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Guidelines for Disability AccessIn the Pedestrian Environment

Transport Services Division

ROAD AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Standards & Guidelines

Guidelines for Disability AccessIn the Pedestrian Environment

ForewordThese guidelines have been developed by the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure’s Disability Discrimination Act Standards and Guidelines Review Group in consultation with a range of internal and external interest groups. They replace the Guidelines for Disability Access released by Transport SA in 1998.

These guidelines must be read in conjunction with relevant Australian Standards, relevant guidelines and codes. Discretion and judgement should be exercised in the light of many factors which may influence the choice of facility or products to be provided.

The guidelines address the ‘information gap’ that exists between the knowledge to legally accommodate those with disabilities, when constructing transport infrastructure, and the information contained in Australian Standards, Guidelines, Codes etc.

This document will be reviewed periodically to ensure the most up to date information is available regarding the planning, design, construction and maintenance of disability access provisions.

The DDA Standards and Guidelines Review Group wish to thank all those who have contributed to the development of this guidelines document. This document has been endorsed by the State Advisory Committee on Accessible Transport (SACAT) including representatives from:

The Department for Families and Communitieso Office for the Agingo Disability and Client Services

Council on the Ageing SA Local Government Association SA Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission Carers SA Access Cabs Consumer Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity Disability Sector Representatives

o Vision Impairedo Advocacyo Physical Disabilityo Brain Injury and Intellectual Disabilityo Deafo Alzheimer’s Associationo Disability Information Resource Centre

K-Net Doc: 2946925 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN PRINTEDVersion No.: 12Issue Date: 07/12/2009Doc. Owner: Jim Psyridis, Unit Manager, Statewide Traffic & Operation of 44

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Guidelines to Disability Access in the Pedestrian Environment

CONTENTS

1. Introduction.................................................................................................... 5

2. Purpose............................................................................................................ 5

3. Policy Context................................................................................................ 6

4. Legislation and Standards..........................................................................74.1 Legislated Requirements.........................................................................7

4.1.1Disability Discrimination Act 1992..................................................74.1.2Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT). .7

4.2 Disability Access Framework...................................................................9

5. Understanding Disability...........................................................................105.1 Defining Disability....................................................................................105.2 Types of Disability and the Needs of People with a Disability...........10

5.2.1People with Physical Disabilities..................................................105.2.2People who are Blind or Vision Impaired....................................115.2.3People who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired..................................125.2.4People with Intellectual Disabilities..............................................125.2.5People with Psychiatric Disabilities..............................................12

6. Use of the Transport Environment by People with a Disability........136.1 Introduction..............................................................................................136.2 Pedestrian Environment.........................................................................136.3 Public Transport Environment...............................................................136.4 DDA Design Principles...........................................................................146.5 Seven Stages of Movement...................................................................14

6.5.1Stage 1 - Movement along Paths and within Transport Interchanges.......................................................................................16

6.5.2Stage 2 - Finding Crossing Points and Bus Stops.....................186.5.3Stage 3 - Identifying when Paths Finish and the Location of

Impending Hazards............................................................................216.5.4Stage 4 - Determine the Direction to Cross a Road..................236.5.5Stage 5 - Determine when it is Safe to Cross the Road............276.5.6Stage 6 - Crossing the Road........................................................276.5.7Stage 7 - Finding the Opposite Kerb Crossing Point.................28

7. Design Standard Requirements...............................................................297.1 Traffic Engineering Design Standards.........................................297.1.1Australian Standards.....................................................................29

7.2 Disability Access Facility Checklist.......................................................317.3 Non-Compliance...................................................................................... 34

8. Consultation.................................................................................................368.1 Introduction..............................................................................................368.2 Transport Accessibility Advisory Group (TAAG)..................................37

9. Future Standards Development................................................................38

10.0 APPENDICES.....................................................................................39K-Net Doc: 2946925 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN PRINTEDVersion No.: 12Issue Date: 07/12/2009Doc. Owner: Jim Psyridis, Unit Manager, Statewide Traffic & Operation of 44

Appendix A - Contacts......................................................................................3910.1 DTEI Contacts..................................................................................... 3910.2 External Contacts...............................................................................4010.3 Accredited Access Consultants........................................................41

Appendix B – Disability Organisations and Groups...................................42

Version: 1.0

This document has been prepared by Transport Services Division of the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI). It has been approved and authorised for use by Transport Services Divisions Executive Director.

Extracts may be reproduced providing the subject is kept in context and the source is acknowledged. Every effort has been made to supply complete and accurate information. This document is subject to continual revision and may change.

For information regarding the interpretation of this document please contact:Traffic and Access Standards Section, DTEITelephone: (08) 8343 2158 Facsimile: (08) 8343 2630

For additional copies or to confirm the current status of this document please contact:Traffic and Access Standards Section, DTEITelephone: (08) 8343 2158 Facsimile: (08) 8343 2630

Guidelines for Disability Access in the Pedestrian Environment

1. IntroductionThe Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) recognises the rights of people with disabilities to have the same opportunities as other members of the community to access and participate in all facets of community life.

DTEI is committed to meeting the legislated requirements of people with disabilities in relation to accessing DTEI services and facilities. This guidelines document provides guidance in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure to ensure appropriate disability access to and within all transport infrastructure projects delivered to the community of South Australia.

2. Purpose The purpose of this guide is to provide practical advice to project managers, planners, designers and other project and regional staff to assist them to understand the requirements of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) to:

enhance accessibility of transport infrastructure for people with disabilities

achieve consistency in the planning, design and construction of access for people with disabilities in transport infrastructure projects

facilitate compliance with the State Government commitment, action plans and policy statements aimed at enhancing access for people with disabilities

provide a range of information and resources for more detailed requirements.

reduce the likelihood of a complaint lodged under the DDA

These guidelines apply to the provision of access to all new transport infra-structure including:

road infrastructure public transport infrastructure including rail, tram, bus

infrastructure and transport interchanges marine infrastructure (non-vessel)

These Guidelines contain: policy and legislation context design principles to guide transport infra-structure provision information on the needs of people with various disabilities reference to technical design standards and additional resources, facility checklists and organisation contacts



3. Policy ContextPromoting Independence is the State Government’s strategy to progressively improve disability access and inclusion across all funded services and to comply with the Disability Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Acts.

The strategy provides a policy framework for the development of Disability Action Plans (DAP’s) to be prepared by all South Australian Government departments and their agencies.

The aim of the strategy is to ensure that all Government departments and the services and products they provide are inclusive and accessible to the people with a disability and to eliminate, as far as possible disability discrimination.

In order to achieve this aim, six key outcomes have been identified to provide a practical framework for departments and their agencies to target their achievements. All departments are required to report on the development, implementation and progress of agency DAP’s to the Promoting Independence Reference Group who prepare a progress report to the whole of government Senior Management Group (SMG).

The SMG in-turn prepares a final report to the Minister for Disability by 30 September each year. DTEI regularly updates its Disability Discrimination Act Action Plan and forwards it to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) for information and future reference in the event of a discrimination claim.

