TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE AGRA -...

TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE AGRA

Access Audit Report

BSNL Office, Pratappura Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Ministry of Social

Justice and

Empowerment,

Government of India

2

ACCESSIBLE INDIA CAMPAIGN (SUGAMYA BHARAT ABHIYAN)

(Nationwide Flagship Campaign of Government of India for Universal accessibility for PwDs)

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

(Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India)

CONDUCTED BY

SWABHIMAN – State Disability Information and Resource Centre

A/98, Budha Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751006

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.swabhiman.org

AUDIT CONDUCTED

August, 2016

3

Acknowledgement

The access audit of, BSNL Office Pratappura, Agra, as per the list of buildings provided by Ministry of Social Justice &

Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Government Of India F.No.4-14/2015-AIC,

dated 23/06/2016, was conducted to make the BSNL Office Pratappura, Agra, functional for the physically

challenged staff members, vendors and visitors. The recommendations are minimum requirements that may be

incorporated in the building to make it useable by persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly and should not

be compromised upon.

Swabhiman (State Disability Information and Resource centre) Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a 15 year old organization, is

dedicated to the empowerment of persons with disabilities in the state and the country. It is a leading cross disability

organization acting in the forefront of policy level advocacy as also providing comprehensive services in research,

capacity building, training, access audit, networking and inclusive education.

This report provides clear and concise recommendations and guidelines for creating Accessible Agra (Sugamya

Agra) by detailing the inaccessibility and suggesting recommendations for the gaps, in BSNL Office Pratappura

Building, Agra. The implementation of the report will eliminate the barriers that deter physically and mentally

challenged persons from having access to and free mobility in and around the built environment.

I wish to express my deep gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for taking initiatives to make India

barrier free. I also express my gratitude to Hon’ble Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot Ji, Head of MSJE GoI, for launching

the campaign on 3rd December 2015. We thank Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and Joint

Secretary Mukesh Jain, for the financial resources, coordination and the audit checklist.

4

I wish to express my deep gratitude to Sri. Ganesh Prasad (Zila Biklang Jan Bikash Adhikari) of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. I

also express deep appreciation to Javed Abidi (Honorary Director NCPEDP) and NDN platform for our initial

education on access and access Audit. The issue of accessibility surfaced when Prof. Stephen Hawking visited India in

2001, which brought forth the fact that the historical places that he wanted to visit were totally inaccessible. NCPEDP

then launched a National Access Campaign countrywide by the National Disability Network (NDN) partners. As NDN

Odisha partner we took it forward in the state. Some built structures audited by us are Ravenshaw University,

Odisha Secretariat, BJB College, Utkal University etc. Another major campaign was the 'Access to polling booths for

disabled voters during the General Election 2004, which resulted in ramps getting built in ‘few’ polling booths in

Odisha and EVMs becoming accessible with Braille numbers for the visually impaired. We are extremely thankful to

NCPEDP and DEOC Bangalore for the “Training Programme on Accessibility Standards for Buildings” on 5th and 6th

March 2016.

Special mention must be made of all those, whose cooperation and support made this audit possible. We are grateful

to

Joint Director, Department of social justice and empowerment, Govt of Uttar Pradesh for their cooperation and official assistance.

Asst. Director Department of social justice and empowerment , Govt of Uttar Pradesh for their cooperation and official assistance

Disability Commissioner Uttar Pradesh, Govt of Uttar Pradesh for their cooperation and official assistance. Mr. N. S. Pundhir, head of the buildings for their cooperation in auditing their premises.

Mr. Ganesh Prasad, Zila Biklang Jan Bikash Adhikari, Bikash Bhawan, Sanjay Place, Agra for their cooperation and

official assistance.

5

Anil Mourya, Coordinator SPID, Agra local NGO for supporting us during the Access Audit work Subhakanta Rout for photography. Mihir Mohanty, Kamalakanta Lenka and Subhakanta Rout for report compilation, editing, final layout and

designing. We once again appreciate the determined efforts of Government of India and Uttar Pradesh to make built

environment; and information and communications accessible.

