Addressing Universal Access in Development in South Africa Speaker: Mr. Phillip Thompson

1. Addressing Universal Access in Development in South Africa Speaker: Mr. Phillip Thompson

2. The Idea of Universal Design ‘Designing as if we all matter’ “The design of products, services and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for personal adaptation or special provision” Esoteric, Holistic and Inclusive Concept Addresses Local Conditions and easily responds to the context Now well articulated in the UNCRPD

3. Beneficiaries of Universal Access UD Principles are orientated to make all environments accessible to all people ‘Bottom-Up Philosophy’ Beneficiaries range from Children, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities to Persons who are obese, require stroller and pram access as well as service personnel Knock on effect of family and other groups that have a member that requires Universal Access

4. The Current Reality in South Africa • Over emphasis on physical access • No expressed endorsement from design professionals for UD • No comprehensive and adequate commitment from Government, Special Needs Language hinders progress • Infrastructure upgrading has not taken account of UA or UD approaches • Limited implementation of Policies and Procedures where they do exist

5. Standards • Integration of Legislative – NBR & Promotion of Equality Act (Section 9) • Basis Points: Functional Limitation, Ergonomics, Usability and Universal Design • Integrated Provision within the NBR • NRCS / SABS and the SANS 10400-S: Procedure and Institutional Shortcomings

6. Standards • National Building Regulations • as amended 2008

7. Standards

8. Standards • How do we comply with the National Building Regulations, as amended 2008

9. Public Works Departments • Need to address UA in Infrastructure • Multiple Points of Engagement: Guidelines, Building Inspectorates, Education, Procurement • Need for Technical Advise: Planners, Architects, and Engineers with appropriate UD training and credentials

10. Urban Development • Inaccessibility of Urban Environments • Legacy of Apartheid and ‘Planning for Inaccessibility’ Regime • Safety & Security of UA Beneficiaries – How to Address? • Meeting the Needs of Poor South Africans • Levels of Marginalization ‘Written’ in Spatial and Urban Environments

11. Water & Sanitation • Dependency created by Inaccessible Means-of-Access • Lack of Planning for Accessible Water & Sanitation • Linkage between Well-Being, Livelihood and Water/ Sanitation: Affect of Inaccessibility on Users

12. Rural Development • Resource Gathering Problematic • Accessibility of Services and Need for Integrated Transport Planning are Issues • Linkage between Well-Being, Livelihood and Water/ Sanitation: Affect of Inaccessibility on Users • Role of Families in Rural Development e.g. Agriculture

13. Disaster Management • Provision for Universally Accessible Shelters • Nature of Humanitarian Aid? • Planning for Disaster and the Role of Universal Design • How will vulnerable populations receive assistance – role of accessible infrastructure

14. UA Grading Scheme Seeks to develop the development of Universal Access in the Tourism Industry Addresses the three primary functional limitations, Communication, Sight and Physical Currently focused on the Accommodation Sector and does not address other products Has just been introduced in 2011, by the end of the year will provide a full data base of the accessibility of all graded establishments.

15. The Way Forward? Universal Design Concept taught in planning and design education Universal Access incorporated into operational and managerial procedures e.g. building inspectors Optimization, rationalization and synergy in mainstream implementation Create a Interface with Local Authorities? Community engagement and participation is vital to achieve optimal Universal Access

16. Thanks! • Phillip Thompson • Contact Details • Tel: 021 674 5193 • Cell: 083 777 3672 • E-Mail: sadi@iafrica.com