Checklist, information and contacts
Downloads
- Checklist - Indicators of Access to JCA Premises and Service
- Access audits
- Accessibility Action Plans
- Disability Awareness Training
- Disability organisations that can assist
- The law
- Other guides and checklists for access
- Building specifications and requirements
- How to access sign language interpreters
- Website accessibility
- Telephone typewriters TTY
- The National Relay Service
- How to provide information in Braille and other alternative formats
- Hearing augmentation systems
The following checklist, information and contacts are designed to assist you to assess whether your building, or a building you want to use, will be accessible to people with disabilities. It also covers access to the goods, services and facilities your organisation provides or makes available.
It is the responsibility of your organisation to ensure that all buildings, programs and services including amenities , meet requirements that comply with relevant regulation, codes and guidelines.
While there are technical details available concerning the design and construction of buildings in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and its referenced Australian Standards (AS), case law has shown that compliance with those requirements may not be sufficient to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
The BCA and its referenced standards continue to remain the relevant technical compliance documents. If your organisation is concerned that any aspect of your building is not at least compliant with the current BCA you must check against the code and in related AS 1428.1 which includes technical information on issues such as doorways, ramps, signage, circulation space and hearing assistance systems.
Department of Human Services (DHS) requires each JCA provider to document any areas of non-compliance for initial discussion with DHS, via their organisation’s DHS contract manager. Depending upon the nature of the issue of non-compliance, DHS may request the JCA provider submit an Accessibility Action Plan to HREOC. The Action Plan and its required contents can be discussed directly with HREOC, and the following information may be required; a description of the issue of inaccessibility, action which the provider has undertaken to redress the issue, timeframe of potential resolution of the issue and proposed interim arrangements, so that people with disabilities may still access the JCA provider, their premises and related services and amenities.
Noting that ‘unjustifiable hardship’ is not a defence under the DDA when any organisation delivers Commonwealth programs or laws, HREOC accepts that in some circumstances and localities, issues that require reasonable adjustment to ensure accessibility may depend upon other factors such as; availability of other premises which may meet the legislative requirements. An example may be that your business has unsuitable access for interview purposes and you arrange for an alternative venue for interview until you address lack of access in your building. At the same time you note in your Action Plan and in your Business or Strategic Plan that you are addressing the issue of lack of accessible interview room.
The Disability Rights Unit within HREOC is contactable on (02) 9284-9600 or disabdis@humanrights.gov.au for further information. DHS acknowledges the significant input from HREOC in the development of this checklist. If you need a more detailed assessment of the accessibility of your building or services you may require advice from an access consultant, architect or building professional. DHS does not endorse or recommend any advice or assistance you or your organisation may seek in order to fulfil legislative or other obligations.
Checklist - Idicators of access to JCA premises and service
| Organisation Code: | ‘WXYZ’ |
| Site Code: | ‘ABCD’ |
| Date completed: | ‘xx / xx / XXXX’ |
| Completed by: | ‘name and position’ |
| Provider Accessibility Contact: | ‘name and phone number’ |
1. Accessible paths of travel to the main door
1.1 Is there a clear accessible path of travel with no steps or other barriers from the footpath to and through the main door used by the public?
1.2 If the path of travel includes a ramp does it have a compliant slope/incline and width, handrails, safety rails, landings and warning tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI)?
1.3 If the path of travel includes a lift does it provide for adequate circulation, buttons with tactile information at a height that can be
reached by all, handrails and audible information?
1.4 Is signage identifying your organisation clear, sufficiently large and of high luminance contrast?
1.5 If there are any stairs (in addition to the accessible path of travel) do they have handrails, colour contrast nosing, no open risers and warning TGSI?
Note: Providing access for people with mobility disabilities through a separate entrance to the one used by the general public is not
acceptable, if the main entrance can be reasonably adjusted and therefore made accessible. This is particularly applicable if alternate access is dependent on making prior arrangements by alerting staff to the need for doors to be unlocked or similar.
2. Car parks
2.1 If car parking facilities are made available to the public is there a clear accessible path of travel with no steps or other barriers from designated accessible parking spaces to the main entrance used by the public?
2.2 Is the designated accessible parking space(s) as close as possible to the main public entrance?
2.3 Is the accessible parking space identified with appropriate signage?
3. Accessible paths inside the building to all services and facilities
3.1 Is there a clear accessible path of travel with no steps or other barriers from the entry to all areas and facilities used by the public including reception areas, interview rooms, toilets and other facilities?
