Tag: buildingentrance

Sasamat Picnic - September 2nd, 2021

Helping Hands: posAbilities

By Violet Figueroa on

posAbilities is a non-profit organization based in British Columbia, Canada, that provides services and support to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Their mission is to help individuals with disabilities lead meaningful and healthy lives. They offer a range of services that are tailored to support individuals with developmental disabilities throughout their lifespan. Some of their services include:

  1. Employment Services: posAbilities assists job seekers with diverse abilities to prepare for, secure, and maintain competitive employment.
  2. Home Living Supports: posAbilities provides a variety of home living supports throughout Metro Vancouver, including staffed residential homes, independent living arrangements, and semi-independent living.
  3. Behaviour Support: posAbilities provides behaviour support services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability, including early intensive behaviour intervention, behaviour consultation for school-aged children and youth, and adult services.
  4. Community Programs: posAbilities offers day support and skill development programs in various communities in Metro Vancouver, providing opportunities for individuals to explore the arts, learn new skills, volunteer, and participate in sports and hobbies.

In addition to their services, posAbilities also offers resources, such as community resources, publications, and reports, to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. They also have an Innovation team that is focused on exploring new ideas and partnerships to enhance their services and better support the community.

posAbilities is a valuable resource for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in British Columbia. They are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the communities where they live and work, and to helping individuals with disabilities lead fulfilling lives.

We at Accessible Places share in the goal of creating and sharing accessible spaces and tools. If you would like an assessment or have any questions about accessibility, Please Contact Us!

Helping Hands: AutismBC

By Violet Figueroa on

AutismBC is a non-profit organization based in British Columbia, Canada, which provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. They empower and support individuals with autism and their families throughout their lifespan. They offer a wide range of programs and services to support this mission, including:

  1. Learning: AutismBC provides workshops and training programs to empower individuals with autism, their families, and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals with autism.
  2. Connection: AutismBC offers events and activities to help individuals with autism and their families build connections, friendships, and have fun.
  3. Support: AutismBC’s Resource Team provides information and advice to empower the autism community with current, credible information and advice.
  4. Advocacy: AutismBC advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with autism and their families in a variety of areas, including education, employment, healthcare, and housing.
  5. Membership: AutismBC offers a free membership program that provides access to valuable programs, services, supports, and inclusive events.

AutismBC also offers a range of resources to help individuals with autism and their families, including information on assessment, funding, caregiving, and resource guides. They also provide stories from individuals with autism and their families to help others better understand the experiences of those with autism.

AutismBC is a valuable resource for individuals with autism and their families in British Columbia. They empower and support individuals with autism throughout their lifespan and promoting a more accessible and inclusive future for the autism community.

We at Accessible Places share in the goal of creating and sharing accessible spaces and tools. If you would like an assessment or have any questions about accessibility, Please Contact Us!

Brown Moving Machine Comes With Comode Features

Moving Machine – The Ultimate Transfer Chair

By Violet Figueroa on

For Orders: https://accessibleplaces.ca/product/moving-machine/

Easy Mobility’s Moving Machine is a commode chair, shower stool, transfer board and wheelchair all in one.

It eliminates expensive and bulky lifts from our daily routine, and removes hardships for caregivers and for people with mobility disabilities alike.

We at Accessible Places share in the goal of creating and sharing accessible spaces and tools. If you would like an assessment or have any questions about accessibility, Please Contact Us!

Neil Squire using a Computer with his mouth.

Helping Hands: The Neil Squire Society

By Violet Figueroa on

The Neil Squire Society is a Canadian non-profit organization that provides technology solutions and support services to people with disabilities. They operate throughout Canada, with their head office located in Burnaby, British Columbia.

The Neil Squire Society’s goal is to help people with disabilities achieve greater independence and quality of life using assistive technology. They offer a wide range of services and programs, including:

  1. Assistive Technology Services: The Neil Squire Society provides a range of assistive technology solutions to help people with disabilities overcome barriers to employment, education, and daily living. They collaborate with clients to identify their specific needs and develop customized solutions to help them achieve their goals.
  2. Computer Comfort Program: This program provides free one-on-one computer training to people with disabilities to help them develop computer skills and improve their employability.
  3. Makers Making Change: This program engages volunteers to design and build custom assistive devices using 3D printing and other technologies. The organizers donate these devices to people with disabilities at low cost.
  4. Distance Learning: The Neil Squire Society offers distance learning programs to help people with disabilities improve their skills and knowledge in a variety of areas, including computer skills, employment readiness, and life skills.
  5. Research and Development: The Neil Squire Society engages in ongoing research and development of new assistive technologies and solutions to help people with disabilities.