(Dr. Sruti Mohapatra)

Chief Executive, Swabhiman

6

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement 03

Abbreviations 09

Background 09

Swabhiman – GoI Empanelled Access Auditors 12

Introductions 14

I. Agra

II. About the Building

III. Access Audit Team

IV. Methods and Processes Adopted

Audit Report 17

I. Summary Sheet

II. Information and Communication

III. Services

Building Information 22

7

Physical Accessibility 22

External Environment 23

1. Parking

2. Alighting

3. Accessible Route

Internal Environment 26

4. Accessible Entrance

5. Reception and Lobby

6. Stairs

7. Ramps

8. Handrails

9. Elevators/Lift

10. Escalators/Passengers Conveyors

11. Corridors

12. Doors and Doorways

13. Accessible Toilet

14. Cafeteria

15. Drinking Water Facility

8

16. Controls and Operating Mechanisms

17. Signage

18. Emergency Evacuation

Others 39

I. Reflection of the Nodal Officer

II. Report in Alternate Format

Annexure 40

1. Suggested Plan for Implementation with Vendors List

2. Five Point Rating of Buildings

3. Additional Recommendations

9

Abbreviations

CPWD : Central Public Works Department

HI : Hearing impaired

PwD : Persons with Disability

VI : Visual Impairment

WC : Western Commode

Background

To achieve the long-lasting, vastly better development prospects that lie at the heart of the 2016 Sustainable

Development Goals and beyond, we must empower people living with disabilities and remove the barriers which

prevent them participating in their communities; getting a quality education, finding decent work, and having their

voices heard. A barrier free environment means buildings, roads, parks, gardens and other places, service, modes of

transportation, products of daily use, etc. Further, barrier-free goes far beyond just a ramp and has many other

necessary aspects, including door and passage widths to flooring surface, from counter heights to lighting; and from

signage to toilets – a well-designed environment which is safe, convenient, comfortable, and readily accessible to all;

and aptly described as universal access.

Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) was launched by Department of Persons with Disabilities,

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, MSJE, GoI, as a nation-wide flagship campaign which aims at achieving

this universal accessibility. The campaign marks another milestone in the journey towards “Fulfilling Human Rights

of Persons with Disabilities,” and creating “Non-Discrimination in the Built Environment.” In its initial efforts it aims

10

to build a “culture of accessibility” and focus on auditing public buildings and removing basic environmental

barriers.

The campaign is in line of proposed activities to fulfil the statuettes of Article 9 (Accessibility) of UNCRPD which has

been signed and ratified by GoI. Article 9 casts an obligation on all the signatory governments to take appropriate

measures to ensure to PwDs access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to

information and communications, including information and communications technologies and systems, and to

other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas. These measures, which

shall include the identification and elimination of obstacles and barriers to accessibility, shall apply to, inter-alia: 1)

Buildings, roads, transportation and other indoor and outdoor facilities, including schools, housing, medical facilities

and workplaces; and 2) Information, communications and other services, including electronic services and

emergency services.

Thereafter, Governments at the High Level Inter Governmental Meeting organized by the Govt. of Republic of Korea

adopted the ministerial declaration and Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for PwDs in Asia and Pacific. The

Incheon Strategy provided the Asian and Pacific Region, and the world the first set of regionally agreed distinct –

inclusive development goals. The Strategy comprises 10 goals, 27 targets and 62 indicators, which build on UNCRPD.

Goal No. 3 of the Incheon Strategy mentions that access to the physical environment, public transportation,

knowledge, information and communication is a precondition for persons with disabilities to fulfil their rights in an

inclusive society.

While implementing the Accessible India Campaign, it is proposed that we are in sync with the guidelines set by the

Incheon strategy. The targets 3.A, 3.B and 3.C of the Incheon Strategy are: 3.A - Increase the accessibility of the

11

physical environment in the national capital that is open to the public; 3.B - Enhance the accessibility and usability of

public transportation; and 3.C - Enhance the accessibility and usability of information and communications services.