DTEI promotes its commitment of ensuring the services and products it delivers appropriately accommodate people with disabilities via ‘Removing the Barriers’ Our Commitment to People with Disabilities.

These guidelines are an example of how DTEI is delivering on its ‘Removing the Barriers’ commitment to people with disabilities.



4. Legislation and Standards When fulfilling its responsibilities for the planning, design and construction of the state’s transport infrastructure and the management and delivery of public transport services, DTEI must ensure the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) is complied with.

4.1 Legislated Requirements

4.1.1 Disability Discrimination Act 1992

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) is a part of the package of federal anti-discrimination laws, which also includes the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 and Age Discrimination Act 2004.

The DDA provides protection for everyone in Australia against discrimination based on disability. It encourages everyone to be involved in implementing the Act and to share in the overall benefits to the community and the economy that flow from participation by the widest range of people.

Disability discrimination happens when people with a disability are treated less fairly than people without a disability. Disability discrimination also occurs when people are treated less fairly because they are relatives, friends, carers, co-workers or associates of a person with a disability.

A person with a disability has a right to access public places in the same way as a person without a disability. Denying or limiting access to public places by people with disabilities is against the law.1

4.1.2 Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT)

Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport have been prepared under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to specify rights and responsibilities about equal access and opportunity to public transport for people with a disability. The DSAPT provide more detail and more certainty than the DDA itself provides.

1 A brief guide to the Disability Discrimination Act



The standards establish minimum accessibility requirements to be met by providers and operators of public transport conveyances, infrastructure and premises. The standards take into account the range of disability covered by the DDA and establish standards for access paths, manoeuvring areas, ramps and boarding devices, allocated spaces, handrails, doorways, controls, symbols and signs, the payment of fares and the provision of information for public transport.

DSAPT were approved by the Commonwealth Parliament on 23 October 2002. All conveyances, premises and infrastructure brought into use for public transport after the commencement of the standards must comply with the standards. A compliance timetable allows between 5 to 30 years for existing facilities to be made compliant.

DSAPT can nominate a standard, but in most cases it makes reference to standards within the Australian Standard 1428 Parts 1, 2, & 4. When using the DSAPT care is required to ensure the use of the correct Australian Standards referenced in the DSAPT. The timing of updates to both documents has led to the referencing of Australian Standards published earlier than the most recently available document.

For example, at the time of publication, the DSAPT refers to Australian Standard 1428 Part 4 (1992). This Australian Standard was updated in 2002 incorporating significant changes to the design and application of Tactile Ground Surface Indicators. Although the updated 2002 standard reflects current best practice it is not legally recognised under the DSAPT.

The main technical differences between AS1428.4 (1992) referred to in the DSAPT and AS1428.4 (2002) is that the latter:

allows the provision of standard kerb ramps without the inclusion of Hazard Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (WTGSIs) provided the gradient of the ramp is 1:8

removes the need to have ‘hammer head’ ends on WTGSIs at bus stops

does not require the use of Directional Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (DTGSIs) at the rear of kerb ramps unless the footpath width exceeds 3.0m

includes a significant change in the design of TGSI’s

Although the 2002 standard is not legally recognised in the DSAPT, in discussion with disability interests groups it has been agreed that the more recent standard can be used where it provides ‘enhanced accessibility’ for transport users with a disability and there is no net reduction in the amenity and safety delivered to the full range of transport users with a disability.

Where the more recent Australian Standard does not enhance accessibility for people with a disability, the Australian Standard



referenced within the DSAPT is the Australian Standard that is legally required to be used.

Traffic Engineering Standards such as AustRoads and Australian Standards have not been given the force of law under the DDA, except where they are specifically referenced by the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT), and while they are a valuable source of information, they do not necessarily provide the solutions to the issues that may arise under the DDA2.

4.2 Disability Access Framework

Figure 1 below depicts the framework of various Commonwealth and State Government Acts, Policies, Strategies, Action Plans, Standards and guidelines currently in place to assist understanding disability access.

National State DepartmentalActs Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Equal Opportunity Act 1984

Disability Services Act 1993 Development Act

(Building Rules) (SA) 1993

Policy and Strategy

Commonwealth Disability Strategy

South Australia's Strategic Plan 2007

Strategic Infrastructure Plan for South Australia

Promoting Independence Strategy

Removing the Barriers

Plans Promoting Independence Disability Action Plans for

South Australia

Promoting Independence DTEI Disability Discrimination

Act Action Plan 2007-2010 DTEI Corporate Plan - 2007

OnwardsStandards Disability Standards for

Accessible Public Transport Australian Standard 1428.1,2,3 &

4 Australian Standard 2353

Australian Standard 1735.12 Australian Standard 2899.1

Australian Standard 2353

DTEIStandard Drawings

(various)

Guidelines Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport

Guidelines Access to Buildings and Services

- Guidelines and Information Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice Pt 13 - Pedestrians


Codes Building Code of Australia

Figure 1 – Disability Access Framework

2 (Source: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/faq/stanfaq/stanfaq.html#areas, Frequently Asked Questions – Disability Standards).


http://www.abcb.gov.au/

http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/planning-design/standards_and_procedures

http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/planning-design/standards_and_procedures

http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/library/find_information/information_databases/austroads_publications

http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/library/find_information/information_databases/austroads_publications

http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/guidelines.htm

http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/guidelines.htm

http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Humanrightsandanti-discrimination_Disabilitystandardsforaccessiblepublictransport



http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/browse_dtei/functional_view/transport_technical_information?CatID=5c050713-8e97-4897-aa9a-01e890990a86



http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/library/find_information/information_databases/standards








http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/77622/DTEI_CORP_PLAN_UPDATE_FINAL.pdf

http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/77622/DTEI_CORP_PLAN_UPDATE_FINAL.pdf

http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/dda/home



http://www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=272



http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/dda



http://www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/strategic_infrastructure_plan

http://www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/strategic_infrastructure_plan

http://www.stateplan.sa.gov.au/

http://www.stateplan.sa.gov.au/

http://www.facs.gov.au/disability/cds/default.htm

http://www.facs.gov.au/disability/cds/default.htm

http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/DEVELOPMENT%20ACT%201993.aspx

http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/DEVELOPMENT%20ACT%201993.aspx

http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/DISABILITY%20SERVICES%20ACT%201993.aspx

http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/EQUAL%20OPPORTUNITY%20ACT%201984.aspx

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/dda1992264/

http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/faq/stanfaq/stanfaq.html#areas


5. Understanding Disability

5.1 Defining Disability

There are five main types of disability considered under the DDA. Disabilities include people with physical disability, the blind or vision impaired the deaf or hearing impaired, and those with intellectual and psychiatric disability.

This broad definition is meant to ensure that everyone with a disability is protected.

The DDA covers a disability which a person has now, had in the past (e.g. a past episode of mental illness), may have in the future (e.g. a disability that might develop because of a family history) or are believed to have (e.g. if it is believed that a person is HIV-positive).

