Arden Street provided at Coogee Bay Road traffic lights
There are no formal crossings in the vicinity of the oval on Brook Street and Dolphin
Street
The entrance of the off street Oval parking facility contains a raised speed hump
which facilitates wheelchair access (refer to Figure 4.146).
Figure 4.146
Walkways
Tiled pathways from the parking facility only extend several metres along Alfreda
Street. From then on, one must navigate across dirt paths to reach the Oval s
southern entrance(refer to Figure 4.147).
Figure 4.147
In order to access the spectator stands on the western side of the Oval, I had to
exit the Oval and walk along the dirt path along Alfreda Street and re-enter at the
Brook Street Entrance (refer to Figure 4.148).
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 111
Figure 4.148
Ramps, Kerbs
Although ramp kerbs have been constructed at the Oval s entrances, they have
not been well maintained (refer to Figure 4.149).
Figure 4.149
Comments
The lack of pathways surrounding the Oval makes it difficult for the
wheelchair-bound to navigate to different areas, without having to endure a
bumpy ride
FACILITIES IN THE OVAL
Spectator stands
There is stairs-only access to the spectator stand and no way for me to get up
there, so I stay in front of the spectator stands (refer to Figure 4.150 and Figure
4.151)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 112
Figure 4.150 Figure 4.151
Stores
The temporary store is unreachable for wheelchair users (refer to Figure 4.152)
Figure 4.152
Water fountainThe height of the water fountain is suitable for wheelchair user (refer to Figure
4.153)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 113
Figure 4.153
Commentsû It seems like there is no arrangement for disabled people at spectator stands, do
they expect wheelchair users to just stay in front of the spectator stand?
û The counter of the store is too high; I could not even touch the counter. I don t
think I can buy anything if there are so many people in front of the store
SELF REFLECTION
Rugby is the main character at this event, therefore, there were lots of people
playing rugby on the grass area. While my wheelchair was moving on the grass area, it
nearly hurt a child. He did not notice me because he was moving backward and tried
to catch the rugby. I actually yelled out saying STOP! . Luckily, he did not hit my
wheelchair but he gave me a bad look.
There were some rugby games for children and the games were sponsored by Ford .
While I was watching how the children played the game, one lady from Ford come
to me and gave me a little rugby which they usually give to children. I was glad that
she did not see me as invisible.
I felt so lost when I got close to the spectator stand . One question come to my mind -
Where should I stay? I could not gain access to the spectator stands because there
are stairs access only. I strongly believe that they should put a signage or reserve some
spaces for wheelchair user in front of the spectator stands. However, I feel that I am
special when I was watching Wallabies training on the lawn. People were so nice, they
let me go in front of the platform and give me a good position to watch the training.
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 114
I feel very disappointed about the pathway around the oval. I was forced to move my
wheelchair on the dirt walkway with soil and grass. My hands are very dirty after this
trip. I think the walkway really needs treatment!
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 115
HORNSBY TOWN CENTRE
Dates 21 May 2006
Time 02. 00 pm 05 .00pm
Weather Sunny
Brief description of Hornsby Town Centre:
The Hornsby Town Centre (refer to Figure 4.154) is dissected by the Main North railway
corridor, and consists of two halves: the Western Town and the Eastern Town.
The Western Town consists of a traditional shopping village which runs along the Old
Pacific Highway, as well as momumental buildings including the Courthouse and the
Hornsby Shire Council Chamber.
The Eastern Town is focused upon the pedestrianised mall on Florence Street. A
Westfield shopping centre is the centre of attraction, consisting of department stores,
a cinema, restaurants and a range of stores. At the centre of the pedestrian mall is a
water feature, which acts as the point of focus. A pedestrian bridge spanning over
George Street provides access between the pedestrianised mall and Hornsby Station.
Figure 4.154: Map and the Audit Route of Hornsby Town Centre
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 116
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
None available
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
Station commuter parking facility divided into two areas. Northern area contains
no space and no lift access. Southern area contains eight disabled spaces no
signage to indicate spaces only at southern end (refer to Figure 4.155 & 4.156)
Figure 4.155 Figure 4.156
Non-Dedicated
Approximately 150 off street parking at station car park next to George Street
Approximately 20 on street parking along George Street
On-street parking available at Burdett Street, Florence Street, Hunter Street and
Muriel Street
Comments
ü The disabled designated parking bays are in a suitable size
ü The disabled parking areas are clearly signed with a blue disabled logo on the
ground and on pole
ü The disabled parking bays are the closest parking spaces to the accessible
entrances
û Hornsby Station car park is the only place who provide street disabled parking in
the town centre
Facilities in the Hornsby Station
Hornsby station is a wheelchair accessible station. There are lots of facilities at
Hornsby station including a lift (refer to Figure 4.157), a compliant ramp from street
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 117
level and accessible toilet (refer to Figure 4.156)
Figure 4.156 Figure 4.157
The ticket machine (refer to Figure 4.158) can be used and reached by a
wheelchair user. However, the ticket counter (refer to Figure 4.159) is a bit too tall
for a wheelchair user to reach
Figure 4.158 Figure 4.159
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
Hornsby Station is adjacent to Westfield. The walkway bridge can be used over
George Street to Hornsby Westfield
Bus
The bus terminal is next to the Hornsby Station. Most bus services are provided by
Shorelink (refer to Figure 4.160)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 118
Only a few bus services provide disabled access
Bus service in Hornsby station with services to Mt Colah, Hornsby Height, Lindfield,
Kuring-gai and Normanhurst
There are at least nine bus routes at Hornsby Station
Bus stops are located on a slope with a steep gradient, there is potential risk for
the disabled (refer to Figure 4.161)
Figure 4.161
Taxi
A taxi rank available close by Hornsby Station
Comments
ü Accessible facilities available at Hornsby Station
û Only a few bus provide disabled access to disabled people
PUBLIC TOILET
Disabled Toilet
None available
Comments
A disabled toilet is provided at the station and Westfield, and they are very close
to each other, so I think it s alright that there is no public toilet in the town centre
REST AREAS
There are some seats provided along the domain in town centre
There is a water fountain in the domain, people can sit and rest next to it (refer to
Figure 4.162)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 119
Figure 4.162 (source: Waitara Apartment)
Comments
ü The rest area has a comfortable atmosphere in the town centre
ü Seating provided in the town centre
STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrian crossings are on Burdett street, Edgeworth David Avenue and Florence
street
One traffic light crossing at the corner of George Street and Burdett Street,
another traffic light crossing is at the corner of George Street and Edgeworth
David Avenue, One traffic light crossing at Edgeworth David Avenue (refer to
Figure 4.163)
Figure 4.163
Crossing space is wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass easily
The pedestrian crossings are marked clearly
Some of the crossing areas are slightly raised and paved (refer to Figure 4.164)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 120
Figure 4.164
Pedestrian Bridge
The pedestrian bridge spanning across George St, connects Hornsby Station to
Hunter Street Pedestrian Arcade and the Westfield Shopping Centre (refer to
Figure 4.165)
Bridge design incorporates weather shelter. However, the state of the bridge
reflects a patchy maintenance regime (refer to Figure 4.165 & 4.166)
Ramps are located at both ends (refer to Figure 4.166)
Figure 4.165 Figure 4.166
Handrails are only available at the Hornsby Station side, the handrails do continue
through the landing to the car park (refer to Figure 4.167)
Figure 4.167
The middle part of the bridge lacks a handrail and fence (refer to Figure 4.168)
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 121
Figure 4.168
Kerb Ramp
The kerb ramp is located at a marked crossing but it is not wholly contained within
the designated crossing area
Most kerb ramps are in place at street corners, pedestrian crossing and driveways
and any other crossing points (refer to Figure 4.169)
Most kerb ramps are indicated by a change in colour or texture (refer to Figure
4.169)
Figure 4.169
Roll top kerbs can be found at the Hunter Street Pedestrian Arcade (refer to Figure
4.170)
Figure 4.170
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 122
Ramp and Landing
The ramp and landing are connected to the Hunter Street Pedestrian Arcade and
Westfield (refer to Figure 4.171)
Figure 4.171
Most of local shops and services are located on the ground floor, however, some
of them have a step access (refer to Figure 4.172)
Figure 4.172
Paths and walkways
Walkway are fully paved with a firm and stable surface, slip resistance and in good
condition at Hunter Street Pedestrian Arcade (refer to Figure 4.173)
There is an accessible pathway of travel between public areas and services such
as banks and the post office
The walkway is clear of obstacles. Bins, planter boxes and bollards are all in one
line
The footpaths are wide enough to accommodate a large pedestrian flow and a
wheelchair
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 123
Figure 4.173
Comments
û Roll top kerbs are not desirable for wheelchairs
ü The walkway is in a very good condition, I can t even find any uneven surface
ü The ramp and landing is well design and very accessible
ü There is a good colour contrast between road way and walkway
FACILITIES IN THE TOWN CENTRE
Telephone
There are two phone booths located at Hunter Street Pedestrian Arcade, next to
the entrance of the pedestrian bridge (refer to Figure 4.173 & 4.174)
There is a clear space provided in front of the telephone for a wheelchair user to
approach (refer to Figure 4.173 & 4.174)
Figure 4.173 Figure 4.174
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 124
ATM
ATMs are provided outside the bank
ATMs are not fully reachable, it really depends on the design of the ATM. But most
of them are suitable for wheelchair users
Bins
The location and the height of waste bins are appropriate, they are reachable by
disabled people
Comments
ü Facilities in the town centre are consider as adequate and suitable for disabled
people
HORNSBY WESTFIELD SHOPPING CENTRE
Approach to Shopping Centre
The shopping centre is within easy walking distance of public transport
The main paths to the mall entrances are continuous accessible paths of travel
The main path is the most direct path of travel
The surface of the entry points is not slip resistant
A wide self opening door is available at the entry point
Clearly-defined threshold and level entrance. The entrance width allows a few
wheelchairs to pass
There is a ramp with a weather roof outside the Hunter Street exist. Handrails are on
both sides of the ramp and the surface of the ramp is slip resistant (refer to Figure
4.175)
Figure 4.175
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 125
Disabled Toilets
There are five disabled toilets in the shopping centre (3 levels)
One stand alone cubicle is provided in the shopping centre
The disabled toilet entrance is wide enough to accommodate wheelchair
The disabled toilet is in a large size
Parking in the Shopping Centre
Approximately four disabled parking spaces at each level
Senior Parking is available in the car park, it just right next to the disabled car park
(refer to Figure 4.176)
There are designated parking bays for persons with disabilities near the entry points
(refer to Figure 4.177)
The designated parking bays are a large size (refer to Figure 4.177)
The designated parking areas are clearly signed with the blue print disable
symbol in use (refer to Figure 4.17)
Figure 4.177 Figure 4.178
Comments
ü The shopping centre is in a good position in the town centre. Bus services and rail
station are within walking distance
ü Seniors parking is provided in the car park
ü The facilities in the shopping centre are adequate
Chapter 4: Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 126
SELF REFLECTION
I think that Hornsby Town Centre provides a pleasant trip for a wheelchair user
especially the area around Westfield shopping centre. I feel that I can be more
independent in the Hornsby Town Centre even though I am with a wheelchair.
I was impressed when I saw the senior parking bays in Westfield, this was the first time I
have seen Senior parking bays in the built environment. I think senior people will get
more chances to suffer in movement restriction so it is good that they can have a
priority in parking.
When I was counting down the number of disabled parking bays next to the Hornsby
station, I found that one disabled parking bay being misused. I was about to take a
picture of this car but then the car owner suddenly showed up and explained that he
was in hurry and that he had stayed there for five minutes. He looked very scared, he
was probably scared that I would mark down his number plate and report it to some
organisation.
Another incident which shocked me was I seeing a needle while my wheelchair was
moving on the pedestrian bridge. It really scared me, I imagined what would
happened if the needle had stuck with my wheelchair tyre and I had touched it! It
seems like wheelchair users will have more chance to have an accident like this
The only disadvantage I found at Hornsby is the topography itself. When I was driving
near Hornsby, my car always had to go uphill and down hill. I think it would be a hard
task for disabled people to manage a wheelchair in this kind of physical environment.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 127
CROSSLANDS RESERVE
Date 31 May 2006
Time 3.15 pm 4.30pm
Location Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights
Organiser City of Sydney Council (CoSC)
Cost Free
Weather Cloudy
Brief Description of the park:
Crosslands Reserve (refer to figure 4.179) is one of the parks introduced on the Hornsby
Shire Council website. In 1924 Crosslands Reserve was described as the most ideal
spot on the river where access of turf covered banks sloping down to the water s
edge. Today Crosslands is a populalr picnic and camping area close to Hornsby.