The Incheon strategy guidelines have also defined indicators for tracking the progress on these targets:

• Proportion of accessible government buildings in the national capital

• Proportion of accessible international airports

• Proportion of accessible and usable public documents and websites that meet internationally recognized

accessibility standards

• Availability of mandatory technical standards for barrier-free access that govern the approval of all designs

for buildings that could be used by members of the public, taking into consideration internationally

recognized standards, such as those of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

• Number of sign language interpreters

Prior to this, Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995

under Sections 44, 45 and 46 categorically provided for non-discrimination in transport, non-discrimination on the

road and non-discrimination in built environment respectively. As per Section 46 of the PwD Act, the States are

required to provide for – Ramps in public buildings; Adaptation of toilets for wheel chair users; Braille symbols and

auditory signals in elevators or lifts; and Ramps in hospitals, primary health centres and other medical care and

rehabilitation institutions. Section 44 and 45 of the said Act cast responsibility on the States to take measures to

make public transport accessible for PwDs and also make provision for auditory signals at red lights in public roads,

curb cuts and slops in pavements, engraving on the surface at zebra crossings etc.

12

Swabhiman

Swabhiman, State Disability Information and Resource Centre, based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha has been Swabhiman

is a state level disability information and resource centre based in Bhubaneswar. We have been working towards

empowering persons with disabilities through knowledge, information, advocacy, training, capacity building,

research and networking since 2001.

Our work has earned us acceptance and recognition at many quarters – government, individual, NGOs and

corporates. The recent achievements include Smart City campaign and Railway Budget. We played a role in

Bhubaneswar getting first position in Smart City Campaign as the “Accessibility Partner” of Bhubaneswar Municipal

Corporation (BMC). We are the member of ZRUCC (Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee) of ECoR in

Bhubaneswar and gave recommendations for the budget (online booking of wheelchair, wide doors, assistance at

railway station). We regularly organize various orientation, interaction and association programmes to bridge the

gap in perception between persons with disabilities and mainstream society.

With a view to ascertain the details of accessible features in the existing facilities and to suggest improvements, if

required, Swabhiman has been organizing access audits of various government, semi-government and private

buildings. It is important to mention that access audit is not a fault finding exercise. Its objective is to contribute to

the creation of a better universally accessible infrastructure by assessing the accessibility of the facilities and suggest

improvements, if necessary.

13

Swabhiman has completed the access audit of Odisha Secretariat building in January 2012; completed the access

audit of temples, hills and related sites for creating a barrier free tourist circuit for Department of Tourism & Culture

(Tourism) in 2011. We did the access audit of Nadankanan Zoological Park for developing it as a barrier free tourist

spot as per the letter received from Deputy Director, Nadankanan Zoological park on 15th December,2014.

Completed the Access audit of Utkal University, Bhubaneswar in January, 2015, Ramadevi (Autonomous) College,

Bhubaneswar in January, 2015 and of BJB (Autonomous) College, Bhubaneswar in January, 2015. We have also

audited Ravenshaw University, State Museum and birth place of Netaji Museum in Katak.

14

Introduction I. Agra

Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is 378 kilometres (235

m) west of the state capital, Lucknow, 206 kilometres (128 m) south of the national capital New Delhi and 125

kilometres (78 m) north of Gwalior. With a population of 1,686,993 (2013 est.), it is one of the most populous cities

in Uttar Pradesh and the 19th most populous in India. Agra can also refer to the administrative district that has its

headquarters in Agra city. It is a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most

notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and FatehpurSikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Agra is

included on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Jaipur; and the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc,

tourist circuit of UP state, along Lucknow the capital of the state and Varanasi. Agra falls within the Braj cultural

region.

Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India. Its city of Agra is home to the iconic Taj Mahal monument, a colossal,

domed, white-marble mausoleum honouring the wife of Mughal ruler Shah Jahan. Named Mumtaz Mahal, she died in

childbirth in 1631. Nearby are the 20m-high, red-brick walls of Agra Fort, a Mughal fortress and palace dating to the

16th and 17th centuries.