The DDA also covers people with a disability who may be discriminated against because:

they are accompanied by an assistant, interpreter or reader, they are accompanied by a trained animal, such as a guide or

hearing dog, or they use equipment or an aid, such as a wheelchair or a hearing

aid. the DDA also protects people who have some form of personal

connection with a person with a disability like relatives, friends, carers and co-workers if they are discriminated against because of that connection or relationship.

5.2 Types of Disability and the Needs of People with a Disability

5.2.1 People with Physical Disabilities

Conditions that result in physical disabilities include spinal cord injury, arthritis, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and a number of other conditions of the muscular, nervous and respiratory system. These conditions tend to result in some degree of restricted activity in the areas of mobility and manipulation, such as restricted arm and hand movements and communication. Mobility impairment ranges from those who have the ability to walk, but have difficulty in doing so to those who rely on mobility aids such as walking sticks, frames, wheelchairs and personal motorised mobility devices.



People with physical disabilities rely on smooth, wide unrestricted paths of travel and prefer to use controlled road crossings. They need appropriately designed accessible kerb ramps to transition from footpath to road surfaces and visa versa.

5.2.2 People who are Blind or Vision Impaired

It is estimated that there are about 300,000 Australians who are blind or have some kind of vision impairment. While some people have a total absence of vision, approximately ninety percent of people classified as legally blind have some vision. Access requirements for people with vision impairments vary widely.

The blind and vision impaired undergo individual training by orientation and mobility instructors to negotiate the pedestrian environment to ensure their safety and to encourage independence. Training involves the instructor walking along an access route with the client to identify landmarks, infrastructure and hazards so that a client can develop a 'mental map' of the route. The primary role of the mobility instructor is to provide people who are blind or vision impaired with mobility tools and techniques so that they can travel along routes of interest or importance to them. Once the instructor is satisfied that the client has sufficient cognitive awareness and can safely negotiate any given route, the client will be encouraged to negotiate the route independently.

Long white canes are used by many people who are blind or vision impaired, both as a mobility tool and as a courtesy to others. Advances in cane design and other mobility aid devices are starting to incorporate ultra-sound technology in the form of a Mowat, Miniguide or Ultracane device to improve ease of movement for this road user group.

People who are blind or vision impaired rely entirely on environmental and sensory clues to navigate footpaths, large open pedestrian spaces and across roads. This includes the use of tactile and auditory indicators, visual or sensory clues and landmarks. These same clues assist with orientation and to ensure personal safety.

The provision of information on signs must ensure those with vision impairment can read and process information easily. All font sizes in signs must accommodate the requirements of Table 2 Section 17.2 AS 1428.2 – 1992. Signs at transport interchanges and bus stops should provide information in tactile and Braille formats.



5.2.3 People who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired

It is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 deaf people in Australia who have no hearing and whose first language is Auslan (Australian Sign Language). In addition, it is believed that between one and three million Australians have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These people use mainly oral communication.

People who are deaf or hearing impaired rely heavily on visual information to safely negotiate the transport environment. Good sight lines and clear visuals such as signs will assist their movement. Provision of ‘Hearing Loops’ where public broadcast and announcements are made will significantly improve accessibility for these people. Other devices such as Counter Hearing Systems, telephone devices i.e. Teletypewriters, alternative listening devices, alternative alarms and alert systems all contribute to improving movement and communication for the deaf or hearing impaired.

5.2.4 People with Intellectual Disabilities

The term ‘intellectual disability’ refers to a group of conditions caused by various genetic disorders, infections or serious injuries. These conditions limit an individual’s general ability to learn and generally result in difficulties in communication and retaining information. Intellectual impairment can also affect a person's ability to reason and understand, to problem-solve and adapt to new situations. As with all disability groups, there are many types of intellectual disability with varying degrees of severity.The transport environment should provide a clear and logical environment to assist the movement of the intellectually impaired.

5.2.5 People with Psychiatric Disabilities

Psychiatric disability is a term that covers disability resulting from a number of underlying medial conditions such as Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar, phobias and neuroses. Very few generalisations can be made about people with a psychiatric disability as they vary greatly in their need for assistance.

Similar to the needs of intellectual disabilities, those with psychiatric disabilities need a clear and logical environment to assist their movement.



6. Use of the Transport Environment by People with a Disability

6.1 Introduction

The DDA requires that every area open to the public should be open to people with a disability. People with a disability should expect to enter and make use of places used by the public if people without a disability can do so. DTEI’s responsibility when planning, designing and constructing transport infrastructure is to ensure ease of access within the pedestrian environment and ease of use of the public transport service.

6.2 Pedestrian Environment

With regard to the design of the pedestrian environment of transport infrastructure projects, with the exception of public transport infrastructure, compliance with the DDA must be determined by reference to the DDA itself.

When referencing the DDA in the planning, design and construction of transport infrastructure the important question to ask is:

‘Can a person with a disability enter and make use of the pedestrian environment in the same way that a person without a disability can do? ‘

This question needs to be answered with regard to both the final design and of any temporary arrangements established to accommodate pedestrian movements during planning, design and construction of transport infrastructure.

6.3 Public Transport Environment

With regard to the design of public transport premises and infrastructure, the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) must be complied with. Non-compliance with the DSAPT with regard to the design of public transport conveyances, premises and infrastructure is unlawful.



When planning, designing and constructing public transport premises and infrastructure the important question to ask is:

‘Does the design of the public transport premises and infrastructure meet the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT)?’

This question need to be asked with regard to both the final design and of any temporary arrangements established to accommodate use of public transport services during construction of the public transport infrastructure

6.4 DDA Design Principles

Design principles are provided to ensure the design, construction and maintenance of disability access facilities meet the needs of road users with various disabilities. These design principles have been developed in consultation with a range of peak body representatives, organisations and individuals.

The following principles will be used to guide decisions regarding the provision of accessible facilities in the pedestrian environment:

Safe and Accessible for all Simple, Logical and Consistent Well aligned and Clear of obstruction Smooth and Accessible Ground Surface Bigger, Brighter and Bolder Monitor and Maintain

6.5 Seven Stages of Movement

The needs of people with disabilities to negotiate the transport environment can be described using the concept of ‘seven stages of movement’. See Figure 2 below.

The design principles that underpin the seven stages of movement reflect the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport, the requirements of the Australian Standards and best practice advice from a range of disability access representatives.



It is important to acknowledge that while people with different types of disabilities may have common needs such as safe and unrestricted paths of travel, they can also have competing needs. For instance, the use of tactile surface indicators (TGSI) benefits people who are blind or vision impaired but at the same time TGSI’s can cause discomfort to a person in a wheelchair. While there is a strong emphasis here on the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired, in some situations it may be necessary to resolve conflicts as they arise with appropriate representative groups.

The design principles included here describe many, but not all, of the situations faced by people with a disability as they attempt to negotiate the pedestrian and public transport environment. For the situations not described in detail here the design principles should be applied to the particular situation and local circumstance.