(Hornsby Shire Council, 2006)
Crosslands Reserve is a place which provides an attractive setting for a multitude of
recreational activities and wilderness experience. There are lots of things people can
do in the Crossland reserve including picnicking and barbeques, bushwalking,
camping, fishing, children s playground bike riding and nature observation
Figure 4.179: Map and the Audit Route of Crossland Reserve
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 128
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
None available
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
None available
Non-Dedicated
Parking areas are available at the end of Somerville road but this is not an official
parking areas. There are no clear lines for parking spaces so the numbers of
parking spaces is unknown. (refer to Figure 4.178)
Figure 4.178
Design
Signage cannot be found in the parking areas
There is no design for the parking areas
The ground of the parking areas is not slip resistant and not in a good condition.
The ground can be define as on unlevel gravel surface
Comments
û Lack of parking facilities at the car park, there is no signage for parking areas at all
û No division for parking spaces
û Disabled parking spaces are not provided
û There is no accessible pedestrian walkway in the parking areas
û Gravel should be replaced with a non-slip material
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 129
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
Hornsby Station is approximately 45 minutes away by car
Mt Kuring-gai Station is approximately 30 minutes away by car
Bus
There is a bus services available to the Main Gate of the park. However, the main
gate is 2.5 km gravel road from the park
The only bus service is Route 596 provided by Shoreline, going to Hornsby Station
Taxi
A taxi stand is not available at the main gate
Comments
It seems like the car is the only option since no public transport services can be
reached to Crosslands Reserve
Public transport services to Crossland Reserve are considered inadequate
PUBLIC TOILET
Disable Toilet
There are toilet facilities on site, however, a disabled toilet is not provided
The toilet does not seem to be in a good condition; a bad smell was spreading
from the toilet
There is no way that the wheelchair could get into the female or male toilet, the
entrance being too narrow
Comments
û A disabled toilet should be provide on site
û A public toilet should be maintained in good and clean condition
û No toilet signage on site
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 130
PEDESTRIAN AMENTIY, WALKWAYS AND RAMPS
Walkways
No accessible walkway from the parking areas to the park, the wheelchair has to
go across on unlevel gravel surface to get into the park (refer to Figure 4.179)
Figure 4.179 Figure 4.180
The walkway is very doggy and has poor maintenance (refer to Figure 4.180)
There is no paved walkway at all in the park
There is no accessible walkway from the parking areas to the picnic and BBQ area
Obstacles can be found along the walkway such as pieces of wood, rubbish, cans
etc
The material of the walkway does not give a smooth ride to the wheelchair, it is
very hard to move on (refer to Figure 4.181)
Figure 4.181
Ramps
There are no ramps at all in the park
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 131
Comments
û A paved and non-slip surface walkway is needed
û Better design is needed for disabled access
û A walkway should be provided and connected to the picnic areas
û Directional signs are needed in the park
FACILITIES IN THE PARK
Refreshment facilities
Drinking fountains and BBQ areas cannot be found in the park
Picnic areas are provided. Some of the picnic areas have shelter and a paved
area. (refer to Figure 4.182 & 4.183)
Figure 4.182 Figure 4.183
Seating facilities such as benches cannot be found in the park (refer to Figure
4.184)
Figure 4.184
Comments
û Not all the heights of the picnic tables are suitable for wheelchair user
û The wheelchair has to get through messy lawn to reach the picnic tables
û The picnic areas are the only rest areas in the park
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 132
û There is a lack of refreshment facilities in the park
SELF REFLECTION
Honestly, I don t have a good impression of this park. The atmosphere of this park is
weird and uncomfortable. It is hard to feel relaxed when I see rubbish, wood and
messy grass every where, I really did not feel that I am in the park.
Furthermore, this place does not have easy access. I believe that the most convenient
way to get there is by car. The 2.5 km gravel road from the main gate is not a pleasant
drive.
I strongly recommend that disabled people not go to this park. There is no way that
disabled people can enjoy their time in this park. The park lacks facilities, I can t
believe that they don t even have the basic facilities disabled parking or a disabled
toilet. I personally think that this park discriminates against disabled people since I
could not find a single thing which is designed for disabled people. I think this is a
model of exclusive design. Does it imply that disabled people are not welcome at the
park?
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 133
FAGAN PARK
Date 31 May 2006
Time 12.00 noon 2.30 pm
Location 38 48 Arcadia Road, Galston
Cost Entry Cost $4 per car
Weather Cloudy
Brief Description of the park:
Figure 4.185: Map and the Audit Route of Fagan Park
Fagan Park (refer to Figure 4.185) is one of the parks introduced on the Hornsby Shire
Council website. Fagan Park is a park which contains an area of about 55 hectares.
The park was adopted as Council s bicentennial project and was opened in 1988.
There are so many attractions in Fagan Park, including gardens of many nations,
picnic and barbecue areas, rural museums, a children s playground, bushland with a
short bushwalking trail, areas for games and kite flying and paths for bicycle riding.