II. About the Building

The aim of this access audit was to examine the premises of BSNL Office Pratappura, Agra and assess whether it was

impossible or unreasonably difficult for staff and the public (with limited functional abilities) to access and use

services, and to identify areas where remedial action was required. The housing problem is always faced by the

humans. To resolve the problem Development Authorities were constituted by State Government with the aim to

provide houses at appropriate rates. In this direction Agra Development Authority was constituted by U.P. Govt. on

13th Sep. 1974 under Uttar Pradesh Nagar Planning & Development Act 1973.The first Master plan for Agra City was

15

approved by the Govt. in July 1975. Various residential and commercial schemes namely KALINDI VIHAR, SANJAY

PLACE, TAJ NAGRI, ADA HEIGHTS, SHASTRIPURAM etc. were developed in a systematic and planned manner by

A.D.A.

III. Access Audit Team

The audit team reached Agra on 3rd of August. It comprised of the following persons:

• Mihir Mohanty

• Subhakanta Rout

• Tapas Kumar Jena

• Sunny Bahadur

• Anil Mourya

• Kamalakanta Lenka

The Audit team referred to CPWD guidelines (Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for

Disabled and Elderly Persons) 1998 and CPWD Handbook (Barrier Free and Accessibility) 2014 for making

recommendations.

IV. Methodology and Processes Adopted

• Physical verification

• General observation and measurement of height, width, incline etc.

• Recording/noting the existing good practices / accessible features for better accessibility

• Interaction with Staff (including persons with disabilities)

• Photography

16

Audit Report

I. Summary Sheet

Sl. No.

Elements of Access Audit

Evaluation Rank

Priority for creating access

Components to be addressed immediately

SECTION 1 1. Information and

Communication Systems

1 Highest Accessibility of Government of Uttar Pradesh’s website. Publications in accessible alternate format and Hindi.

SECTION 2 1. Services 2 High Disability Sensitization of all Staff

Equal Opportunity Policy (HR) SECTION 3 1. Parking 3 Moderate One Designated Parking Bay with International Symbol of

Accessibility. 2. Alighting 3 Moderate Designated space near building with identifiable signage. 3. Accessible Route 3 Moderate Accessible route with tactile flooring, guide tile and directional

accessible signage to be fitted. 4. Accessible

Entrance 3 Moderate Building guide map.

Thin rubberized mats. 5. Reception and

Lobby 2 High Receptionist with knowledge of Hindi, English and Sign

language. Sensitized to disability and old age issues, trained in disability etiquette. Printed information in accessible alternate formats and Hindi.

17

6. Stairs NA 7. Ramp 2 High New ramp to be constructed at director’s block and existing

ramp to be modified. 8. Handrails 1 Highest Handrail to be fitted on both sides of the Ramp and corridor. 9. Elevator NA 10. Escalators/Conv

eyor Belt NA

11. Corridors 2 High Handrails or Grab Bars on wall. 12. Doors and

Doorway 3 Moderate Entrance door to be widened and signage to be inserted.

13. Accessible Toilet 1 Highest One accessible Unisex toilet to be constructed inside the campus. 14. Cafeteria NA 15. Drinking Water

Facility 1 Highest Drinking water arrangement in common place of office.

16. Controls and Operating Mechanisms

3 Moderate Switch boards to be reinstalled at appropriate heights and safety regulations adhered to.

17. Signage 2 High Prominent visible signage using the international symbol of accessibility, identifying/advertising/signifying accessible entrance and exit, reserved car parking, toilets and availability of special services (if any to be created). Lettering in English and Hindi.

18. Emergency Evacuation

2 High There is no separate emergency exit. Evacuation route plan is to be developed and displayed in different locations of each floor and staircases in consultation with safety engineers or local fire station.

18

II. Information and Communication (Section – 1)

Observation Remarks/Recommendations 1. Inaccessible website

government of Uttar Pradesh website.