The Neil Squire Society helps people with disabilities overcome barriers and achieve their full potential using assistive technology and support services.

We at Accessible Places share in the goal of creating and sharing accessible spaces and tools. If you would like an assessment or have any questions about accessibility. Please Contact Us!

Designers should always keep their users in mind

Measuring Accessibility Part 4 – Measuring Website Accessibility using the WCAG 2.1

By Violet Figueroa on

WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1) is a set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to help make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. It provides recommendations for creating websites that are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users. Here are some key points for businesses looking to ensure their website is accessible according to WCAG 2.1:

1. Perceivable: Ensure that users can perceive the information presented on your website.

  • Provide alternative text (alt text) for images, so screen readers can describe them to visually impaired users.
  • Use captions or transcripts for audio and video content.
  • Ensure that color alone is not used to convey essential information.

2. Operable: Ensure that users can navigate and interact with your website effectively.

  • Make all functionality available from a keyboard, as some users may not be able to use a mouse.
  • Ensure that links and interactive elements have sufficient size and spacing to be easily clickable.
  • Provide clear and consistent navigation throughout the website.

3. Understandable: Ensure that users can comprehend the content and functionality of your website.

  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Provide instructions and error messages that are easy to understand.
  • Ensure form inputs have appropriate labels and placeholders.

4. Robust: Ensure that your website can be accessed by a wide range of user agents (browsers, assistive technologies, etc.).

  • Use semantic HTML markup to enhance compatibility with different devices and assistive technologies.
  • Ensure that your website degrades gracefully in older or less common browsers.
  • Test your website on different platforms and assistive technologies to ensure compatibility.

To assist in evaluating and improving website accessibility, you can use the EqualWeb chrome extension. EqualWeb is an accessibility solution that integrates with your website to make it more accessible. It provides automated accessibility scans, identifies issues, and offers remediation solutions. It can help you address accessibility barriers and ensure your website complies with WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

Achieving full accessibility may require additional steps depending on the complexity of your website. Consulting with accessibility experts and conducting user testing with people with disabilities can provide valuable insights for making your website more inclusive and usable for all visitors.

Contact Accessible Places for a customized accessibility audit and recommendations for how to meet relevant accessibility guidelines and standards to improve accessibility.

Building Facade with the Sign for People With Disabilites

Measuring Accessibility Part 3 – Understanding ISO 21542 for Accessible Pre-Construction

By Violet Figueroa on

ISO 21542 is an international standard that provides guidelines for making buildings and facilities accessible to People with Disabilities. Here are some of the most important standards from ISO 21542 for construction companies: 

  • Entrances: The standard requires entrances to be accessible and free from hazards that could cause trips or falls. This includes ensuring that pathways leading to the entrance are wide enough to accommodate mobility devices and that steps are equipped with handrails on both sides. 
  • Elevators: The standard sets out requirements for accessible elevators, including their size, controls, and braille markings. Elevators should be large enough to accommodate mobility devices, and the controls and indicators should be easy to reach and understand. 
  • Washrooms: The standard sets out requirements for accessible washrooms, including their size, layout, and the types of fixtures that must be included. Washrooms should be designed to accommodate mobility devices, with accessible stalls, sinks, and grab bars. 
  • Lighting: The standard requires that lighting be sufficient to prevent falls and positioned to reduce glare and shadows. Lighting should be bright enough for people with visual impairments to see clearly, but not so bright as to cause discomfort or eye strain. 
  • Flooring: The standard requires that flooring be slip-resistant and free from tripping hazards, with a maximum height difference of 5mm (0.2 inches) between flooring surfaces. This can include the use of slip-resistant materials such as carpet, vinyl, or rubber, and the placement of non-slip mats in areas that may become wet. 
  • Signage: The standard requires that signage be provided in a range of formats, including braille and tactile formats, to ensure that people with visual impairments can access the information they need. The standard also sets out requirements for the size, contrast, and placement of signs to ensure they are easily visible. 

