RUNNING HEAD: ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT 1

Rec 252 Accessibility Audit

University of Waterloo: School of Optometry Building

October 24, 2014

Shannon Knutson

Emily Hirslund, Lindsay Ward, Katie Hall

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Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Exterior Signage 3

Designated Parking 4

Drop Off Zones 4

Transit 5

Safety Issues 5

Ramps 6

Main Entrance & Main Foyer 6

Washrooms: Male and Female 7

Washrooms: Family 8

Stairs 9

Deaf Issues 9

Blind/Sight Impaired 10

Mobility Issues 10

Recommendations and Conclusions 11

References 12

Appendix 13
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Introduction

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, enacted in 2005 has

kickstarted a movement in society towards a more accessible world by the year 2025.

Accessibility refers to the elements of a constructed environment that allow approach,

entrance, and use of facilities by persons with disabling conditions (Knutson, 2014).

Currently, 16.8% of Ontarians are currently living with a disability; and by the year 2020 it

is estimated that over 20% of Ontarios population will be living with a disability (Knutson,

2014). As the aging population continues to grow, the need for an accessible Ontario grows

stronger. The intent of this paper is to evaluate the level of accessibility at the University Of

Waterloos School Of Optometry building, and offer suggestions to improve the quality of

access for all members of the community. This paper will be divided into sections based

upon the areas that have been audited. Each section will include a summary of findings

from the Assessment Audit: K-W Barrier Free Advisor Commitee form. Sections will also

include noteworthy accessible standards, and suggestions to improve the level of

accessibility currently offered.

Exterior Signage

There is one sign on the exterior of the building that indicates it is the Optometry

building, located on the corner of Columbia and Hagey. It is visible only if you are travelling

West down Columbia or leaving the University grounds via Hagey Ave. (see Appendix A).

The font of the sign is 101mm, and the sign is 914 mm high off of the ground. The sign uses

highly contrasting colors of a black font upon a white background. However, the address is

not listed on the sign or anywhere else on the exterior of the building.
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One suggestion for improvement would be relocating the sign completely. Due to

the high pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as well as the angle the sign is situated at, very few

visitors are able to visibly see the sign. It is suggested to relocate the sign to the front of the

building on Columbia St. It is also recommended that the sign be raised above head level in

order to be better seen from a distance. Furthermore, it is recommended the sign be

redesigned in order to illuminate at night to guide visitors during all times of the day

(Queens University, n.d.).

Designated parking

There are four designated parking spots located within thirty meters of the main

entrance of the Optometry building. The parking spaces are angled and 3835.4mm wide,

and are identifiable by the universal accessibility sign. For the first 100 parking spaces

there is a minimum of 4 accessible parking spaces, plus 2 accessible parking spaces for

every additional 100 (City of Toronto, 2004). The Optometry parking spaces are larger than

the 3600mm standard (Knutson, 2014). Accessible parking spaces should have both a

mounted accessibility sign and a paving sign (City of Toronto, 2004). The designated

parking areas outside of the facility are missing the clearly marked sign located on the

pavement. It is recommended that these pavement signs be added in order to easily direct

visitors.

Drop off zones

The designated drop off zone is located directly outside the main entrance doors of

the building. The overhead clearance exceeds 15 feet. The drop off zone also features a

flush in the curb, approximately 1676 mm wide, making it accessible for wheelchairs and

adhering to the standard for a wheelchair flush of 750mm (Knutson, 2014). Possible
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recommendations could include the addition of an accessibility sign to the loading zone, as

well as repairing the cracked and uneven flush in the curb which is currently

hazardous (City of Toronto, 2004).

Transit

Transit is conveniently located right outside the Optometry building. There are bus

stops on all four corners of the Hagey & Columbia intersection (see Appendix A). The

landing pads and shelter for the busses are wheelchair accessible and are located on a flat,

even surface with a wide entryway. There are four seats within the bus shelter for seniors

or persons with limited stamina to sit down (City of Toronto, 2004).

One recommendation we are making is the creation of a direct path from the bus

stop to the main entrance, or better yet a closer entryway to the building, so those who are

unable to use the stairs do not have to travel such a substantial distance on the sidewalk all

the way around the building (Appendix B).

Safety Issues

It should be noted that the lighting throughout the building is respectable. The front

wall, facing Columbia St is made entirely of windows; omitting a surplus of natural light

into the building. However, due to the natural lighting, a bright glare has become an issue

reflecting off of the floors (Appendix C). All finishes should be matte in order to minimize

glare, and high-gloss, high-wax finishes should be avoided (City of Toronto, 2004). Glare

leaves an after image on the retina for persons with low vision which is extremely

hazardous and problematic (City of Toronto, 2004). Efforts should be made to limit the

amount of natural light coming into the building from the West and Southwest (City of

Toronto, 2004). Furthermore, it is suggested that the building install blocks of carpeting in
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order to minimize glare, and act as a supplementary textural cue to aid persons in direction

for those who have visual limitations (City of Toronto, 2004).

