Choosing the Least Restrictive
Option
| Guide | Access Across a Boundary |
The selection of the most appropriate structure for installation on a path, whether it is a gap, gate or stile, must recognise the diversity of potential users and the range of disabilities that may influence people's ability to negotiate a structure safely and conveniently. Such considerations may also apply to other structures such as steps, ramps, seats and picnic tables. The ease of use table looks at the ways in which the ease of use of different access structures can be affected by a person's age or the nature of any disability, including:
- visual impairment
- dexterity
- reach
- balance
- strength
- mobility and
- wheelchair users
The ‘Evaluation’ included in each section of the Guide and on Side 1 of the Information Sheets summarises the key attributes of each design. Whilst these provide a broad appraisal of the different structures, they are based on the above type of comprehensive assessment of their accessibility and ease of use both by people of all ages, including able-bodied people, and people with disabilities.
It is hoped that this information will assist site managers in selecting the mostappropriate designs of structure and increase awareness of the access constraintsthat they may unintentionally impose on potential users of differing ability.