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Building Accessibility

QWE Practice Guideline: 411 – Incorporate universal design principles into the physical plant.

Target group: Any organization supporting and/or employing individuals with disabilities

Practice Description

Upgrade building access to improve accessibility for staff

Resources Needed

Subject matter experts/trainers

  • Consultant with knowledge and experience updating and/or repairing building access

Equipment

  • New door materials

Implementation Process

Process

  • Assess building for accessibility challenge
    • Can everyone access the building – on their own or with assistance?
    • What will improve access?
    • Who might have different access needs in the future?
  • Purchase materials and install where needed
  • Have staff utilize new access mechanisms to ensure accessibility is unhindered
    • Makes further adjustments as necessary
  • Complete an accessibility check each year
    • Upgrade and update access as needed
    • Incorporate into safety and emergency planning

Documentation

  • SOPs
    • Policies and procedures for maintaining building accessibility

Outcomes/Results

  • Began with installation of new door handle levers to increase ease of use when opening doors

NPA: New Leaf Inc.
Location: Oak Harbor, WA
Date Submitted: 2011
Website: http://www.newleafinc.org/

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