1. To enable PwDs to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, accessibility features to be incorporated.

2. Web accessibility standards available in http://web.guidelines.gov.in (WCAG 2 Level A became the standard for government websites in February 2009).

1. No publications/brochures in alternate accessible formats.

2. No publications in Hindi or English.

Publications / brochures / forms to be printed in Braille, Large Print, Audio, Pictorial (where ever possible), Easy-to-read and English.

No printed service related documents (forms) are in accessible formats

Publications in alternate accessible formats to be stocked.

There is adequate lighting People are cooperative in office. But no separate arrangements to address specific needs/situations arising out of difference in culture, learning abilities etc.

Hiring a general counsellor or keeping a general psychologist on call could be of help in any emergency or such special situation.

19

III. Evaluation of Services (Section – 2)

Observation Remarks/Recommendations

No disability sensitization sessions in staff induction programme.

Annual sensitization program for staff. One module in induction training program on disability types, access, diversity, disability etiquette and mandates of law.

No staff trained to assist persons with disabilities.

Annual Training Program. One module in all staff enrichment, capacity building programs on disability types, assisting PwDs, physiotherapy, speech therapy and other support needed by CwDs in school, diversity and disability etiquette.

No staffs are trained in basic Indian Sign Language.

One week basic signing. 6 weeks advanced certificate programme. A chart of names and mobile numbers of local sign language interpreters to be placed in a visible place in office.

No accessible facilities available.

After retrofitting and remodelling is done, a weekly maintenance calendar to be developed.

Guide dogs are not allowed in the premises

As India is not used to the concept of guide dogs, a policy needs to be placed in position and then circulars sent to the states.

Trained live assistance is not available as there was no need.

Either a new staff be recruited or one staff member may be given additional responsibility. They be trained and designated as “Disability Associate.”

20

There is no existing plan to improve accessibility, as it was not an issue till date.

After retrofitting and remodelling is done, a plan will be developed.

There is no equal opportunities policy within the organization as it was a non issue till date.

An Equal Opportunity Policy can be drafted on payment of a fee.

Organisation has no accessibility focal person in charge as it was a non-issue till date.

Either a new staff be recruited or one staff member may be given additional responsibility. They be trained and designated as “Nodal Officer/Person Disability.”

21

Building Information

Name of the Building : BSNL Office Pratappura, Agra

Type of the Building : Government Building

Total Floor : Ground

Total Staff Members : 100+

Head of the Building : Shri N. S. Pundhir

Designation : AGM

Website : [email protected]

Email ID : [email protected]

Contact No : 0562-2225111/999

Physical Accessibility

Note: The cross symbols in red colour (X), highlights the physical barriers.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

22

External Environment – Sl # 1 – Parking

Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation

1. Parking lot available but no accessible parking bay.

2. No Shelter Available in Parking.

3. 3600X6000 mm area available

Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines

2014 for Technical Designing and Measurements.

Refer to Page No 44

Recommendation 1. Accessible parking (3600 x 6000) area to be

demarcated in right side of building.

2. Good location of parking area.

3. A signage of 200mm x 200mm, suggested colour contrasts is white-blue, yellow-red, or white-red.

4. Accessible pathway with tactile flooring from parking to main building entrance 12mtrs.

5. Illumination of 24-36 lx.

23

External Environment – Sl # 2 – Alighting


1. No A lighting space near building.



Recommendation

1. The space should level, covered and out of the traffic lane.

2. It should have a tactile guiding path including directional, hazard warning and positional tiles directing till the entrance.

3. A signage of 200mm x 200mm, suggested colour contrasts is white-blue, yellow-red, or white-red.

24

External Environment – Sl # 3 – Accessible Route

Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation 1. No accessible route connects the entrance gate

parking ,alighting point all other external facilities with the accessible entrance

2. 4000mm width path 3. No tactile guiding in path. 4. Surface of pathway is non-slippery. 5. No adequate artificial light on the path after sunset.



Refer to Page No 1

Recommendation 1. Accessible pathway of 1200 mm width, preferably

covered and non- slippery.

