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If you are submitting an application to improve accessibility, this information will be helpful in sending the necessary documentation.
Introduction
One of our granting principles is respect for diversity and inclusion. It is with this in mind that we promote the principles of Universal Design: “The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” - The Center for Universal Design.
Envision yourself as the person with a disability. How are you arriving at your location? How are you entering your building? Are there washroom facilities appropriate for your use? The application information, whether in drawing form or written description, should explain the existing and expected results from the proposed modifications and, if necessary, the organization's intent to address any access issues which cannot be completed at this time.
Download Accessibility Evaluation Checklist - PDF 71 kb
Information about disabilities
A disability is any restriction or incapacity that prevents one from doing something. A disability can be visible or invisible, for example:
- Mobility – People requiring the use of a mobility device (wheelchair or scooter), an assistive device (cane/crutch or walker) or persons of short stature.
- Sensory – People experiencing deficits in sight, hearing or smell.
- Coordination – People with multiple sclerosis, arthritis or pregnant women.
- Strength and endurance – People with heart conditions or breathing difficulties.
- Cognitive – People who experience memory loss or have an intellectual disability.
Ontario Building Code Section 3.8 Barrier-Free Design
- This section addresses the current standards for accessibility as enforced by your local building inspector. All projects pertaining to increasing barrier-free access must ensure that they adhere to these codes or higher standards like the Canadian Standards Association CSA B651-04 'Accessible design for the built environment'.
- Your application must include indication either from you or your contractor/supplier that a building permit will be obtained and that the design or product meets this section of the building code.
- You can find information at http://www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca/ or at the library or discuss your proposal with the local municipal office (buildings inspections department) or a qualified engineer, architect or technologist.
Your Grant Application
Estimates
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Estimates from two different contractors/suppliers will be required as indicated in the attachments checklist of the Grant Application form on page 10.
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The estimates should have as much detail as possible, identifying the type of fixtures, equipment or method of construction. For example: lever handles, automatic door operators, broom-finished concrete, equipment specifications.
Photographs
- Photographs are required of all areas of the building, see page 10 of the Grant Application form. There are many people involved in the review and decision-making process for an application. Photographs are an important tool for assessing the existing site conditions for those who cannot actually review the location first hand.
- There should be photographs of all areas proposed for construction. In addition, if the facility has any existing barrier-free amenities, photographs of these areas should be included.
- Always include a picture showing the entire main entrance to the building.
Line Drawings
- Line drawings are required to support applications for accessibility funding as outlined on page 10 of the application form. (Professional architectural drawings are not necessary. However if your organization can provide these, they are always preferred.)
- The drawings or sketches must include overall building floor plans and all relevant dimensions and details of the proposed modification. For example, details such as room dimensions, door size and swing, equipment and fixture locations, construction materials, automatic door push-pad locations, etc. Provide more detail, rather than less.
- Bathroom modifications must indicate the location of grab bars, fixture locations, hardware, the 5’ turning radius and include elevations where relevant.
- Ramp designs must include all dimensions, the slope, type of construction and the elevation change. An elevation view that includes all the information may be necessary.
- Lift, elevating or elevator drawings must include size of area for approach and exit, door information (size, automatic/manual, if applicable), control locations and elevation information, manufacturer, product type and specifications must be noted on the drawings or included with the estimate. (Examples of types of equipment: wheelchair lift, elevator and platform lift.)
Planning For Accessibility: 10 Key Points
1. General
- The goal of renovations should be to provide universal access for all people, including all ages and abilities, an overall functional environment, which will benefit everyone and offer equal opportunity to employment, community services and volunteer experiences.
- Design considerations should include accommodation of the needs of persons with mobility/agility impairments, sensory impairments, co-ordination impairments, strength/endurance impairments and cognitive impairments.
2. Accessible parking
- At least one accessible parking space should be provided on the shortest, safest accessible route to an accessible building entrance and designated with appropriate signage. Parking surfaces should be firm and level.
- An access aisle should be provided adjacent to the designated accessible parking space and, if possible, not require people to pass behind parked cars.
- Appropriate lighting and signage should be provided in these areas.
- Snow removal should not affect the use of these spaces.