(Hornsby Shire Council)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 134
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
None available
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
None available
Non-Dedicated
Parking areas are provided at Carrs Road and Arcadia Road. However, the
numbers of parking spaces is unknown. There are no clear lines for parking spaces
Design
I acknowledge that is a car park because of the signage - 90 degree angle
parking
The number of parking spaces is unknown. There are no clear lines for parking
spaces. In my estimation, the parking areas at Carrs Road + Arcadia Raod can fit
in at least 100 cars
The ground of the parking areas is not slip resistant and not in good condition. The
ground can be define as unlevel gravel floor (refer to Figure 4.186)
Figure 4.186
Comments
û Lack of parking facilities at the car park, there is only two signage - 90 degree for
parking areas
û No division for parking spaces
û Disabled parking spaces are not provided on site
û There is no accessible pedestrian walkway in the parking areas
û Gravel surface should be replaced with non-slip surface
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 135
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
Hornsby Station is approximately 30 minutes away by car
Bus
The bus service available seven days is Route 638 provided by Glenorie Bus
Company, which provided access between Berrilee and Galston to Castle Hill and
Pennant Hill
Taxi
I could not spot any taxi passing the park
Comments
Public transport services to Fagan Park were considered inadequate. Car is the
best choice if you want to approach the park
PUBLIC TOILET
Disable Toilet
One stand alone cubicle provided at Arcadia Road main entrance and one
stand alone cubicle provided at Carrs Road picnic area
Facilities located approximately five minutes from the Arcadia Road main
entrance
Facilities not locked
A wheelchair access ramp connected to the toilet facility
The disabled toilet entrance is just wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair
(refer to Figure 4.187)
The disabled toilet is considered as small
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 136
Figure 4.187
Signage
Disabled signage is placed on the door and next to the door
No directional signage to inform the location of the toilet throughout the park
Comments
û Given that the area of the park is big, disabled toilets should not be provided on
either side of the park only
û The toilet cubicle is considered to be too small
û There is inadequate signage to inform the location of the toilets
ü It is good that there is a ramp facility which directly connects to the toilet facilities
since the toilet is located on the lawn
PEDESTRIAN AMENITY, WALKWAYS AND RAMPS
Walkways
No accessible walkway from the parking areas to the park entrance, the
wheelchair has to go across the unlevel gravel surface to get into the park
No accessible walkway from the parking areas to the picnic and BBQ area next to
the main entrance
No clear walkway from the park entrance to the heart of the park (refer to Figure
4.188)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 137
Figure 4.188 Figure 4.189
The walkway is wide enough for wheelchair access in the park (refer to Figure
4.189)
Most part of the walkway is an unlevel gravel surface which does not have a firm
or non-slip surface to support the wheelchair.(refer to Figure 4.189)
Subcontinuous and narrow walkway is available towards playground areas and
some BBQ shelter from the park entrance (refer to Figure 4.190 & 4.192)
Figure 4.190 Figure 4.192
Ramps
There is a wheelchair accessible ramp from the parking areas to the toilet facilities
which it is connected to the gravel walkway (refer to Figure 4.193)
Figure 4.193
The hand rail is not continuous on this ramp and only available at one side (refer to
Figure 4.193)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 138
The surface of the ramp is uneven and cracked (refer to Figure 4.194)
The gradient of the walkway is not constant, the slope is too steep (refer to Figure
4.194)
The ramp is considered as too narrow for a wheelchair user (refer to Figure 4.194)
Figure 4.194
Subcontinuous accessible ramp is available from the parking areas to the picnic
shelters (refer to Figure 4.195)
Figure 4.195
Comments
û Poor design of the walkways and ramps which can only fit one wheelchair and it s
hard to share the way with pedestrian
û A paved walkway should be put in the park in order to connect the parking areas
and picnic and BBQ areas
û Directional signs needed in the park
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 139
FACILITIES IN THE PARK
Refreshment facilities
Drinking fountains, picnic areas and BBQ areas can be found in the park. However,
the locations of the facilities are not directly connected to the ramps and
walkways
Those refreshment facilities can be used by the wheelchair user and are suitable
for the height of a wheelchair (refer to Figure 4.196 & 4.197)
Figure 4.196 Figure 4.197
Rest areas are provided with seats and seating space for a person using a
wheelchair (refer to Figure 4.198)
Figure 4.198
Comments
ü The height of the picnic table is suitable for a wheelchair user
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 140
ü The wheelchair user can stay under the shelter in the picnic area
ü The wheelchair can get through easily between picnic tables
ü The water fountain can be used by the wheelchair user
û The wheelchair has to get through the lawn to use those refreshment facilities
SELF REFLECTION
This is not a nice experience for a wheelchair user at all. Most of the time, the
wheelchair is moving on the lawn and an unlevel gravel surface. Given that the
topography of the park is very steep, all these aspects have created restricted access
to the park.
I really think that it is very unsafe for the wheelchair user to move on the gravel floor,
my wheelchair always got stuck in the loose sand and rocks. Ironically, I found that the
wheelchair moved more easier on the lawn, and I felt more secure riding on the lawn.
In fact, I feel that the park did not offer sufficient support for people with mobility
limitations. I think that the wheelchair user must be accompanied with others if they
want to go to the park. It is very hard for them to handle the wheelchair all by
themselves.
Even though I don t think this park is accessible, I saw a few disabled children in the
playground areas in the company of others. They looked like they were from an
institution. I guess the playground area is the most accessible area in the park for them.
After I saw them, I wonder if it proved that this was a park with good facilities for
disabled people, or if this was just the closest park for them
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 141
ASQUITH PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTRY HARVEST FAIR
AND MARKET
Date 27 May 2006
Time 11.00 am 12.30 pm
Location Asquith Public School, Dudley Street, Asquith
Cost Free
Weather Cloudy
Brief Description of the Market:The event is at Asquith Public School. (refer to Figure 4.199) This is a good event for family. There are a
playground and large area with rides for kids. Band show, food stalls, craft and art stalls and clothes stalls
could be found in the market. (Hornsby Shire Council)
Figure 4.199: Map and the Audit Route of the Event
PARKING
Dedicated Disabled (Large)
None available
Dedicated Disabled (Normal)
None available
There were no dedicated disabled parking spaces on the street
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 142
After driving around the school site, there were no signs indicating that the
school s parking facilities could be used. We were led to believe that disabled
parking was not available.
Non-Dedicated
Attendees of the event were parking their vehicles along the roads surrounding
the school, i.e. Royston Parade. Dudley St and Hazelmead Road.
Comments
û It was difficult to find a parking space on the street, and there was no disabled
parking provided on the streets surrounding the school.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail
Asquith Railway Station is approximately 10 minutes away from the school
grounds.
Hornsby Station, which is easily accessed, is approximately 5-10 minutes away by
car.
Bus
The bus service available on the day was Route 593 provided by Shorelink, which
provides access between Mt Colah and Hornsby.
The Shorelink fleet has buses that provide disabled access, but the one bus we
spotted was an older vehicle, which could not accommodate wheelchairs.
Taxi
We could not spot any taxis passing the school during the 5 minutes we spent
observing traffic along Royston Parade
Comments
û Public transport services to Asquith Primary School was considered slightly
inadequate. However I acknowledge any disabled person wishing to come to this
event will make their way by car, together with family members.
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 143
PUBLIC TOILET
Disabled Toilet
An Accessable Toilet was provided on site. However, on first investigation it was
locked and we were not able to enter.
On the approach to the toilet, my wheelchair had to navigate across a temporary
plastic hump, which was there to protect the electrical wiring of the fair
equipments (refer to Figure 4.200).
Figure 4.200 Figure 4.201
Signage
A temporary paper sign was stuck on the door (refer to Figure 4.201)
Comments
û The fact that the toilet was locked made it inconvenient for disabled event
attendees, despite good intentions to provide it
û The yellow hump, despite being temporary, was not easy to cross on a wheelchair
PEDESTRIAN AMENITY, STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE
Crossings
There were no crossings on Royston Parade into the School Grounds (refer to
Figure 4.202 & 4.203)
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 144
Figure 4.202 Figure 4.203
Walkways
There were pathways along the Royston Parade and Dudley Street. The width of
the paths was sufficient to accommodate a wheelchair, but not pedestrians
walking alongside (refer to Figure 4.204).
