About This Course
This course explores a benchmark of global best practices in accessibility for buildings and public spaces, focusing on recent publications that address the diverse needs of individuals through the principles of universal design. Participants will gain insights into how various countries and organizations are setting standards to create more inclusive, usable, and equitable environments for all.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone involved in designing, building, or managing public spaces and buildings. It’s especially useful for architects, designers, facility managers, and safety officers. Human Resources and procurement teams may also find it helpful.
Course Structure
The course content is divided in five modules to provide an overview of global best practices in accessibility for buildings and public spaces.
Module 1: Accessibility and Universal Design
In this module the participants will learn the definitions of accessibility applied to the built environment, universal design and its seven principles, as well as other basic concepts including consultation with final users, what is an access strategy, and what is an access audit.
Module 2: Basic Accessibility Features
This module introduces the participants to the most common elements that are used in either exterior or interior environments, and that would be referred to in other accessible elements and in the following modules along the course.
Module 3: Public Space, Buildings’ Exterior Environment
The focus of this module is on accessibility to public spaces and the urban environment, this includes sidewalks and other pedestrian walkways, parking lots, outdoor public use eating areas, and play spaces including recreational trails and access to body of water.
Module 4: Indoor rooms, spaces and elements
This module introduces accessibility to the key indoor elements, such as horizontal and vertical circulations and sanitary accommodations. These three topics are subdivided into several components and when used together they contribute to creating universally designed spaces for everyone.
Module 5: Other specific accessibility recommendations
In this module the participant will learn about the provisions for specific use rooms that should be accessible, from audience and spectator facilities, or shops and supermarkets, to quiet rooms, which are a new addition to the accessibility provisions. We will also discuss the minimum best practices for emergency preparedness, management and heritage or historical budlings.
Module 6: Glossary
In this module, you'll find a glossary of key terms and concepts related to accessibility and universal design. It’s designed to clarify essential language and definitions. Whether you're new to the topic or just need a quick refresher, this section will ensure we’re all speaking the same language moving forward.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Learn the definitions of accessibility and universal design and its seven principes applied to the built environment.
- Understand the fundamental accessibility elements for creating accessible environments, including buildings and public spaces.
- Know the specifications for key accessible, outdoor and indoor features, based on the latest international model standards.
- Apply best practices when local regulation is not sufficient to create accessible environments for different types of users.
- In addition, this knowledge is key to start a path in built environment accessibility, a differentiator in the labour market and a step towards excellence in accessibility.
Welcome to this IAAP course. Together, we can build a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive built environment.
