Inclusive Environments
Persons with disabilities
do not constitute a static minority on or outside the fringe of mainstream
society. Everyone is likely to experience disability of a permanent or
transient nature in their own lifetime (Hill 1999; Schuller 2005; Kaplan
html). Disability has been shown to be linked to higher levels of poverty,
lower levels of education and employment (World Bank 2004; O’Hara
2004; Lustig & Strauser 2004) and increased social exclusion (Schuller
2005; World Bank 2000; Peat 1997). The issue of mobility within the built
environment crosscuts these deprivations (World Bank 2005; The World Bank
1999). Thus from a humanistic utilitarian ontology the removal of barriers
constitutes both a right and obligation plus an opportunity to reduce
suffering and frustration.
Ralph Green
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| The Problem One in five Australians, almost four million of the population has a disability, the rate being the same for males and females. The incidence of disability increases with age reaching 81% in those aged 85 years and over (Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2004). Developing country disability statistics, when available, are often less reliable and also not directly comparable due to differences in classification (Hyder & Morrow 2001). Estimated percentage of the population of developing world countries with disabilities varies from 0.2% to 20.9% (Elwan 1999, p. 5). |
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| Towel/Grab Rail. Bradley Australia | ||
| Most of the built environment
is designed, constructed and modified without the incorporation of
universal design principles. This is despite claims that buildings
that feature such principles provide an enabling environment to persons
of all abilities, are no more (or only minimally more) expensive to
construct (Roennfeldt, html) and up to thirty times cheaper than later
modifications (Hill 1999). |
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Adaptability and accessibility “…is based on the
concept that housing can be adapted to make it accessible to everybody,
irrespective of age, level of mobility or condition of health. ‘Adaptability’
is the term used to describe a structure that is capable of being modified,
at minimum cost, to suit the changing needs of its occupants. The functions
of a house don’t change. But the lifestyle and the needs of those
who spend their private lives there will change over time. Living in an
adaptable home that can be modified to suit those needs ensures them that
they will not need to move to more accessible accommodation.” (Master Builders, pg 5) Master Builders, Housing For Life, The Master Builders Association of the ACT, 2001 |
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