3. Accessible routes
- Accessible exterior routes of travel should be provided from accessible parking areas, public transit stops and drop off areas leading to the main accessible entrance. Accessible internal routes should be provided from the main accessible entrance to reception, offices, program areas and washrooms.
- Accessible routes should be unobstructed and have continuous, smooth, hard surfaces with no abrupt changes in level. These routes should have appropriate clear widths and height clearances (Beware of projecting signs, fixtures and trees).
- The minimum turning radius required by most mobility devices is 1500 mm (5'). Appropriate manoeuvring space should be available in areas such as landings, at intervals along longer paths and within any room type (washrooms, offices, meeting rooms).
4. Accessible entrances
- Main entrances should provide barrier-free access. However, where it is not possible to alter these entrances, an alternate accessible entrance may be provided in conjunction with the above accessible routes and parking.
- It is recommended that access be provided to main accessible entrances by both ramps and stairs with handrails.
- Ramp slopes should be a maximum of 1:12. Slopes of 1:16 to 1:20 are easier for most people to negotiate. That is: for every 1” of vertical rise, 12” of horizontal ramp is required (e.g. a 5” step would require a 60” ramp to be built).
- Accessible doors and doorways within the building should provide a minimum of 850 mm (33-1/2”) of clear space. That is, when the door is open, the space from the door to the opposite side of the doorframe should be a minimum of 850 mm (33-1/2”).
- Accessible door hardware should be lever-type, push/pull or d-shaped.
- If an automatic door is available, the ‘push-pad’ should be a minimum 150 mm (6”) diameter button with the international symbol of accessibility clearly identified.
- Windows or glass panels should be clearly identifiable (colour contrasting frames, markings on glazing).
- Changes in colour and texture as well as appropriate signage should be considered.
- Appropriate lighting should be provided in these areas.
5. Accessible washrooms
- If modifying an existing washroom is not possible, design of at least one individual accessible unisex washroom should be considered. Although larger in size, unisex washrooms provide an individual with the ability to have assistance by a caregiver or spouse.
- Appropriate transfer space on one side and in front of the toilet should be provided. Flush controls should be located on the transfer side of the toilet. Dispensers and other accessories should not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of the grab bars, transfer or manoeuvring space.
- Accessories (such as light switches, mirrors, soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, hand dryers, coat hooks, garbage receptacles and shelves) should be mounted at a height that is accessible from a seated position. Appropriate clear floor space beneath and/or in front of each fixture should be considered.
6. Accessible kitchens/coffee areas
- Kitchens should provide appropriate clear floor space in front of appliances and work spaces. Custom millwork and careful product selection will give you the opportunity to design areas, which are fully accessible.
- Accessible workspaces should have appropriate clear space underneath.
- Switches, outlets and controls should be located at the front of appliances and counters.
- Cabinets should provide some shelving that is accessible from a seated position or a pantry could be constructed.
- Sinks should be mounted so that appropriate knee and toe space is provided underneath. Faucets should have handles that are lever-type. Pipes and drains under the sink should be insulated to prevent injury.
- Any vending machines, coffee makers, microwave or other appliances should be accessible.
7. Access between floors
- Elevating devices should be considered where any significant change in level cannot be safely or feasibly accommodated.
- Elevating devices should be carefully selected since many products on the market will not provide independent access for persons with all types of disabilities.
- Space for manoeuvring of a variety of mobility devices and for transportation of two people, where assistance to travel between floors is required, should be considered.
8. Offices and/or meeting/program rooms
- All meeting rooms, program rooms and staff areas should be accessible. All furniture and office accessories/equipment should be located so that they do not obstruct accessible paths of travel or interfere with interior room manoeuvring spaces.
9. Signage
- Signage will be important to all people using the building. To improve the environment for persons with visual impairments, signage should be mounted at a consistent height of 1525 mm (5’).
10. Public phones
- If public phone(s) are available, at least one should be installed with a clear knee space of 720 mm (29”) with the maximum highest point no more than 1200 mm (47”).
The above is by no means a comprehensive list of accessibility criteria. Appropriate resources, people with disabilities and design professionals should be consulted when considering renovations, which will provide universal access at your site.
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