2. Tactile guiding tiles including directional, hazard

warning and positional tiles.

3. Kerb ramp in case civil engineer decides on level

changes between traffic lane and accessible path.

4. Resting spaces and wheelchair parking spaces as

walking distance is assumed to be more than

300mm

5. Accessible directional signage.

6. Accessible handrail on both sides of path.

7. adequate artificial light on the path after sunset with

150 lx.

25

Internal Environment – Sl # 4 – Accessible Entrance


1. No Ramp in the building entrance.

2. Entrance width 1800mm.

3. No difference in floor finish.



Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation 1. Accessible ramp at the entrance of main building

with 1:12 gradient, accessible handrail and tactile

tiles.

2. Floor finish to be distinguished (suggestion – thin

rubber mat).

3. Door mat should avoid.

4. Illumination of 30-50 lx,

26

Internal Environment – Sl # 5 – Reception and Lobby


1. No Reception

2. Notice board height 1250mm.

3. Cash payment telephone bills counter height 1060mm.

4. Table height 750mm customer care inquiry

5. Post paid bill counter height 950mm with sitting place.



Refer to Page No 29

Recommendation

1. Non-reflective counter surface (we suggest use of

laminated mat finish ply)

2. Counter height between 760 mm to800mm from the floor with a 400mm to600mm clear recess under the counter.

3. Accessible identification signage with reception written both in English and Hindi.

4. Guide map of building and accessible directional signage directing to various building facilities at the reception

5. Receptionist with knowledge of English, Hindi and sign language.

6. Printed information in accessible alternate

formats (Braille, audio, pictorial, large print,

English and Hindi.

27

Internal Environment – Sl # 7 – Ramp


1. NO Ramp in the building entrance.



Refer to Page No 4

Recommendation

1. Ramp to be reconstructed with 1800 mm width,

in 1:12 gradient, with accessible handrail in both

sides and tactile tiles.

2. Handrails on the both the sides of the ramp at

height of 900mm and 760mm. 3. Continuous landing. And Non-slippery tiles to be

used if tactile tiles not available.

4. The ramp to be well illuminated.

28

Internal Environment – Sl # 12 – Door and Doorways

Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation 1. Door width 1000mm and easily opened and toilet

door width is 820mm.

2. Single hinged door

3. D-type handles at 1100 mm from floor.

4. Door lock at 1000 mm from floor.

5. No colour contrast between door and wall.

6. No kick plate on the door.

7. Door mat near door entrance.



Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation 1. Doormats to be removed.

2. Double hinged door with 800mm height of door

handle and lock

29

Internal Environment – Sl # 13 – Accessible Toilet

Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation 1. All are inaccessible toilets. 2. Toilet entrance width is 770 mm with thresh hold

160mm. 3. Toilet door 670mm width. 4. Urinal 670mm height. 5. Indian style pan 6. Basin height 880 mm 7. Mirror height 1020mm 8. There is no colour contrast between the floor, wall

and sanitary fittings 9. Bad illumination



Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation 1. Accessible unisex toilet in every floor with the cubicle

size of 1700 X 2200. 2. Toilet door to open outwards, be double hinged or

sliding type. 3. WC to be installed in a corner with centre line of the

WC at a distance of450mm to 500mm from the adjacent wall. The front edge of WC to project 750mm of/from the rear wall.

4. Seat height should 400- 450mm. 5. Horizontal grab bar to be installed on adjacent wall at

a height of 200mm from the WC seat. 6. A fold up grab bar to be installed at a centre line

distance of320mm-200mm from the WC seat. 7. A wash basin to be installed at a height of at least

800-840mm from floor.

30

8. Clear knee space of at least750mm height x750mm width x 200mm depth under the wash basin, with additional toe-space of 300mm height x 750mm width x 230mm depth. The wash basin to have automatic or lever type faucets and Mirror to be at accessible height of 850 mm.