Figure 2 - Seven Stages of Movement

6.5.1 Stage 1 - Movement along Paths and within Transport Interchanges

People who are blind or vision impaired use what is known as


Stage 1 – Movement along Paths and within Transport Interchanges

Stage 2 – Finding Crossing Points and Bus Stops

Stage 3 – Identifying when Paths Finish and the Location of Impending Hazards

Stage 4 – Determine the Direction to Cross the Road

Stage 5 – Determine when it is Safe to Cross the Road

Stage 6 – Crossing the Road

Stage 7 – Finding the Opposite Kerb Crossing Point


‘shore lining’ to way find or navigate the transport environment. This process involves the use of a long white cane to sweep in a sideways arc to detect tactile surfaces and features to maintain a direction of travel and/or to identify hazards. Two methods of shore lining are used. One method is the ‘two touch technique’ where the operator of a cane touches the surface of the ground at the extremity of each sweep of the cane. The second method is the ‘constant contact technique’ where the operator of a cane sweeps the ground surface with constant contact to detect the position of such things as tactile ground surface indicators.

Environmental features such as building lines or walls, edges of formed footpaths, vertical plinths, fences etc are all used effectively for the purpose of orientation along a footpath. It is important that built environmental features align wherever possible. People who are blind or vision impaired will prefer to use the building line in favour of a kerb line to walk along a footpath. It is important footpaths provide unobstructed accessible path of travel with smooth riding and walking surface with appropriate width and cross-fall. Obstructions such as seating, light poles, post boxes and other obstructions including over-hanging vegetation make access difficult and unsafe for people who are blind or vision impaired. It is particularly important to ensure footpaths are free of tripping hazards. Uneven service pit covers, trenches and paving can cause significant safety issues for those with mobility and visual impairment.

Footpath ‘shore line’ area free of obstructions promoting ease of access for people who are blind or vision impaired.

In wide open spaces such as public transport interchanges and rail platforms environmental features associated with paths do not exist and the use of directional tactile ground surface

AS1428.4 (2002)Figure C1(F)

AS1428.4 (2002)Figure A5









indicators (DTGSIs) must then be considered to assist people who are blind or vision impaired to navigate the area. A combination of both colour and tactile contrast walking surfaces along the accessible path of travel will also provide good orientation clues to assist navigation. It is important to include these features to direct people who are blind or vision impaired to important services such as information and pay stations, toilets, lifts and stairs, resting areas, conveyances etc.

DTGSIs at transport interchange in wide open space provides directional assistance

DTGSIs and WTGSIs combined to provide guidance to and from stairs

The mobility impaired may use a range of devices to assist movement including wheelchairs, personal mobility devices such as gophers, walking frames and sticks etc and require clear unobstructed accessible paths of travel.



Those with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities will benefit from simple, clear and logical environments to assist navigation through open space and along paths. They will also benefit from facilities provided for people representing other areas of disability.

6.5.2 Stage 2 - Finding Crossing Points and Bus Stops

Uncontrolled crossing points People who are blind or vision impaired rely entirely on existing environmental clues to locate uncontrolled crossing points. It is important that accessible kerb ramps are located, where ever possible, in-line with existing buildings and property lines or edges of approaching paths so people who are blind or vision impaired can continue to walk in a straight line to locate a kerb ramp crossing point.

Accessible kerb ramp in-line with property boundary

Where uncontrolled crossing points are located at right angle to the building or property line and the footpath is wide (+3.0m) consideration should be given to the installation of directional tactile ground surface indicators (DTGSIs) across the footpath to indicate the point where people who are blind or vision impaired must stop and turn at an angle to locate the kerb ramp crossing point. This strategy must also be used to direct people who are blind or vision impaired to bus stops.

AS1428.4 (2002)FigureC1(F)

DTEI Drg 4074 Sht 6


http://www.dtei.sa.gov.au/standards/road_design_standards_and_guidelines?40063_result_page=2








DTGSIs identifying crossing point

Generally, the blind will not utilise busy arterial road uncontrolled crossing points due to the obvious inherent danger of crossing a road or vehicle circulation path without being able to safely decide when to cross.

In some instances, particularly when retro-fitting, the provision of appropriately graded kerb ramps and correct width of landings is not possible due to narrow existing footpaths or significant level differences in footpath and road level. In these cases the level difference between footpath and road may be taken out longitudinally in the footpath rather than across it.

Longitudinal kerb ramp.

Controlled crossing points People who are blind or vision impaired will use the above techniques to locate a controlled crossing point and will listen for the audio tactile pedestrian push button to more accurately locate the kerb ramp crossing point.



The mobility impaired will approach the crossing points using wheel chairs, gophers, walking frames and sticks and require a smooth wide path of travel from footpaths to road surface with gentle gradients on ramps with audio tactile push buttons at a suitable height within easy reach.

Audio Tactile Push Button located on side of signal pole pointing in the direction of travel

6.5.3 Stage 3 - Identifying when Paths Finish and the Location of Impending Hazards

People who are blind or vision impaired will rely entirely on the use of a cane to ‘shore line’ an area to detect where a footpath finishes and where the roadway or hazard begins. Only a small



percentage of people who are blind or vision impaired use a guide dog so the use of warning tactile ground surface indicators (WTGSIs) is essential to provide advanced tactile warning of an impending hazard. People who are blind or vision impaired will approach a WTGSI by sweeping their cane in a sideways arc until the dimples of the WTGSI are felt using the tip of the cane.

WTGSIs shall be provided in all accessible kerb ramps and median openings irrespective of the gradient of the kerb ramp or nature of the median opening. This will ensure consistency in application of WTGSIs and will provide the vision impaired with colour contrast tiles to assist visual detection of the impending hazard. Generally, WTGSIs are installed with at least one point of the WTGSI 300mm from the hazard line and orientated in the required direction of travel. Generally, accessible kerb ramps should be made as flat as possible for ease of wheelchair access.

WTGSIs and DTGSIs can cause discomfort and inconvenience to wheelchair users but the safety benefits for the blind and vision impaired is paramount.

WTGSI installed in kerb ramp.

WTGSIs are not required adjacent to kerb and gutters in the open road environment however, their installation is appropriate at bus and tram terminals and interchanges. Providing WTGSIs 600mm from the hazard line will reduce the possibility of buses and trams coming into contact with a person who is blind or vision impaired waiting for a bus at a bus or tram stop or interchange.

AS 1428.4 (2002)Figure C1(F)

DTEI Drg 4074 Sht 6

AS 1428.4 (2002)Figure A5













WTGSI located adjacent kerb and gutter at tram stop

WTGSIs located at bus stops in the footpath area should extend horizontally beyond the DTGSIs to ensure people who are blind or vision impaired detect the WTGSIs identifying the hazard area at the bus stop. WTGSIs will also be installed at the top and bottom of stairs and ramps.

WTGSI extending beyond width of DTGSIs

WTGSIs can also be installed at locations where there is no level change between footpath and roadway surfaces and can be installed across footpaths at busy vehicle access points.

AS 1428.4 (1992)Figure 7

AS 1428.4 (2002)Figure A5

AS 1428.4 (2002)Figure A3 & A4













WTGSIs located across footpath to identify busy motor vehicle crossing point.

