DDA / Accessibility
The Disability Discrimination Act seeks ‘to eliminate, as far as possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of disability”. Within public spaces and transport infrastructure, the objective is to enable access for everyone.
Some of the visible changes resulting from the DDA legislation include:
- Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) to assist people with vision impairments of the direction of paths and crossings and to warn them of hazards;
- Ramps, landings and handrails to assist people with mobility impairments;
- Public transport stops that are accessible for people with mobility impairments.
DDA and accessibility is also supported by other laws and regulations. In particular, public transport operators have obligations within the Disability Standards for Public Transport (DSAPT) Act 2002. The Act and related regulations are intended to provide universal access to public transport services and facilities allowing all passengers independent travel.
RSA has established itself as a leader in DDA and DSAPT accessibility and safety audits. Our team has experience undertaking accessibility audits in many settings within public open spaces, public transport environments and the built-environment. Our team is experienced in undertaking pragmatic assessments to ensure practical accessibility can be achieved within existing infrastructure redevelopments, new developments, urban design and public transport.
Related Case Studies
Plenty Road, Doreen, Melbourne
This audit highlighted a common issue with TGSIs within design, namely, overuse.
Waverly Gardens Shopping Centre, Mulgrave, Melbourne
This was a DDA compliance audit for this medium sized suburban shopping centre, covering internals and externals.