9. Suggested colour contrast between the floor, wall and sanitary fittings is blue-white, red-white, yellow-blue. Alarm system within easy reach to alert persons outside, in case of emergency.

31

Internal Environment – Sl # 15 – Drinking Water Facility


1. Manual drinking water in building

2. Height of tap 850mm.



Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation 1. Water purifier should install in every floor

2. Non-slippery approach to drinking water facility.

3. Water filter to be shifted to a cleaner surrounding.

4. Heights of water filter to be lowered (not higher than

1200 mm).

5. Clear knee space of at least750mm height x750mm

width x 200mm depth under the wash basin, with

additional toe-space of 300mm height x 750mm

width x 230mm depth

6. Drinking glass and cups required.

7. The area around the water purifier to be mopped

frequently and kept dry.

32

Internal Environment – Sl # 16 – Control and Operating Mechanism


1. Switch board height 1200 mm to 1600mm.

2. No colour contrast between switch board and wall



Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation

1. Switch board to be reinstalled at height of 900 -1200mm and not below 400mm. Clear space from the corner of 400mm.

2. Suggested colour contrasts blue-white, yellow-blue and white-red.

3. Information on controls and switches in Braille.

33

Internal Environment – Sl # 17 – Signage

Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation 1. No accessible signage

2. No other signage including directional in the

building.



Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation 1. Prominent visible signage using the international

symbol of accessibility, identifying/advertising/

signifying accessible entrance and exit, reserved car

parking, presence of toilets for persons with

disabilities and availability of special services.

2. Signage size not less than 60 mm for doors, 110 mm

for corridors and 200 mm for external use.

3. All visual signage in the facility to be provided with

Braille and Tactile supplements. 4. Wherever possible, audio signage to be provided

along with Braille and Tactile.

5. All Braille and tactile signage to be placed at the

height of 900-1500mm, with ideal location at 1050

mm above the finished floor level.

6. Signage to be placed/mounted on the wall alongside

the door.

7. Signage to be adequately illuminate by not less than

50-70 lux.

34

Internal Environment – Sl # 18 – Emergency Evacuation

Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation 1. No emergency evacuation provision.

2. Fire extinguishers at 1300mm height.



Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation

1. Evacuation route plan is to be developed and displayed in different locations of each floor and staircases. Recommended assembly point is clear space in front of main building.

2. This planning is to be done with safety engineers who specialize in emergency evacuation. If not available, local fire department to be consulted.

3. Regular mock drill has to be conducted in regular intervals.

4. From safety point of view employees having any disabilities can be given space at ground floor.

5. Staff must be trained to assist persons with disabilities during evacuation.

6. Evacuation chairs to be available in every floor

35

Others

I. Reflection of the Nodal Officer

“We are so happy that our building has been selected for access audit and will become barrier free PWDs” said N. S.

Pundhir.

II. Report in Alternate Format

Copies of this report can be made available in alternative formats upon payment of a fee. Please contact Swabhiman

to discuss your individual requirements.

36

Annexure

1. Suggested Plan for Implementation with Vendors List

Sl.

No.

Elements of Access

Audit

Tentative Time Required Vendor

Section – 1

Information and

Communication

Systems

Website – 15 days

Publications - 3 - 4 months

NIC

Swabhiman, A-98 Budhanagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Pin –

751006

Tel: 0674-2313312/2313313/ 9238106667

Email [email protected]

Section – 2

Services Disability Sensitization of all

Staff – 15 days

Equal Opportunity Policy

(HR) – 6 Months

Sign Language

Swabhiman

National Association of the Deaf 102, 19A Vishal Complex Opp. Una Enclave, Mayur Vihar, Phase-1 Delhi 110091 (India) A. S. Narayanan

37

Deaf Way Foundation 803,Sahyog Bldg-58, Nehru Place, Delhi - 110019 +(91)-11-41607261 +(91)-9811100076 +(91)-11-41607201

Section – 3

1. Parking One Designated Parking Bay

with International Symbol – 1

week

Local artist

2. Alighting

3. Accessible Route Government building contractor

4. Accessible Entrance Guide Map and Directional

Signage – 15 days (Wooden

with painting)

7 days (Flex printing and

framing)

Local artist / carpenter

Local flex printer

5. Reception and

Lobby

Receptionist with knowledge

of Hindi, English and Sign

language. Sensitized to

disability and old age issues,

trained in disability etiquette.