6.5.4 Stage 4 - Determine the Direction to Cross a Road

Finding the direction to cross a road from the accessible kerb ramp can be difficult depending on the availability of existing environmental clues. Holding rails, vertical kerb plinths, and audio tactile push buttons can all be used to determine direction to cross a road provided they are orientated in the required direction of travel.

People who are blind or vision impaired may also use the front or rear edge line of a WTGSI to determine the direction to cross a road provided it is also orientated in the desired direction of travel.

Pedestrian crossings are not always orientated at right angles to the road but are orientated to produce an acute angle. This results in the requirement to stagger WTGSIs at crossing points to accommodate the minimum 300mm offset to hazard line required in current standards.

Pedestrian crossing design should, in the first instance, try to remove the need for angled crossings where ever possible. Where this can not be achieved it is recommended that the WTGSIs be installed at a constant 300mm offset from the hazard line irrespective of the resultant angle of the WTGSIs. In these situations holding rails, vertical kerb plinths or push buttons etc must be installed to provide the directional information clues required by the user. Where the above scenarios are not achievable WTGSIs may be installed in a staggered arrangement.

DTEI Drg 4074 Sht 6

DTEI Drg 4020 Sht 1

AS 1428.4 (2002)Figure C8












WTGSI at constant 300mm offset from hazard line with vertical kerb plinth and holding rail to assist direction finding.

Accessible kerb ramps at uncontrolled crossing points by themselves do not provide enough useful environmental clues to assist people who are blind or vision impaired to determine the required direction of travel.

Therefore, the provision of holding rails and vertical kerb plinths on the left side of the ramp is essential. Care must be taken to ensure holding rails are located so to not be subject to contact with large turning vehicles.

Holding rails, vertical kerb plinths and colour contrasting WTGSIs orientated in direction of travel provide good directional clues.

Footpaths are often not wide enough to allow the installation of a holding rail within the kerb ramp due to the need to provide circulation space for wheelchairs at the rear of the ramp. In this case directional assistance can be provided via DTGSIs located in the landing and footpath area at the rear of the ramp pointing in the required direction of travel in lieu of holding rails and vertical kerb plinths. This approach can also be adopted for

DTEI Drg 4074 Sht 6

DTEI Drg 4020 Sht 1

DTEI Drg 4074 Sht 6












uncontrolled crossings at corner islands.

DTGSIs can be installed to assist direction to cross the road

Accessible kerb ramps at signalised intersections and controlled crossings are usually equipped with audio tactile pedestrian push buttons and WTGSIs orientated in the desired direction of travel. In these situations the provision of holding rails may not be required.

As a general rule winged kerb ramps should only be provided where the movement of pedestrians and wheelchairs is required. Where the movement of pedestrians and wheelchairs is not required vertical kerb plinths may be constructed to provide an extra directional clue for the blind or vision impaired.

Accessible kerb ramp with audio tactile pedestrian push button and WTGSs orientated in required direction of travel with vertical kerb plinth on left hand side. Note kerb ramp wing on right hand side where pedestrians and wheelchair access is required.

The above principles can also be applied to median crossing points with the inclusion of the ability to use the edge of median

DTEI Drg 4074 Sht 6






kerbing to determine the direction to cross. Median slots are often angled at 70 degrees to point pedestrians at oncoming traffic. This has the effect of directing people who are blind or vision impaired away from the destination kerb ramp and where possible should be avoided. The edge of median slots should be aligned with the intended direction of travel. As a general principle all median slots should accommodate at least 1.0 metre of median that is in-line with the destination kerb ramp.

Central median crossing at 90 degree to the road.

DTEI Drg 4020 Sht 1

6.5.5 Stage 5 - Determine when it is Safe to Cross the Road

Pedestrian crossings at signalised intersections include audio tactile pedestrian push buttons to allow pedestrians to






register their presence to enable safer crossing of the road. When activated the audio component of the push button will change from an occasional pulse to continuous pulse to advise people who are blind or vision impaired when it is safe to cross the road.

Push buttons are to be located at an appropriate height and reachable offset from accessible kerb ramps and other waiting areas.

At signalised intersections with un-signalised left turn slip lanes, people who are blind or vision impaired must use hearing alone to determine when it is safe to cross the road. This method of crossing the road can be made very difficult at busy intersections. Consideration must be given to controlling left turn slip lanes to enable people who are blind or vision impaired to cross the entire intersection with safely.

6.5.6 Stage 6 - Crossing the Road

People who are blind or vision impaired have difficulty in maintaining direction of travel when attempting to walk in a straight line. This is particularly the case with long road crossing distances where the ‘walking angle of error’ or ‘veer’ in direction of travel can be significant. Road crossing distances should be kept as short as possible and two staged crossings should be considered as a preferred alternative to a single staged crossing if the distance of the crossing is significant.

Facilities to assist people who are blind or vision impaired to maintain required direction of travel, when crossing the road, are currently limited to the provision of ‘marked foot crossings’. Intersection design should consider ‘walking angle of error’ or ‘veer’ to reduce the likelihood of this road user group walking into hazardous areas of the intersection.



Approximate ‘walking angle of error’ that could be expected enabling people who are blind or vision impaired to inadvertently walk into hazardous area of the intersection

Designers should allow for a walking angle of error of up to 5 degrees when designing the location of pedestrian marked foot crossings as part of intersection designs.

All categories of disabilities must be considered when determining appropriate pedestrian crossing times for controlled road crossings. Microwave Pedestrian Crossing Censor technology is utilised to increase pedestrian crossing times when required. Pedestrian marked foot crossing width design must accommodate for large groups of pedestrians crossing the road particularly in high pedestrian volume areas or precincts.

Roads should be constructed with flush edges between kerb and gutter lip and road pavement surfaces to avoid creating tripping hazards. Level differences between surfaces can also cause safety issues for wheelchair users.

6.5.7 Stage 7 - Finding the Opposite Kerb Crossing Point

Once people who are blind or vision impaired have safely negotiated the road crossing they must complete the movement by finding the destination accessible kerb ramp. A person who is blind or vision impaired will confirm they have located the opposite kerb by receiving tactile feedback from their cane tip and will continue onto the accessible kerb ramp or up onto the kerb and footpath if the accessible kerb ramp has not been located.



7. Design Standard Requirements

7.1 Traffic Engineering Design Standards

The following standards must be referred to when undertaking any planning, design, construction or maintenance of any public infrastructure that seeks to improve access for pedestrians in any public open space.

7.1.1 Australian Standards

Australian Standard AS 1428.1 - 2001, Design for Access and Mobility Part 1: General Requirements for Access – New building work, provides minimum design requirements to enable access for people with disabilities. The standard is designed to provide independent access for 80% of people with physical disabilities.

Australian Standard AS 1428.2 – 1992, Design for Access and Mobility Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements – Buildings and facilities, covers items additional to that in Part 1 and provides for independent access for 90% of people with disabilities.

Australian Standard AS 1428.3 – 1992, Design for access and mobility Part 3: Requirements for children and adolescents with physical disabilities, covers design requirements for children with physical disabilities.