Access into the Fair was via entrance gates along Dudley Street. The width of the
gates were just adequate. (refer to Figure 4.205)
Figure 4.204 Figure 4.205
Kerb Ramps
Kerbs were constructed with laybacks.
Comments
û The level of traffic on Royston Parade made it difficult for wheelchairs to cross it.
û The width of the pathways were considered to be on the narrow side, however
many pedestrians have made way for us during our visit.
FACILITIES IN THE FAIR
Pathways
The quality of the paths was just acceptable. Tree roots have in time raised some
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 145
of the concrete slabs, and despite efforts to restore them, the unevenness of the
surface is not accommodating to the wheelchair bound and a potential hazard
for young children and elderly
Some of the pathways have been used for seating and dining purposes and
hence the wheelchair was forced required to navigate through grass (refer to
Figure 4.206).
The slope from the playground to the classrooms was not paved and the gradient
was not suitable for wheelchairs. Even with the wheels locked, the wheelchair
began to slide down the slope! (refer to Figure 4.207)
Figure 4.206 Figure 4.207
Some concrete slabs within the school were not constructed with safety in mind.
The difference in grade between the slab and natural ground as illustrated in
Figure 4.208 is a hazard for a wheelchair bound person
Figure 4.208 Figure 4.209
First Aid
Wheelchair ramps were provided to the school s first aid facility (refer to Figure
4.209).
Stalls
All the stalls were reachable from the wheelchair
Comments
û The slope is too steep for wheelchairs and the lack of paving makes it very difficult
to navigate between the upper and lower school grounds
Chapter 4: The Wheelchair and I: A Documentary 146
SELF-REFLECTION
As I read from the council web site, this event is labelled as all welcome thus for
everybody in society. I think this event is very good for a family with children. However,
I don t think disabled people can enjoy this event. There is some evidence to support
my point of view, which is:
Lack of disabled facilities on site disabled parking is not available, the walkway is
narrow around the school and the disabled toilet was locked
I did not feel safe when I was at the event, ramping was not available on site, my
wheelchair was forced to move on steep grass and sand areas
The topography of the site is not suitable for disabled use, uphills and downhills
everywhere in the school
The disabled toilet is locked, there is no signage to inform me where to get the key
I did not feel very happy at this event because this area was not accessible and
did not seem welcoming to the disabled
There was a band show at the event, which is the only activity I could get involved in.
People did not mind give way to me, so I was at the front to see the show. Lots of
children looked at me in a strange way during the event, I did not know what they
were thinking. I noticed that a baby s pram had the same problem as mine, it was
forced to move on the steep grass areas as well. I realised that ramping could provide
lots of convenience to others as well.
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 147
RESEARCH OUTCOMES FINDINGS OF FIELD
OBSERVATION
As illustrated in the previous chapter, the audit has listed the barriers and some good
design in the built environment. This chapter will analyse my finding regarding the
design of the built environment. Subsequent to the audit, below is a broad overview of
common issues and problems I believe apply to disabled people in the built
environment. I will also analyse the effectiveness of the current policy and guidelines.
Suggestions for future improvements are offered to address the issue of disabilities.
COMMON PROBLEMS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENTStreetscape and Furniture
Unevenness and Wheelchair Un-friendly Surfaces
With the exception of sidewalks along major thoroughfares in the Sydney CBD, such as
George Street and Pitt Street Mall, the issues of uneven and poorly paved surfaces are
widespread in all Sydney urban environments.
Cracks and potholes are a common sight on concrete surfaces and on most
occasions, repairs have been hasty quick fixes that often do not solve the issue of
unevenness. Concrete patches also do not hold up well in times of bad weather and
often fall to pieces, posing a safety risk to elderly and persons with disabilities. Transition
between different surfaces is often marked by a difference in height, causing
pedestrians and wheelchairs users discomfort and potentially acting as trip hazards.
Even in areas of well paved or tiled surfaces, metallic drain covers can become very
slippery when wet and can act as slip hazards.
It is understandable that access into natural parklands and reserves would generally
be loose surface materials. However, I believe that the provision of concrete slabbing
as pathways between the entrance(s) and major park facilities is probably not a big
ask, given the greater convenience and comfort that the slabs will produce for
wheelchair users.
Poorly Designed Kerb Ramps
Overall, I was satisfied that kerb ramps are almost always available at road
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 148
intersections and crossings. However, there is definitely scope to improve the design of
kerb ramps themselves.
Perhaps one of the biggest issues is the gradient of kerb ramps. On many occasions,
the gradients are too steep, thus creating a quick fall and an uncomfortable bump on
the way down, and considerable effort to climb on the way up. Such poorly design
interfaces between the sidewalks and road carriageways mean that wheelchair users
often have to endure a bumpy ride, causing discomfort and stress to the wheelchair
itself. If approached at speed without realising, these ramps could potentially become
a hazard causing a wheelchair user to fall off from their wheelchair.
In addition, the surfaces of kerb ramps are generally too similar in colouring with
surrounding surfaces and it is at times hard to see where the slope is. There has been
occasions where I nearly rolled onto the road carriageway as a result of not realising
the fall.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Partially Accessible Transport
Perhaps a major issue I observed as part of the audit was the partial accessibility of
public transport. The leading contributing factor is perhaps the inadequacy of the
fleet and the infrastructure.
Modern wheelchair accessible buses generally feature kneeling suspension, flat
no-step floors, and automatic extendable wheelchair ramps to facilitate the elderly
and less mobile. However, these modern buses only make up a very small proportion
of the bus operator s fleet. According to their websites:
• State Transit Authority s fleet are 35% wheelchair accessible (Sydney Buses 2006)
• HillsBus s (refer to Figure 5.1)fleet are approximately 18% wheelchair accessible
(Hill s Buses)
• Shorelink has acquired 12 accessible buses during 2005-06. However there is no
information as to what portion of their fleet is wheelchair accessible.
This, to me, seems to be fairly low percentages.
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 149
Figure 5.1
In relation to heavy rail, all CityRail rolling stock (refer to Figure 5.2), with the exception
of the old Hunter cars, are wheelchair accessible when used with a platform-to-train
boarding ramp (City Rail, 2006).
Figure 5.2
The need for the ramp is to overcome the gap and the vertical difference between
the platform and the train door. Passengers in wheelchairs are requested to seek the
assistance of station staff or train guards in order to board the trains. These practices
are similar to those of the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) in Hong Kong (MTR Corporation,
2006).