By following these and other standards set by ISO 21542, construction companies can help ensure that the buildings they construct are accessible to people with disabilities, which can improve the safety, usability, and overall quality of the buildings. This can also help construction companies meet regulatory requirements and improve their reputation as socially responsible businesses.

Hiring an accessibility specialist can help benchmark your pre-construction’s current state of accessibility against guidelines and standards and provide recommendations for making improvements. 

Contact Accessible Places for a customized accessibility audit and recommendations for how to meet relevant accessibility guidelines and standards to improve accessibility in your construction plans.

Woman Using Wheelchair at Home

Measuring Accessibility Part 2 – Understanding CSA B652 Standards For Accessible Homes

By Violet Figueroa on

CSA B652 is a Canadian standard that provides guidelines for making homes and other residential buildings more accessible to seniors and people with disabilities. Here are some of the most important standards from CSA B652 that are relevant for seniorsand People with Disabilities living at home.

  1. Entranceways: The standard requires entranceways to be accessible and free from hazards that could cause trips or falls. This includes ensuring that thresholds are flush with the floor surface, and that doorways are wide enough to accommodate mobility devices. 
  2. Lighting: The standard sets out requirements for lighting in residential buildings, with a focus on ensuring that lighting is sufficient to prevent falls and is positioned to reduce glare and shadows. Lighting should be bright enough for seniors to see clearly, but not so bright as to cause discomfort or eye strain. 
  3. Flooring: The standard requires that flooring be slip-resistant and free from tripping hazards, with a maximum height difference of 6mm (0.25 inches) between flooring surfaces. This can include the use of slip-resistant materials such as carpet, vinyl, or rubber, and the placement of non-slip mats in areas that may become wet. 
  4. Kitchens: The standard sets out requirements for accessible kitchens, including the placement and height of counters, the location of appliances, and the availability of storage that is easily reachable. Kitchen counters should be at a height comfortable for seniors to work at, and appliances such as ovens and microwaves should be at an easy height. 
  5. Bathrooms: The standard sets out requirements for accessible bathrooms, including the placement and height of fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and tubs, and grab bars and non-slip surfaces. Bathrooms should be designed to accommodate mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, with ample space for maneuvering. 
  6. Communication: The standard requires that residential buildings be equipped with communication devices such as visual or auditory alarms, intercoms, and emergency call systems to ensure that seniors can call for help in case of an emergency. These systems should be easy to use and located in accessible locations throughout the building. 

By following these and other standards set by CSA B652, seniors living at home or in residential care facilities can enjoy a safe and accessible living environment that promotes their independence, dignity, and well-being. 

Hiring an accessibility specialist can help benchmark your home’s current state of accessibility against guidelines and standards and provide recommendations for making improvements. 

Contact Accessible Places for a customized accessibility audit and recommendations for how to meet relevant accessibility guidelines and standards to improve accessibility in your home.

Accessible Parking Spaces

Measuring Accessibility Part 1 – Understanding the CSA B651 Standards and Guidelines for Canadian Businesses 

By Violet Figueroa on

For businesses in Canada that want to ensure their facilities and services are fully accessible, it is important to understand the various accessibility standards and guidelines that exist. 

To start off, let us look at the CSA B651. Published by the Canadian Standards Association, CSA B651 outlines accessibility requirements for built environments for facilities and workspaces. It covers things like parking, ramps, corridors, elevators, signage, lighting and more. 

