Access Resource Kit (ARK) - Disability Services Commission

BARRIERS TO ACCESSING SERVICES
If a person with a hearing or vision impairment was visiting the same local community
centre as the one used in the above example they would have faced different barriers. As
it was, the barriers used included:
• barriers to physical access: kerbs and footpaths, weight of doors, access to desks,
counters, the cashier and the steps to the coffee shop.
• barriers to accessible information: the reception desk in the foyer was too high for
a person in a wheelchair to be able to communicate comfortably. It was good that
there was a notice board in the community centre foyer, however unfortunate that the
information was out of reach for a person in a wheelchair.
• barriers due to lack of staff awareness and skills in delivering services to
people with disabilities: the receptionist remained behind the desk. She was
unaware that it would have been preferable for her to come from behind the counter
and sit at eye level with the person in the wheelchair when answering queries.
• barriers to opportunities to participate in public consultations and decision
making processes: in this instance the person with a disability does not have the
same opportunity as other residents to participate in the community consultation.
The information was not accessible and neither was the consultation venue.
• barriers to opportunities to socialise: the lack of physical access at the coffee
shop resulted in the loss of an opportunity to socialise with a friend.
Identifying creative solutions to eliminating access barriers requires careful thought and
informed planning. Solutions to access problems as outlined above need not involve
major expenditure. Access solutions benefit the whole of the community.
People with Disabilities and Planning for Access (Aust Standards updated February 2011)1.8