Australian Standard AS 1428.4 – 1992, Design for access and mobility Part 4: Tactile indicators, covers the provision of tactile ground surface indicators for the blind and those with vision impairment.

Australian Standard AS 1428.4 – 2002, Design for access and mobility Part 4: Tactile indicators, covers the provision of tactile ground surface indicators for the blind and those with vision impairment.

Australian Standard AS 1735.12 – 1999, Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walkways Part 12: Facilities for Persons with Disabilities

Australian Standard AS 2890.5 - 1993, Parking Facilities Part 5: On-Street Parking deals with parking for special groups including people with disabilities.



7.1.2 AUSTROADS, Guides to Traffic Engineering Practice

AUSTROADS AP-11.13/95 Guide to Traffic Engineering Part 13 - Pedestrians provides a guide to the needs of pedestrians and includes guidance on the particular needs of people with disabilities. The guide refers to Australian Standard 1428 Design for Access and Mobility Parts 1 to 4, and Australian Standard 2890 Parking Facilities Parts 1 and 5 when designing for people with disabilities.

The guide is intended to assist in the Australian Standards’ interpretation and application. Additional guidance is also provided with regard to the manoeuvring of wheelchairs and the provision of parking spaces for people with disabilities.

AUSTROADS AP-145 Catering for People with Disabilities: Issues Paper provides an overview of guidelines, standards and criteria available to transport engineers and explains the challenges faced by road users with disabilities.

7.1.3 DTEI Standard Technical Drawings

The following DTEI standard technical drawings incorporate many of the disability access design principles and assist interpretation of Australian Standards requirements.

S - 4018 Sheet 4 - Pedestrian Actuated Crossing (No Median)S - 4018 Sheet 5 - Pedestrian Actuated Crossing (With Median)S - 4018 Sheet 6 - Pedestrian Actuated Crossing (Dual Carriageway)S - 4020 Sheet 1 – Pedestrian/Cyclist Holding Rail (Updated – Oct 2009)S - 4069 Sheet 51 - Typical Traffic Signal LayoutS - 4069 Sheet 59 - Pedestrian Actuated Crossing (General Construction)S - 4069 Sheet 60 - Typical Pedestrian Actuated Crossing (Signal Layout)S - 4069 Sheet 61 - Pedestrian Actuated Crossing (Lighting & Duct Layout)S - 4069 Sheet 63 - Typical Emu Crossing (General Construction Details)S - 4069 Sheet 64 - Koala Crossing (General Construction Details)S - 4074 Sheet 3 - Kerb Ramp Specification (PAC/Koala/Emu/Ped Crossing)S - 4074 Sheet 4 - Kerb Ramp Specification (Skew Angle up to 45 degrees)S - 4074 Sheet 5 - Emu – Koala CrossingS - 4074 Sheet 6 – Pedestrian/Cyclist Kerb Ramp (Updated – Oct 2009)S - 4075 Sheet 1 - Median Cutout Specification (Signalised Intersections)S - 4075 Sheet 2 - 2 Stage PAC with Kerb ExtensionS - 4075 Sheet 3 - Pedestrian Walkthrough/RefugeS - 4076 Sheet 1 - Corner Island Specification (with Bicycle Lane)S - 4076 Sheet 2 - Corner Island Specification (without Bicycle Lane)Note: Some of the above departmental standard drawings are currently under review. Refer Contracts and Standards Section for latest advice on standard drawings.



7.2 Disability Access Facility Checklist

Figure 3 provides a disability access facility checklist. For Australian Standards See: Australian Standards. For Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 See: Disability Standards

Disability Access Facility Australian Standard Reference

Circulation space (Width, height and crossfall of Walkways, Ramps and landings)

AS 1428.1-2001 Section 5.1 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 6.4, 7.0 & 8.1

Walkways AS 1428.1-2001 Section 5.2 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 8.1

Ramps AS 1428.1-2001 Section 5.3 Angle of Approach - Walkways, Ramps and Landings

AS 1428.1-2001 Section 5.4

Curved Ramps and Walkways AS 1428.1-2001 Section 5.5 Camber and Crossfall - Ramps and Walkways AS 1428.1-2001 Section 5.6 Landings AS 1428.1-2001 Section 5.7

AS 1428.2-1992 Section 8.1 Kerb Ramps and Step Ramps AS 1428.1-2001 Section 5.8

AS 1428.2-1992 Section 8.4 Handrails AS 1428.1-2001 Section 6.1

AS 1428.2-1992 Section 10.1

Grabrails AS 1428.1-2001 Section 6.2 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 10.2

Provision of Entrances AS 1428.1-2001 Section 7.1 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 11.1

Clear Opening of Doorways AS 1428.1-2001 Section 7.2 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 11.5

Circulation Spaces at Doorways on Continuous Accessible Path of Travel (CAPT)

AS 1428.1-2001 Section 7.3 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 6.1,6.2 & 6.3

Distance Between Doorways in Passages AS 1428.1-2001 Section 7.4 Glazing AS 1428.1-2001 Section 7.5

AS 1428.2-1992 Section 11.6Lifts AS 1428.1-2001 Section 8.0

AS 1428.2-1992 Section 12.0 AS 1735.12

Stair Construction AS 1428.1-2001 Section 9.1 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 13.1& 13.2

Stairway Handrails AS 1428.1-2001 Section 9.2 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 13.4

Surface on (CAPT) AS 1428.1-2001 Section 12 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 9.0

Car Parking Facilities AS 1428.1-2001 Section 13 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 14.0 AS 2890.1

Use of International Symbol AS 1428.1-2001 Section 14.1 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 16.0

International Symbol AS 1428.1-2001 Section 14.2 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 16.0

International Symbol for Deafness AS 1428.1-2001 Section 14.3 AS 1428.2-1992 Section 16.0

Disability Access Facility Australian Standard





ReferenceSigns AS 1428.1-2001 Section 14.5

AS 1428.2-1992 Section 17.0 Passing Space for Wheelchairs AS 1428.2-1992 Section 6.5 Changes in Level AS 1428.2-1992 Section 6.6 Vertical Clearance AS 1428.2-1992 Section 6.7 Outdoor Conditions AS 1428.2-1992 Section 8.2 Lighting AS 1428.2-1992 Section 19.0 Sound Levels AS 1428.2-1992 Section 20.0 Hearing Augmentation - Listening Systems AS 1428.2-1992 Section 21.0 Reach Ranges AS 1428.2-1992 Section 22.0 Controls AS 1428.2-1992 Section 23.0 Furniture and Fitments AS 1428.2-1992 Section 24.0 Viewing Areas AS 1428.2-1992 Section 25.0 Street Furniture AS 1428.2-1992 Section 27.0 Telephones AS 1428.2-1992 Section 30.0 Time Delay for Lights at Pedestrian Crossings AS 1428.2-1992 Section 32.0 General -Tactile Ground Surface Indicators AS 1428.4-2002 Section 2.1

AS 1428.2-1992 Section 18.1Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) AS 1428.4-2002 Section 2.2