However coming from Hong Kong, I specifically remember that the platform gaps and
height differences on the MTR and Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR) systems are
actually much smaller. In addition, the condition of and the accessible facilities
provided at MTR and KCR stations, such as the number of accessible lifts, provision of
tactile tiles and the quality of platform surfaces, is overall much better when
compared to CityRail Stations. I understand that CityRail have in place a station
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 150
upgrade program which seeks to provide accessible facilities at its stations, and I
hope that this program can be implemented swiftly and to all railway stations.
It can be observed that transport operators are working hard to provide accessible
transport services in line with Commonwealth and NSW legislation, as well as the
Government s Accessible Transport Action Plan for Transport Agencies. Ultimately, I
believe it comes down to the amount of funding and resources available to these
transport operators.
Signage
Signage
Signage is a very important yet often neglected part of life. It is particularly important
to persons with disabilities, as legible and accurate signage could provide clear
orientation and help minimise further inconvenience.
Yet, from my observations whilst undertaking the audit, signage is not always provided.
Provision of signage is generally good within Shopping Centres, but is rather poor at
events. For example, there was no signage which indicated the locations of toilets at
the Coogee Oval Wallabies Fans Day and Asquith Public School Country Harvest Fair.
There was also no signage indicating the exits and entrances in the Surry Hills Festival,
City Night Market and Asquith Public School Country Harvest Fair. Although events are
temporary in nature, signage should not be overlooked as it is extremely beneficial for
the less mobile to orientate themselves and locate services or facilities.
Signage in parks is also lacking. Generally, there are only signs out front to display the
Park s name. There are no signs indicating where cars can park in Fagan Park and
Crossland Reserve, nor was there signage indicating where toilets are located at
Coogee Beach, Fagan Park, Crossland Reserve and Pyrmont Park. The same applies
to signage for picnic areas: none of the parks had them.
In addition to the lack of signage, I felt that some signs could be improved. For
example, it is often difficult to locate on street disabled spaces whilst at the same time
driving a vehicle. Most of the time, disabled parking spaces are only identified by a
street sign post located next the space itself. By having an international symbol of
accessibility painted on the ground (refer to Figure 5.3), the disabled space would be
much more noticeable.
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 151
Figure 5.3
There are a number of design considerations to take note off when providing signage
within the urban environment. These include (United Nations Enabled):
• The type of signs to provide: directional signs, signs of localities and street names
and information signs
• The visibility and legibility of signs: signs should be clear, simple, easy to
understand
• The placement of signs: signs should not be placed behind glass to prevent
possible reflection and signage should not act as obstructions to path of travel
FACILITIES
Poor Provision of Accessible Toilets
In my wheelchair experiment, my first concern is the accessible toilet. I believe that
accessible toilet is very important to disabled people because the disabled toilet is
directly connect to our physical needs.
To my surprise, accessible toilets are not always provided. According to the findings of
the audit, Coogee Beach and Crossland Reserve do not have accessible toilets and
Town Hall Station does not have a female accessible toilet. I find it unacceptable that
such an important transport node such as Town Hall Station does not have accessible
facilities for both genders. Yet, CityRail.info still claims that Town Hall has Wheelchair
Accessible toilet . Perhaps the website is not presenting the full story. Moreover,
according to accessibility.com.au website, stations such as Bondi Junction and
Redfern do not have accessibility toilets either.
Also, the provision of accessible toilets at some locations, in terms of number and
location, are not considered to be appropriate. There are some venues that provide
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 152
accessible toilets but not all locations had area public toilets available. These included
Pyrmont Point Park, Queen Victoria Building and Fagan Park.
I believe that no matter how many people visit the venue, or what sort of activities are
carried out at that venue, accessible toilet facilities should be provided if a public
toilet was made available. In addition, the provision of temporary accessible toilets is
also important when works are being undertaken to toilets. Why should persons with
disability be disadvantaged by the works being undertaken to the facilities at Coogee
Oval, when an effort has been made to provide toilets to the non-disabled?
Thirdly, the dimensions of accessible toilets have also caused problems. It was difficult
to judge with the eye whether standard dimensions have been employed, but from
my experiences using the wheelchair, on occasions it was difficult to enter and turn
due to the size of the doors and the amount of space within. Perhaps it is also to do
with my lack of experience using a wheelchair, but the toilets at Coogee Oval and
Fagan Park are unbelievably small that I feel experienced wheelchair users may also
be challenged.
Shop Fronts and Old Buildings
Most entry points into shopping centres and the shops within are flat, wide and
accommodating to wheelchair users. However, at most open-air shopping arcades,
steps at the entrance of the street/local stores often hinder wheelchair access.
Under my investigation, the entry point of shopping centres and retail areas are
always clear and avoid hazards. However, most of the retail areas would have a big
step in front of the shop. The big step acts as a barrier and causes inconvenience for
wheelchair users, this barrier makes it difficult for disabled people hard to approach to
the shop. As a result, wheelchair users might not be able to access to local shops in
local areas. Evidence of this can be found at Randwick Junction, Maroubra Junction,
Hornsby Public Domain, China Town and George Street.
Recreational Spaces may not be adequate for the Hosting of Events
Through my observation, events generally allow wheelchair bound to take part in the
event. They can access the event and navigate through the venue with relative ease.
Even temporary in nature, Council/Event organiser should ensure that the venue is
adequately equipped and with suitable facilities for disabled people.
This means improving the quality of their recreational spaces/facilities with accessible
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 153
toilets, adequate signage, accessible food stalls, rest areas and disabled parking
facilities.
GOOD DESIGN / PLANNING PRACTICES IN THE BUILT
ENVIRONMENTStreetscape and Furniture
Immediate Kerb Ramp Access from Parking Space to Walkway
I think it is a good idea if there is an immediate kerb ramp located in a suitable position
(especially in front of the disabled parking bay) to allow access to the accessible
walkway. It is much more convenient for disabled people if the kerb ramp is just
nearby, so they do not need to go all the way back to the road way to search for the
access kerb ramp.
When I was doing my wheelchair experiment, I always had to go a long way on the
road way to find the near kerb ramp. In other words, I had to share the roadway with
cars on the road way. Even though the ramp kerb was not very far from disabled
parking bay I still felt very insecure when I needed to share the road with cars. (refer to
Figure 5.4)
Figure 5.4
Better transition between surfaces
Smooth, firm, slip resistance and stable surfaces are not the only requirement for
walkways and roadways. We actually need better transition between surfaces in our
built environment. In order to create a better transition between surfaces, footpaths
and non-trafficable areas have to be separated by a clearly defined edge with
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 154
contrasting colour surface. I believe that different surface textures and colours should
distinguish the roadway from the walkway. (refer to Figure 5.5) Also, full paving on
walkway, pedestrian crossing and roadway provides a flat transition and it gives easier
access to vehicle and pedestrian.