  • Accessible parking: The standard requires that accessible parking spaces be located as close as possible to the accessible entrance of a building. The spaces must be wide enough to accommodate a vehicle with a side-mounted wheelchair lift, and they must be marked with a sign displaying the international symbol of accessibility. 
  • Entranceways: The standard requires entranceways to be accessible to people with disabilities, with a minimum clear width of 900mm (35.5 inches). Where there are steps at the entrance, a ramp or lift must be provided. If a ramp is provided, it must be no steeper than 1:12 (8.33%) and be equipped with handrails on both sides. If a lift is provided, it must meet certain requirements for size, controls, and safety features. 
  • Washrooms: The standard sets out detailed requirements for accessible washrooms, including the minimum number of fixtures required, the size of the stall and door, the height of grab bars and toilet seats, and the location of accessories such as toilet paper dispensers and waste receptacles. 
  • Elevators: The standard requires that elevators be accessible to people with disabilities, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. The standard also sets out requirements for braille markings on elevator controls and in the elevator car, as well as audible signals to indicate when a floor has been reached. 
  • Signage: The standard requires that signage be provided in a range of formats, including braille and tactile formats, to ensure that people with visual impairments can access the information they need. The standard also sets out requirements for the size, contrast, and placement of signs to ensure they are easily visible. 
  • Communication: The standard requires that businesses provide communication supports and assistive devices such as hearing aids, sign language interpreters, and captioning to ensure that people with hearing or speech impairments can communicate effectively. The standard also sets out requirements for the use of plain language and the availability of alternative formats for written materials such as manuals and instructions. 

By following these and other standards set by CSA B651, Canadian business owners can help ensure that their workplaces are accessible to people with disabilities, which can improve employee morale, customer satisfaction, and overall business success. 

Hiring an accessibility consultant or specialist can help benchmark your current state of accessibility against guidelines and standards and provide recommendations for making improvements. 

Contact Accessible Places for a customized accessibility audit and recommendations for how to meet relevant accessibility guidelines and standards to improve inclusivity for all your customers and employees. 

Senior couple living independently in their own home

Best Home Safety Products for Seniors to Prevent Injuries

By Violet Figueroa on

Simple products can go a long way in making a senior’s home safer and helping them live independently with a lower risk of injury. Here are some of the best options: 

  • Nonslip rugs and mats – Textured surfaces help reduce slips and falls, especially in bathrooms and walk-in showers.
  • Grab bars – Installed in bathrooms, showers and near stairs, grab bars offer stability and support to help seniors transfer positions and maneuverer independently.
  • Motion detecting night lights – Night lights that automatically activate provide illumination to avoid hazards and prevent falls during nighttime trips to the bathroom.
  • Lever door handles – Lever-style door handles are easier for seniors with limited hand strength or arthritis to open and close.
  • Raised toilet seats – Toilet seats that raise a few inches make it easier and more comfortable for seniors to use the facilities.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Essential for warning seniors of fire and gas hazards that pose injury risks.
  • Accessibility handles and railings – Installed throughout the home, accessibility handles and railings provide balance and support, helping to avoid falls and injuries.
  • Emergency alert systems – Medical alarm systems allow seniors to call for help if they sustain an injury and are unable to reach a phone.
  • Evacuation Chairs – These products ensure seniors can safely evacuate the building. Best to request your building manager to invest in these for your whole building, but you can also consider buying them individually for your family and friends.

Even simple products installed strategically throughout the home can significantly reduce hazards for seniors.

Accessible Places can perform an in-depth home safety assessment and recommend a customized list of the most effective safety products, based on a senior’s specific needs, abilities, and injury risks. 

 

Bionic Hand and Human Hand Finger Pointing

Adaptive Technology Solutions for Improved Accessibility

By Violet Figueroa on

Adaptive technology can significantly improve the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Here are some examples: 

  • Screen readers – Software that verbalizes what is on the screen allows blind and low vision users to access digital information.
  • Voice recognition software – Programs that allow users to control computers and devices with spoken commands benefit those with limited mobility, dexterity issues or visual impairments.
  • Switches – Specialized switches that can be activated using a sip-and-puff tube, foot pedals or head movements help people with limited hand function operate devices.
  • Adapted keyboards and mice -Modified input devices that are larger, have keyguard overlays or switches provide accessible alternatives for people with disabilities.
  • Magnification software – Programs that enlarge screen content are useful for low vision users to access computers and mobile devices.
  • Braille displays – Devices that convert on-screen text to Braille cells allow blind users to read digital information independently.
  • Image labellers – Software that can verbally describe photos enable blind and visually impaired individuals to identify and understand images.

When choosing adaptive technology, it is important to consider the person’s specific needs and abilities. A specialist can recommend the right tools after evaluating an individual’s goals, capabilities, and the tasks they need to accomplish.

Accessible Places provides consultations and customized recommendations for adaptive technology that matches each client’s unique situation.