Designing for people with disabilities: beyond the minimum

The law is the floor, not the ceiling

Building and equality laws set minimum standards. They are essential, and they should be met. But a building can comply and still be hard to use or make people feel unwelcome. Good design asks not just "does it comply?" but "does everyone feel welcome and able to use this independently?"

Think about the range of needs

Disability includes many experiences:

• Mobility: people who use wheelchairs, walking frames, sticks, or who tire easily.
• Sight: people who are blind or have low vision.
• Hearing: people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Cognitive and learning: people who need clear, simple layouts and signs.
• Neurodiversity, mental health and sensory sensitivities. See Designing for neurodiversity.
• Hidden conditions, such as chronic pain, fatigue or heart and lung conditions.

Different needs sometimes conflict. A good designer looks for solutions that work for as many people as possible, and offers choices where needed.

But a building can comply and still be hard to use or make people feel unwelcome.

Arrive with dignity

The main entrance should be accessible to everyone, as the same door and the same route if possible. Separate "accessible" entrances at the back can make people feel second-class. Level or gently sloping approaches, clear paths, accessible parking and drop-off, and doors that open easily all matter.

Move through the building

• Clear, wide routes without obstacles.
• Lifts and ramps that are easy to find and to use, as well as stairs. Do not rely on a platform lift as a main route unless there is no alternative.
• Doors with enough clear width, light to operate, with good contrast.
• Floors that are level and non-slip, without glare.
• Seating and rest points along longer routes.
• Escape. Plan how everyone leaves in an emergency, including those who cannot use stairs.

Seeing, hearing and understanding

• Colour and tonal contrast on doors, handrails, stair edges and sanitary fittings.
• Good, even lighting without glare or deep shadows.
• Clear signs with large text, simple symbols and tactile or Braille where appropriate.
• Hearing loops or other aids where people need to hear speech.
• Good acoustics, with less echo and background noise.
• Simple, legible layouts. See Wayfinding.

Toilets, changing and facilities

Accessible toilets, changing places for people who need more support and equipment, accessible counters and counters at different heights, reachable controls and fittings, and quiet or rest rooms are important and often forgotten.

Involve disabled people

The best way to do this well is to ask. Disabled people are the experts in their own needs. We encourage clients to involve disabled users, advocacy groups and access consultants early, and to test designs with them. See How to run a user workshop.

In short

Treat accessibility as good design for everyone, go beyond the minimum, involve disabled people, and follow current regulations with professional advice.

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