Figure 5.5
FACILITIES IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Automatic Door
I believe that automated doors should be used more widely in the urban environment
for the benefit of persons with disabilities. Although my lack of experience with a
wheelchair has contributed to the difficulties I experienced in opening and closing
doors, I experienced some difficulties in pushing / pulling toilet doors and sliding doors
in local shops.
When I were sitting on the wheelchair, I had to use all the energy in my upper body
to pull or push the door, whilst keeping myself balanced and ensuring that I did not fall
out of the wheelchair. Sliding doors are the worst product for disabled people, there is
no way for me to open the door by myself. Also, there is often a groove to guide the
sliding door, which becomes an obstacle to the wheelchair. Even thought I am not
skilled at manoeuvring the wheelchair, I am sure automation would be more
convenient anyway. (refer to Figure 5.6)
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 155
Figure 5.6
Step free entrances
Step free entrances are always provided in service / public sectors such as banks
(refer to Figure 5.8), Centrelink, Library (refer to Figure 5.7), shopping centres etc. I think
step free entrances should be located in all the shops in order to provide easy access
for disabled people, and not only limited to the service and public sectors. Ideally,
there should be a clear path of travel from outdoor to indoor areas.
There is no point having accessible walkways and kerb ramps in our built environment
if disabled people cannot get into the shops. It is ridiculous if they can only use the
walkway and kerb ramps for window shopping in some areas. Therefore, I believe that
step free entrances to all shops are essential in order to make an easier life for
disabled people.
Figure 5.7 Figure 5.8
Rest Areas accommodating to Wheelchairs
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 156
A park is a place for family gatherings, relaxation and enjoyment of the natural
scenery. Therefore, rest areas are the soul of the recreation area. Through my
observation, most of the picnic tables in picnic areas are reachable and accessible. I
believe that the ideal picnic areas should be alongside pedestrian walkways. Picnic
areas would have some spaces for a wheelchair between the dinning tables and
seatings so the wheelchair can fit in. There should also be some knee space and leg
room for wheelchair users, so they can enjoy their time in park in a comfortable way.
(refer to Figure 5.8 & 5.9)
Figure 5.8 Figure 5.9
Seating should be provided in rest areas as well. Spaces for wheelchairs in between
seating are recommended. (refer to Figure 5.10)
Figure 5.10
Public Facilities
Public facilities such as telephones (refer to Figure 5.11), water fountains (refer to
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 157
Figure 5.12) seating (refer to Figure 5.13) and bins (refer to Figure 5.14) should be
provided in the built environment in order to bring convenience to people. It is very
important for us to make sure that these public facilities are accessible, reachable by
disabled people and in an appropriate location.
Figure 5.11 Figure 5.12
Figure 5.12 Figure 5.13
Information
For the convenience of persons with disability, The National Public Toilet Map website
(refer to Figure 5.14) created by the Australian Federal Government is a very helpful
resource.
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 158
Figure 5.14
The website pin points the locations of public toilets, including accessible toilets, by
suburb, with information on the address and opening hours.
SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENTSThe key ingredients for the successful implementation of better design of built
environment for disabled people are summarised below:
Secure lock, slip-resistant floors and automatic doors should be provided in
accessible toilet
In order to allow comfortable use, accessible toilets should have suitable
dimensions and allow easy access
Accessible toilets should be available at all events, occasions, recreation sites,
shopping centres and in the public domain
Make sure that all public facilities such as ATMs, public phones, water fountains are
working and can be reached by disabled people
Sufficient signage should be put in appropriate positions on all occasions; the
good use of text and symbols will benefit disabled people
Education and awareness about disability can be promoted by councils and
other government and non-government agencies. It can be done by setting up
workshops or committees in libraries or Council Hall
Disabilities issues should be considered in the construction field, design field and by
whomever else implements the facilities in the built environment, being aware of
the difficulties that disabled people face
The design of the streetscape (kerb ramp, ramping, landing etc) should be
Chapter 5: Research Outcomes Findings of Field Observation 159
constructed strictly in accordance with the guidelines in the Australian Standards,
Council documents, HREOC and Building Codes of Australia
Step free shop front should be promote and replaced by flat surface
Uniform approach to placement of items within pedestrian zones including seating,
tree planting, bollard and pole locations. Maintenance must also be considered
Council has to ensure that adequate facilities such as disabled toilets, signage etc
are provided on the sites of Event
Immediate kerb ramps should be in place in front of disabled parking bays
Better transition between surfaces is needed, especially between roadways and
the walkways
Greater Coordination between local government, state government and other
agencies is essential
SummaryPlanning for disabled in the build environment should have an initial intention in
planning process, good urban design should be for everyone in the society
Common problems in the built environment include poorly design streetscape,
partially accessible public transport, lack of signage, poor provisions of accessible
toilets etc
Good design in the built environment includes provision of automatic doors, step
free shop fronts, better transition between surfaces, immediate kerb ramps from
the parking bays to walkway and the adequate public facilities
Chapter 6: Way Forwards and Conclusions 160
WAY FORWARD AND CONCLUSION
THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTThe role of the local government is very crucial, it has the responsibility to ensure that
they provide easy access and a safe environment to all and especially to minority
groups. The council has to ensure that they can satisfy the needs of disabled people
and demands. In order to provide a quality built environment for all, the local
government must:
Educate local government staff on compliance guidelines in workshops,
programmes about disability and training session
Provide information about disabled access in the LGAs via phone or internet, for
example, Sydney City Council provides an access map, accessible parking
spaces and accessible transport information via Council website
Promote the awareness of disability in society, an Access Committee should be set
up and meet on a regular basis, this is one of the way to hear comments and ideas
on disability from the public
Promote community services for the disabled people such as transportation and
welfare support services to assist persons with disability
Have a social plan under the Local Government Act, in NSW. Disability is only one
of the focuses in the social plan. Indeed, an individual Disability Action Plan should
be prepared in each council like Parramatta Council, Sydney City Council, North
Sydney City Council and Ashfield Municipal Council
Prepare an access Audit and accessible pedestrian pathways study to measure
up the adaptability level for disabled in the built environment
Access DCP might also proposed to help people provide and design for an
accessible development in line of Leichhardt Council, Marrickville Council and
Ashfield Municipal Council
List a set standard and requirements in the Access DCP such as ramp design,
texture/ material used on the walkway or pavement etc
Put in place in Access DCP, guidelines for businesses and households to ensure
movable items such as wheelie bins do not present as obstacles on sidewalks
Have a standard to ensure that the placement of ATMs facilitate use by
wheelchair bound persons in Access DCP
Prepare signage Strategy DCP and Outdoor dinning areas DCP in conjunction
with disability issues
Chapter 6: Way Forwards and Conclusions 161
Take into consideration that sometimes there are external factors (like topography)
which may make certain locations less accessible for others and ensure the urban
environment is still accessible e.g. hilly areas will require more ramps
Monitor the provision and maintenance of the accessible streetscape by the local
council. For example, monitor that accessible walkways are provided in all
circumstance and upgrade the walkways in poor condition
Take into account issues with disability in the Development Application process
refering to the Council Access document and being in line with regulations such
as Australian Standard
Ensure that disabled facilities are sufficient on site when inspection is in place by
council staff
THE ROLE OF PLANNERIn order to design a better environment for all in the built environment, planners must:
Consider the actual needs of disabled people at the initial stage in planning
process
Taken into account disabled people when preparing master plans or making
legislation
Understand the needs of different type of disabilities such as physical, mental,
hearing and vision impairment
Plan for the whole community and not be subjective or have prejudice against
minority groups, fairness must be ensured.