General AS 1428.4-2002 Section 2.2.1Materials for Use as TGSIs AS 1428.4-2002 Section 2.2.2Warning Indicators AS 1428.4-2002 Section 2.2.3Directional Indicators AS 1428.4-2002 Section 2.2.4Installation of TGSIs (Normative) AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix AGeneral AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix A - A1Stairways, Ramps, Escalators and Travelators AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix A - A2Bus Stops and Tram/Light Rail AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix A - A3Pedestrian and Vehicular Shared Zone AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix A - A4Railway Platforms AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix A - A5Passenger Wharves AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix A - A6Warning of Hazards within the Circulation Space, or Adjacent to a CAPT

AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix A - A7

Change of Direction AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix A - A8Information on Design and Installation (Informative)

AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix B

Wayfinding AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix B - B1People with Mobility Impairment AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix B - B2Design and Installation AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix B - B3Kerb Ramps, Medians and Multiple Entry Points

AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix C

General AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix C -C1Multiple Entry Points AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix C -C2Kerb Ramps AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix C -C3Medians AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix C -C4Raised Pavement Markers (Informative) AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix DTypical Examples of TGSIs for Bus Stops and Tram/Light Rail Stops

AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix E

Laboratory and On-Site Measurement of Luminance Contrast

AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix F

General AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix F -F1Disability Access Facility Australian Standard

Reference or Disability Standard for Accessible



Public Transport 2002Luminance Contrast Requirements AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix F -F2Measurement of Luminous Reflectance AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix F -F3Determination of Luminance Contrast AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix F -F4Measurement of Luminance Contrast AS 1428.4-2002 Appendix F -F5Path Branching Into 2 or More Parallel Tracks Disability Standards

for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) - Part 2.3

Poles and Obstacles, etc DSAPT - Part 2.5Access for Passengers in Wheelchairs, ect DSAPT - Part 3.2Limited On-board Manoeuvring DSAPT - Part 3.3Boarding Ramps DSAPT - Part 6.2Minimum Allowable Width of Ramp DSAPT - Part 6.3Slope of External Boarding Ramps DSAPT - Part 6.4Slope of Ramps Connected to Pontoon Wharves

DSAPT - Part 6.5

Minimum Number of Seats to be Provided DSAPT - Part 7.1Minimum Number of Allocated Spaces to be Provided - Waiting Areas

DSAPT - Part 7.2

Boarding Points and Kerbs DSAPT - Part 8.1When Boarding Devices Must be Provided DSAPT - Part 8.2Use of Boarding Devices DSAPT - Part 8.3Hail-and-Ride Services DSAPT - Part 8.4Width and Surface of Boarding Devices DSAPT - Part 8.5Maximum Load to be Supported by Boarding Device

DSAPT - Part 8.6

Minimum Head Room DSAPT - Part 9.3Number of Allocated Spaces to be Provided - Buses

DSAPT - Part 9.4

Number of Allocated Spaces to be Provided - Ferries

DSAPT - Part 9.5

Number of Allocated Spaces to be Provided - Trains

DSAPT - Part 9.6

Consolidation of Allocated Spaces DSAPT - Part 9.7Handrails and Grabrails - Compliance with AS DSAPT - Part 11.1Grabrail to be Provided where Fairs are to be Paid

DSAPT - Part 11.6

Lifts - Compliance with Australian Standards DSAPT - Part 13.1Stairs not to be Sole Means of Access DSAPT - Part 14.1Stairs - Compliance with ADR 58 DSAPT - Part 14.4Destination Signs to be Visible from Boarding Point

DSAPT - Part 17.4

Electronic Notices DSAPT - Part 17.5Raised Lettering or Symbols or Use of Brail DSAPT - Part 17.6Instalment at Accessible Bus Boarding Points DSAPT - Part 18.3

Figure 3 – Disability Access Facility Checklist



7.3 Non-Compliance

The above listed legislation, advice, guides and standards are available to assist transport planners, designers, project managers and others to determine the best way to meet the needs of people with disabilities. However, complying with the advice and information available will not guarantee that the project meets the specific legislated requirements of the DDA as compliance is not enforced unless a complaint is made.

Should the situation arise where there is some doubt that the design of the infrastructure complies with the DDA or, in the case of public transport infrastructure with the DSAPT, due to technical, engineering or site constraints, the non-complying design and the decision making process to support the non-complying design must be well documented.

Issues that may make the provision for people with disabilities difficult or not applicable may include:

significant monetary penalty or ‘justifiable hardship’ in relation to the total project cost on the responsible road authority to provide fully compliant facilities

on-site constraints where the provision of compliant facilities is not possible

remote locations where the use of the compliant facility is unlikely

The design and its implications for people with disabilities needs to be explained along with the reasons why the DDA can not be met.

For major projects, the final decision on an appropriate alternative design should be made in accordance with “Procedures for Project Technical Review and Approval” which includes escalation of issues of non-compliance to the Project Sponsor, and if required to a Panel Review Meeting. The Department’s legal officer may be consulted to assist this process. The inability to meet DDA requirements for minor projects must also be documented. Road authorities must be able to demonstrate that every effort has been made to accommodate DDA requirements and may utilise risk management tools, consultation processes and other means to establish appropriate project outputs.

Decisions on an appropriate alternative design for major projects may be assisted by consultation with Transport Accessibility Advisory Group (TAAG). See Section 8.2.



Non-compliance with the DSAPT may require a specific exemption to be issued by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC). Non-compliance with the DSAPT should involve discussions with the Passenger Transport Division’s Chief Project Officer responsible for Disability Discrimination who can advise on the appropriate course of action.

A person with a disability has every right to complain when they are discriminated against because a place used by the public is inaccessible.3

Therefore, detailed and comprehensive documentation of decisions made in the planning and design of disability access is required to enable the Department to explain why decisions were made and how issues were resolved should a complaint be made under the DDA. The process for handling complaints is described within the DDA with the final decision on whether discrimination exists resting with the Courts. The question of whether discrimination exists is considered in the circumstances of a complaint.

3 Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) A Brief Guide to the Disability Discrimination Act



8. Consultation

8.1 Introduction

DTEI is committed to facilitating the active engagement of communities of interest in identifying, defining and resolving transport issues. The ‘Stakeholder and Community Consultation Guidelines for Transport Infrastructure Projects’ provide a framework to assist in the engagement process.

Consultation with groups representing people with disabilities can help in the process of planning and design of transport infrastructure. Consultation may involve people who use wheelchairs, who are ambulant disabled, people with partial sight and others who are blind, people with impaired hearing and people with cognitive impairment.

Consultation with people with disabilities will provide a better understanding of the mobility requirements of disabled people and avoid the cost of rectifying mistakes retrospectively.

Councils can usually provide contact details and background information for specific disability groups within their council area. Peak bodies representing disability groups may also be able to provide advice on clients living within a project area and the requirements of their client group. Refer Appendix ‘A’ for contact details.