3.2 Are passageways wide enough for people using mobility aids?
3.3 Are floor coverings smooth and suitable for people using mobility aids?
3.4 If the path of travel includes a ramp does it have a compliant incline and width, handrails, safety rails, landings and warning tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI)?
3.5 If the path of travel includes a lift does it provide for adequate circulation, buttons with tactile information at a height that can be
reached by all, handrails and audible information.
3.6 Does signage direct the public from the entrance to a reception desk or facilities and is it clear, sufficiently large and of high luminance contrast?
3.7 If there are any stairs (in addition to the accessible path of travel) do they have handrails, colour contrast nosing, no open risers and warning TGSI?
4. Doorways
4.1 Is there adequate circulation space for people using mobility aids at and through all doorways?
4.2 Can doors be easily and independently opened by all users?
4.3 If the doorway is glass is there a clearly distinguishable contrasting strip across their full width?
Note: a revolving doorway is not acceptable as the only means of entry.
5. Toilets
5.1 Are toilets clearly signed including tactile and Braille information?
5.2 Is there a unisex accessible toilet at or close to the location of other toilet facilities?
5.3 Are unisex accessible toilets fitted out in compliance with requirements including circulation space, handrails, sinks, mirrors, taps and towelling?
6. Goods, services and facilities
6.1 Is at least a part of any reception area at a height that can be accessed by a person using a mobility aid?
6.2 If there are any tables, cubicles, water coolers, telephones, computers, ticketing machines or other facilities, is at least one of each kind accessible to people using a mobility aid?
6.3 If there is a system for queuing or notification of service, is it accessible to all clients?
6.4 If there is a public announcement system, is it supplemented with visual displays and hearing augmentation such as a hearing loop?
6.5 If there is a hearing loop, is there signage to inform the public of its availability?
6.6 Is there adequate lighting to assist with way finding and communication?
6.7 If facilities such as telephones, computers or transaction machines are made available to the public can they be used by all client including those with a vision or hearing impairments?
6.8 Are staff trained to provide appropriate assistance and non-discriminatory service?
6.9 Do staff know when and how to provide sign language interpreters for clients who communicate using Auslan?
6.10 Is information provided to clients available in a range of formats on request and do staff know how to access alternative formats when required?
6.11 Is public information on your organisation’s website accessible to all users and compliant with web accessibility guidelines?
6.12 Is there an emergency evacuation procedure in place that addresses the needs of people with disabilities?
Access audits
Accessibility Action Plans
Disability Awareness Training
- Free on-line training program
- Some members of Association of Consultants in Access Australia also provide Disability Awareness Training
Disability organisations that can assist
- Links to national peak disability groups—Most of these national peak groups have local branches or will know of local groups who may provide assistance. Many Local Government bodies also have Community or Disability Officers who may be able to provide advice and identify local contacts.
- Vision Australia, 454 Glenferrie Road Kooyong Victoria (03 9864 9607) and 4 Mitchell Street Enfield New South Wales (02 9334 3556).
The law
- Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Disability Rights homepage
- State and Territory anti-discrimination agencies
Other guides and checklists for access
- WA Disability Services Commission Access Resource Kit
- Melbourne City Council has checklists under their 'Good Access is Good Business Program'
Building specifications and requirements
- The Building Code of Australia (BCA) includes access requirements for different types of building. It is developed by the Australian Building Codes Board
- The BCA references a number of Australian Standards which provide details of the technical specifications—AS 1428.1 is the primary technical reference
How to access sign language interpreters
The organisations listed below will assist in booking a sign language interpreter:
Website accessibility
- Human Rights Commission Advisory Notes
- World Wide Web Consortium Guidelines
- Vision Australia
454 Glenferrie Road
Kooyong, Victoria
(03 9334 3333)
Telephone typewriters TTY
Telstra Aged and Disability Centre (National Disability Line, phone: 1800 068 424). Rental TTYs are available from Telstra on application.
The National Relay Service
- The National Relay Service (NRS) is an Australia-wide telephone access service which provides access to anyone in the wider telephone network for people who are Deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. As a business you could ensure people with a speech or hearing impairment are aware that they can contact you through NRS for a Fact Sheet.
How to provide information in Braille and other alternative formats
- Vision Australia
454 Glenferrie Road
Kooyong, Victoria
(03 9864 9607); and
4 Mitchell Street
Enfield, New South Wales
(02 9334 3556).
Information on hearing augmentation systems
- For information see Deafness Forum
While not recommending any particular company the following can provide further information on products:
Notes
- To view PDF documents you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- To recieve this information in a different format please email jca.feedback@humanservices.gov.au.