Ramps

The Optometry building has a complete lack of ramps in the interior and exterior.

However, as a replacement the building offers two curb cuts to those who have mobility

impairments, which are located outside of the main foyer (Appendix D).

The lack of ramps in or outside the building is a problem posed to the overall

accessibility of this facility. The high-traffic entrance off of Hagey boulevard is the first

location in which we recommend a ramp should be inputted. Individuals with mobility

impairments are currently required to walk around the entire building just to enter. Adding

a ramp to the Hagey boulevard entrance would greatly improve general access to the

building. It is also suggested that a ramp be installed to enter the main foyer, as the curb

cuts are hazardous in their current state (Appendix D).

Main Entrance & Main Foyer

The main entrance and foyer deserves recognition for its layout, design, and overall

accessibility. The area outside of the entrance is level, and push button door openers are

clearly identifiable with the universal symbol. The push buttons are located on either side

of the doors and are at hip level; making the buttons easily accessible to all. The handles are

easily gripped on the doors and the width of each door is 914mm. Once inside the building,

there is ample lighting as well as emergency lighting if required. On the visitors immediate

right, one would find the elevator. The elevator is 1.5m x 3.0m which exceeds the United

Nations Design Manual for a Barrier Free Environment (United Nations, 2004). The

elevator is equipped with braille, and the buttons are 900mm from the floor. However, it
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does lack verbal indicators of any kind. The snack bar is clearly marked with a sign and the

facilities countertop sits at 832mm from the ground, which is slightly lower than the

recommended height of 890mm. Water fountains sit at a height of 800mm and are all easily

accessible. The building is equipped with both visual and audio working alarm systems.

Though the foyer and main entrance ways are highly accessible, a few

improvements could be made for the future. Signage visibility is extremely poor though it is

highly necessary in main entrances of a building in order to direct visitors. As a visitor, it is

difficult to navigate through the building as there are many rooms, wings, and divisions and

only a handful of signs (8 x 10cm computer printouts) (Appendix E). Contrasting signs need

to be installed to effectively guide visitors to their destination.

Washrooms: Female, Male & Family

Both the female and male washrooms are identical in their layouts. Washrooms

offer adequate lighting, signage on door, and are free of any obstacles. All stall doors open

outwards and have a self-closing feature which may also be locked if desired. Each stall

offers a coat hook and has a turning radius of at least 152mm as well as featuring a knarled

grab bar on the left hand side from when you enter. The toilet paper dispenser is located

underneath the grab bar and is single style. Each washroom comes equipped with an

enormous mirror which takes the place of the entire wall behind the sinks. Sinks are all cut

out under the counter, the pipes are wrapped, the handles are levered, and the soap

dispenser and hand dryers are all at arms length away. The washroom lacks change tables,

private sinks within the stalls, and a water closet.

Suggestions for improvement would be to add non-slip, non-glare flooring or add a

carpet component to reduce the risk of hazard within the washrooms. It is also highly
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recommended to add a change table to each of the washrooms (male and female) in order

to reduce the number of people who must wait in line for the family washroom.

Family

The family washroom is only available through access to the Optometry Learning

Centre. The family washrooms door have a 914mm clearance, an automatic door opener

(push button), and also have a large visible sign. Once inside the restroom, there is ample

adequate lighting, coat hooks, and a turning radius of 304mm or more. This washroom has

an L shaped grab bar on the left hand side of the toilet. However, the toilet paper

dispenser; located before the grab bar, obstructs the use of the grab bar (Appendix F). This

washroom offers visitors the only change table in the building, which sits at .90m. The

flooring in this washroom differs from the male-female bathrooms as it is non slip and non

glare. The sinks are identical to those found in the male and female washrooms. The family

washroom is generally very accessible. However, there are two small modifications that

can be made to solidify the washrooms complete accessibility. The washroom would

benefit from a change in design of the grab bar and toilet paper dispenser. A person who

has limited vision may become very confused between the grab bar and toilet paper

dispenser. Furthermore, the washroom should remove the large chair that is blocking

access to the change table in order to be completely barrier free.

Stairs

Located within the complex, there is one staircase leading from the ground floor to

the second level; consisting of 20 steps in total. Rounded handrails made of wood are

provided on either side of the stairs, covering the full span of the steps. The stairs are made

of separate concrete slabs, with open air at their backing, which results in an open riser.
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The rise per step is 177.8 mm, which is compatible with ADA standards; which is also

exactly 177.8mm (ADA, 2010).The width of the staircase is 1295.4 mm, which is also

compliant to standards set by ADA in which the requirement is 1219.2mm in width (ADA,

2010). Each step has 3 anti-slip strips made of a distinct abrasive material, which permits

a safer, non-slip surface.

