Developing a Policy Framework for Effective Building Accessibility

March 28, 2007 | Pierre W. Jolicoeur, FMA, RPA

The adoption of Universal Design practices in new construction is seen as an effective, long-term strategy for meeting barrier-free provisions and emerging legislative requirements. But what about the current building stock? How should an organization approach building accessibility issues for aged infrastructure? This article describes the ramifications of an effective building accessibility policy as part of a comprehensive asset management strategy and proffers a series of policy directions that any facilities management organization, public or private, may wish to consider.   Legislative Environment There have been numerous legislative and organizational imperatives that have been undertaken in an effort to promote diversity and inclusion. From the origins of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights back in 1948 to the creation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) and Canadian Human Rights Act (1985), efforts ...