- 5 days

Printed information in

accessible alternate formats –

Swabhiman

Designing – Swabhiman

Printing – Local Printer

38

2-3 months

6. Stairs Grab bars on the right side

(wall) 15-20 days

Illumination of 55-75 lx.

Directional signage and floor

numbers.(5-10)

Government building contractor

7. Ramp Modification of existing toilet. Government building contractor

8. Handrails Grab bars on both side of

stairs and ramp (15-20)

Government building contractor

9. Elevator

10. Corridors Anti skid rubber mats to be

placed over tiles immediately.

Floor tiles to be replaced with

tactile tiles, if not available,

anti-skid tiles to be fitted.(15-

20)

12. Doors and

Doorways

Government Contractor

13. Accessible Toilet Two accessible unisex toilets

to be constructed.


14. Cafeteria

15. Drinking Water Accessible drinking water Government Contractor

39

Facility arrangements in office.(10-15

days)

16. Controls and

Operating

Mechanisms

Switch boards to be

reinstalled at appropriate

heights and safety regulations

adhered to.(10-15 days)


Braille embossing –

National Institute for the Visually Handicapped

(Under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of

India)

116 Rajpur Road, Dehradun – 248001

Uttarakhand

Telephone No. – (0135) 2735350

Fax : (0135) 2734157

National Association for the Blind

11/12, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road, Worli Seaface, Mumbai

– 400 030

Fax: 6683 8659


17. Signage Prominent visible signage

using the international

symbol of accessibility,

identifying/advertising/signif

ying accessible entrance and

exit, reserved car parking,

Local artist

40

toilets and availability of

special services (if any to be

created).(5-10 days)

18. Emergency

Evacuation

Evacuation route plan is to be

developed and displayed in

different locations of each

floor and staircases in

consultation with safety

engineers or local fire station.

Fire Extinguishers with

expired date to be replaced

immediately with new ones.

41

2. Five Point Rating of Buildings

Evaluation Rank

Evaluation Criteria Symbol Priority for Creating

Access

1 Hazardous, Inaccessible and

Unsatisfactory

Highest

2 Inaccessible and Unsatisfactory

High

3 Unsatisfactory but Acceptable

Moderate

4 Accessible and Acceptable -

Access Code Compliant

Low

5 Accepted as a Best Practice in

Accessibility

Lowest

42

3. Additional Recommendations

Necessary recommendations

1. The admin/front desk staff need to be sensitized to the needs of visually impaired (i.e that the register has to be filled by the front desk staff)

2. Administrative staff needs to be sensitized or trained to the needs of hearing impaired (using SMS to communicate timing of meetings etc). Let this info be available in the manual as well

3. For visually impaired: We request signage to be put up in Braille signage in key areas such as restrooms. For Low vision persons: all glass doors/walls should have a strip which alerts them to the presence of glass wall (may be useful for even sighted persons!)

Safety/ERT recommendations

1. Orientation for visually impaired to fire exit on each floor

2. Procedure for disabled is to go along with a buddy. For physically disabled in wheelchair – they will have to be carried down. Designated members have to be responsible for this

Overall long term recommendation

1. Please intimate builder on accessibility requirements so that any future changes do conform to the guidelines

2. Create a handbook to be given to employees with disability Include disability training for all employees as part of induction (5 mins max on what facilities are available)

3. Have instructions/manual - some training for support staff, shared service, outsourced staff on their roles and responsibilities towards disabled staff. (Swabhiman can provide these on payment of fee)

43

SWABHIMAN

State Disability Information and Resource Centre




SWABHIMAN

State Disability Information and Resource Centre




TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE AGRA -...

Documents

Transcript of TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE AGRA -...