Ensure that disabled people have equal and safe access to public urban spaces.
Walkway, footpaths, road and pedestrian crossings must be accessible,
continually repaired and maintained. Specially designed facilities for disabled
people should be put in place
Not simply adopt controls for entire regions but undertake an assessment of the
suitability of these controls and standards for specific areas. Community
consultation would also be useful in this aspect.
PLANNING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIESI think that planning for people with disabilities is a crucial move in the planning field.
Given that the trend of the population is ageing, it is not hard for us to foresee that the
Chapter 6: Way Forwards and Conclusions 162
demand of accessible built environments will be increased. Nowadays, we have
sound welfare and care systems available in Australia. Disabled people can choose to
stay in special institutions or request special housing arrangements from some of the
organisations. From my point of view, disabled people should not be locked out from
the built environment. They have their right to choose their own life styles. They might
prefer to stay inside the house or institution but we can not disregard the fact that they
might want to go out and interact with society.
I think that freedom is the thing everyone cherishes, it is human nature that people
want to live in a free and relaxed environment. I believe that if there are no barriers in
the built environment, disabled people will have more chances to move around in the
built environment.
In fact, we cannot exploit the fact that disabled people have their right to seek
independence of movement and mobility; they have the right to participate in
society and have equal rights and equal opportunities as everyone else in our society.
However, barriers in built environment can become an obstacle to independence
which de-value disabled people.
Barriers in built environments not only give inconvenience to disabled people and lock
them away from the built environment, they also limit the disabled from having social
interaction with the environment and discourage disabled people from developing
social network. The way we design the built environment reflects our social attitudes in
some way, non-disabling design shows that disabled people are not welcome or are
being ignored in society.
MY EXPERIENCE ON WHEELCHAIRI have to admit that I have learned a lot from the experiment when I was preparing
my audit. There were lots of unexpected encounters in my adventure, I have
experienced some of the difficulties being disabled I could feel the unacceptance
by society, I could feel the inconvenience for a disabled person, I could see the
barriers in the built environment. When I was undertaking the research about disabled
people, I now have basic ideas about the potential barriers in the built environment,
how people look at the disabled in a special way and the inconvenience disabled
people face.
Chapter 6: Way Forwards and Conclusions 163
Honestly, when it comes to me in practice, I could not bear it. Let s put it this way, if
you have not sat in a wheelchair, you can never truly understand how hard it is to be
disabled. In all circumstances, I felt that I become very conscious in the wheelchair;
people kept looking at me, I felt emotionally uncomfortable and out-of-place in
public spaces because I looked special and different. Maybe they did not look at me
on purpose but I really felt this way. To experience the environmental barriers and
investigate the social attitudes are crucial parts in my audit, I can not think of any
proper way to describe my feeling on the wheelchair but I can say that I am very
fearful of dying or an incapacitating illness after this experience.
After I completed the audit in three different Local Government Areas Sydney City in
CBD, Randwick in inner Sydney and Hornsby in outer Sydney, I found that different
scopes gave me different experiences and feelings. In my opinion, I think it would be
impossible to find a perfect place for disabled people, not only disabled people but
everyone. Even though Sydney LGA is very convenient, it seems like Sydney LGA is
always busy and crowded in which the wheelchair will block other people s ways.
According to my experience, people in the CBD seem to dislike disabled people the
most compared with Randwick and Hornsby. On the other hand, Hornsby LGA has a
very irregular topography, up hills and down hills are everywhere, so I don t think it is
good for disabled people. Also, public transport is generally not convenient for
disabled people in this area.
Nevertheless, I found that Randwick, in inner Sydney is an ideal place for disabled
people to live. In Randwick LGA, I felt more comfortable, this is the place I saw more
disabled people around and this is the place I got less stares, and so less stress for
disabled people. Even though some barriers exist in the public domain such as narrow
walkways and uneven surface but the topography is relatively flat and easily
accessible in Randwick LGA. Also, services are provided everywhere in the Randwick
LGA including banks, Centrelink, the library, hospital, shopping centres and frequent
bus services.
AN INCLUSIVE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR ALLGood urban design should be for everyone of any age, with or without disability.
Planners should work with communities, disabilities organisations, public sectors and
designers in creating an accessible environment for all. The public areas and the built
environment should address the needs of all disabled people and encourage
Chapter 6: Way Forwards and Conclusions 164
accessibility and mobility.
As a planner, we have to be more practical on the design of the built environment.
There is no point in design something that disabled people can not use or that is
inappropriate to them. Consequently, the functions of all the facilities have to adjust
to their real needs and wants. More to the point is the fact that we need to create an
environment to adjust to their needs, not disabled people adjusting to the
environment.
It is very hard to understand the actual needs of disabled people but I think that
non-disabling design in the built environment will be able to stop them getting
involved in society and exploit their own rights. In my point of view, a barrier free
environment can make disabled people happier and have a better life, they will have
more chance to change their life style, develop their social network, change their
income status, get more choices of entertainment, create a sense of belonging and
enable independence.
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