Recommendations fit to improve the overall safety pertaining to the staircase would

be firstly to apply a yellow strip to the nosing of the stairs in order to make each step more

apparent for those with visual impairments. Secondly, although the lighting above the

stairs is exceptional, the overall contrasting colors of the stairs, and the handrails need to

be more evident. The colors blend in with the surroundings, which could pose as another

issue to visually impacted individuals trying to locate the steps.

Deaf Issues

Throughout the building there is a constant background noise of an air

conditioner/heating system, albeit very faint. Both assistive listening and Teletype devices

(TTY systems) are not available from reception for use. The openness and acoustics

throughout the building aid in an echoing effect in which we documented as possibly

troubling for those with hearing impairment.

Generally, a number of improvements need to be made in order to make the

Optometry building more accommodating to those with hearing impairments. The assistive

listening devices are used in order to amplify and create better sound to noise ratio, which

when in the larger lecture halls, and reverberant spaces is quite necessary. Our group has

also deemed having TTYs available for use as a reasonable recommendation to put in
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place. This implementation could particularly aid in involving people who are deaf in more

functions, and make these individuals more comfortable, and feel more accepted.

Blind/Sight Impaired

Neither an overhead voice sound system, nor public address system for things such as

paging and general announcements is in place within the facility. Along with this, the

elevator does not have any type of audible cues to assist those with sight impairments,

however the elevators are equipped with braille under the floor numbers, door controls,

and emergency telephone button, which are helpful.

This component of the building could be improved for accessibility. To begin,

employing an overhead voice sound system, and audible cues in the elevator are the first

developments necessary. Lastly, administration could consider the addition of more tactile

properties, such as braille under room numbers, and other major signage throughout the

building, which in turn would achieve a more accessible facility to those without the use of

sight.

Mobility Issues

Within the Optometry building there are numerous designated seating areas

provided. These areas are thoughtfully spread out to ensure individuals who might have

reduced stamina or strength have a convenient resting place if need be. In addition to fixed

seating throughout the facility, there are plenty of accessible seating locations where those

who use mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs can easily reach without difficulty, or

having to deviate from a normal path of travel. Also located at these spaces are chairs that

can be pulled away without difficulty if more space is required. Additionally, there are

couches and larger chairs placed throughout the facility if individuals require a more
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comfortable place to rest. All of the furniture, and other larger objects have been

strategically placed throughout the building; often pushed against the walls or to the side

as to not intrude normal paths of travel. This considerably removes safety hazards making

the holistic view of the building more accessible. Overall, there are no further

recommendations for mobility.

Conclusions

Completion of the Assessment Audit: K-W Barrier Free Advisor Commitee form brings

forward five main areas requiring necessary change and improvement for optimal

accessibility. The most significant areas deemed inaccessible were the overall lack of suitable

directions and information signage, the need for a direct path from the sidewalk to the main

entrance, the absence of any ramps, and finally the high intensity glare that carries

throughout the building. Overall, the Optometry building is on the right track towards

creating a more barrier free experience, however with a few minor improvements that have

been suggested the facility can look forward to offering a completely accessible space for all.
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References

Accessibility Design Manual. (n.d.). UN Enable. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from

http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/designm/AD2-02.htm

ADA Standards for Accessible Design. (2010). Retrieved from

http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm

City of Toronto. (2004). Accessibility Design Guidelines. Retrieved from

http://www1.toronto.ca/static_files/equity_diversity_and_human_rights_office/pdf

/accessibility_design_guidelines.pdf

Knutson, S. (2014). Accessibility design principles and tips [PDF Document]. Retrieved from

lecture notes online https://learn.uwaterloo.ca/d2l/le/content/156010/

viewContent/1007414/View?ou=156010

Queens University. (n.d.). Accessibility guidelines. Retrieved from

http://www.queensu.ca/camplan/reports/aguide/6-0.html
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Appendix A

Google map image of the optometry building.

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Appendix B

Picture of Outside/Inside no direct access to door, grass is in the way

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Appendix C

Picture of the glare on the floors

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Appendix D

Picture of the flushed curb and its cracks

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Appendix E

Picture of the paper signs

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Appendix F

Picture of Emily in the family washroom - obstructed access to grab bar

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Appendix G

Assessment Audit K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee Page 1

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Appendix H

Assessment Audit K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee Page 2

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Appendix I

Assessment Audit K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee Page 3

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Appendix J

Assessment Audit K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee Page 4

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Appendix K

Assessment Audit K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee Page 5

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Appendix L

Assessment Audit K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee Page 6

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Appendix M

Assessment Audit K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee Page 7

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Appendix N

Assessment Audit K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee Page 8