In what ways do you find the design of buildings inaccessible?

Cher_Alumni

I recently watched a TED talk given by Sinead Burke, the disability rights activist, called  “Why design should include everyone”.

In the TED talk Sinead speaks about living in a world designed for people of a ‘normal height’ and tells us how as a little person, who is 3 foot 5 inch, she comes across different problems in daily life.  Some of these problems relate to locking toilet doors, being unable to reach cups in coffee shops and sitting on chairs.  

Sinead speaks more about these issues in her empowering BBC Desert Island Discs podcast saying,

“We have become so focused designing a world for one specific type of person that our lens has been so narrow that if we widened it to include a whole host of people, we’ll realise quickly that has benefit and value for everybody”

 

Over to you,  have you experienced inaccessible building designs? If so, where and what happened?  
Or have you seen a good example of an inclusive building or shop that was easy to get around?  

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

janer1967

Hi

I find lots of buildings that have issues with access being a wheelchair user, anywhere with steps to enter the building is a no go area if on my own. I find older bulidings are the main issue

Also places where there isnt disabled toilets and also very cramped so cant turn around in the chair

Height is also an issue for wheelchair users cant reach top shelves in shops, counter tops too high

The list could go on its endless 

Cher_Alumni

@janer1967 Agh, that sounds really impractical and emphasises the point that buildings are designed for just the one kind of person - 2 legs, no wheels!  Have you been anywhere and been impressed by it?

janer1967

Mainly shopping centres like meadowhell are good for access and disabled facilities but some of the shops inside are too cramped 

The sports direct shop in French gate centre totally unacceptable 2nd floor can get in ground floor but no lift in store can use centre lift but then entrance into 2nd floor of shop has steps told them few times but the staff just turn you away 

Cher_Alumni

'Meadowhell'  I agree there, I'm impressed with most of the facilities and the wide landings but some shops have very narrow aisles.

That's disappointing about Sports Direct.  A good example of how not to be inclusive or cater to the diversity of bodies! 

Saffy2000

Doors that have to be physically opened .... ever tried it in a wheelchair?  

Sorry_Susan

Counters at banks are high. Counters in general are high. 
My daughter is a wheelchair user and on occasion she is completely ignored and l am addressed instead by assistants or tellers. 

Cher_Alumni

@Saffy2000 grr, I can imagine the frustration 

@Sorry_Susan That must be really annoying for her, I'm sorry.  These are good examples of how we need to be more inclusive in the design of everyday buildings.