Various road and transport interchange projects will require different levels of stakeholder consultation. See Figure 4 below for a guide to who should be consulted during project development.

Type of Project Who to ConsultMajor Road Transport Accessibility Advisory Group (TAAG)

Traffic and Access Standards DTEIGeneral Community

Minor Road Traffic and Access Standards DTEIGeneral Community (when required)

Transport Interchange Transport Accessibility Advisory Group (TAAG)General Community

Figure 4 – Consultation Checklist



8.2 Transport Accessibility Advisory Group (TAAG)

People with disabilities are a diverse group with understandable levels of vested interest in promoting and gaining acceptance of their own views. Transport Accessibility Advisory Group (TAAG) provides a forum within which those views can be reconciled.

TAAG is an advisory group representing disability interests. TAAG’s role is to provide advice to DTEI and TransAdelaide on matters relating to the implementation, operation, and evaluation of services, facilities and infrastructure initiatives that come under the care and control of the Minister for Transport that influence transport accessibility in its broadest context.

Members of the TAAG are appointed by the Minister for Transport for a two year period from the following areas:

Public Transport Division, DTEI Transport Services Division, DTEI TransAdelaide Office of the Commission for Equal Opportunity South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission Department for Families and Communities Council for the Aging “Seniors Voice” Local Government Association Carers SA Disability Information Resource Centre Guide Dogs Association of SA and NT Royal Society for the Blind of SA Physical Disability Council Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Assoc SA Disability Advocacy and Complaints Services Inc Consumer Representatives Deaf CanDo Deaf Australia Inc Other organisations as identified from time to time.

TAAG meets generally every two months. You should contact the TAAG Executive Officer, Public Transport Division if you wish TAAG to discuss and provide comment on your project. Refer Appendix ‘A’ for contact details.



9. Future Standards DevelopmentWhere possible the latest ‘best practice’ DDA access principles and themes have been incorporated into these guidelines. Discussions with various representative organisations as part of the development of these guidelines have identified areas where further work and research is required to address a number of operational issues, including:

the effect of TGSIs in kerb ramps on road users using wheelchairs with small front wheel castors, walking frames etc

new approaches to way finding and hazard identification the use of staggered WTGSIs walking angle of error across intersections innovative devices to assist the blind and vision impaired to

maintain direction of travel when crossing a road



10.0 APPENDICES

Appendix A - Contacts

10.1 DTEI Contacts

Greg Carmody

Senior Cycling and Pedestrian Advisor, Traffic and Access Standards

Technical Standards

Noel O’Callaghan

Principal Road Designer, Contracts and Standards

Technical Standards

Siobhan Mutton

Urban/Landscape Planner, Planning and Design

Planning Advice

George Carnazzola

Technical Officer Pedestrian Safety

Operational Advice



6.6 External Contacts

Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) Knapman House230 Pirie StreetAdelaide SA 50008232 4777Guide Dogs SA & NT 251 Morphett Street, Adelaide, SA 50008203 8333

The Blind Welfare Association of SA 1/247 Milne RdModbury North, SA 5092 8334 8000

Deaf SA 262 South TerraceAdelaide SA 50008223 3335

Brain Injury Network of SA (BINSA)Torrens Building220 Victoria SquareAdelaide, SA 50008217 7600

The Down Syndrome Society of SA Inc Hampstead Primary School – West Wing Muller Rd, Greenacres SA 50868369 1122

Autism SA3 Fisher StreetMyrtle Bank SA 50648379 6976

Minda Inc King George Avenue Brighton SA 5048 8422 6200

Bedford Industries Inc 615 Goodwood RoadPanorama SA 5041 8275 0211

Arthritis Foundation of SA.Unit 1 202 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton SA 50638379 5711

Muscular Dystrophy Association 36 - 38 Henley Beach RoadMile End SA 50318234 5266

Multiple Sclerosis Society SA & NT 274 North East RoadKlemzig South Australia 5087 8360 0800


http://www.ms.asn.au/

http://www.ms.asn.au/

http://www.mdasa.org.au/

http://www.mdasa.org.au/

http://www.arthritissa.org.au/

http://www.bedfordindustries.com.au/

http://www.mindainc.com.au/

http://www.autismsa.org.au/index.html

http://www.downssa.asn.au/dsssa/index.php

http://www.downssa.asn.au/dsssa/index.php

http://www.binsa.org/

http://www.binsa.org/

http://www.deafsa.org.au/main/

http://www.blindwelfare.org.au/

http://www.blindwelfare.org.au/

http://www.guidedogs.org.au/

http://www.rsb.org.au/

10.2 Accredited Access Consultants

Association of Consultants in Access, Australia IncAccess Consultant Directory Searchhttp://www.access.asn.au/db/search.htm

Mrs Becky Llewellyn Phone: (08) 8370 0111Disability Consultancy Services Pty Ltd Mobile: 0417 855 772

Ms Jill Fowler Phone: (08) 8241 5086HC Harrison Consultants Mobile: 0414 232 040

Mr Trevor Harrison Phone: (08) 8241 5086HC Harrison Consultants Mobile: 0414 232 040

Mr Rod Hunter Phone: (03) 9861 3599Hunarch Consulting Mobile: 0411 740 450

Mr Ross Sands Phone: (08) 8339 2311Ross Sands Architects Pty Ltd Mobile:1418 845 309

Mr Alan Taylor Phone: (08) 8364 1515Linear Access Consultants Mobile: 0401 984 783

http://www.access.asn.au/db/search.htm

Appendix B – Disability Organisations and Groups

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC)http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/index.html

HREOC has responsibility for administering the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Its role is to investigate and conciliate complaints, hold enquiries, provide independent advice and conduct education programs.

A complaint under the DDA can be made to HREOC by or on behalf of a person who believes they have been discriminated against. HREOC will attempt to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of both parties through conciliation.

Where a complaint cannot be resolved by conciliation, a complaint can be made to the Federal Court for an enforceable ruling.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992. and the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport can be accessed through this site or the Commonwealth Law site at http://www.comlaw.gov.au/

The website provides access to a wide range of resources relevant to understanding access for people with disabilities.

Office of Disability and Client Serviceshttp://www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=1002

Promotes equal opportunity for people with disabilities and encourages the development of services to support them to achieve independent living, self-sufficiency, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

Disability Information and Resource Centrehttp://www.dircsa.org.au/

Provides a one-stop-shop for information on all aspects of disability.

Disability SAhttp://www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabID=926

Disability SA is the peak South Australian Government service provider for people with disabilities

http://www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabID=926

http://www.dircsa.org.au/


http://www.comlaw.gov.au/

http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/index.html

Blind Citizens Australiahttp://www.bca.org.au/

A national voice of blind and vision-impaired Australians

Australian Association of the Deafhttp://www.aad.org.au/

Deafness Forum of Australiahttp://members.ozemail.com.au/~deaforum/

National Council on Intellectual Disabilityhttp://www.dice.org.au/

National Ethnic Disability Alliancehttp://members.ozemail.com.au/~neda

Women with Disabilities Australiahttp://www.wwda.org.au/

Physical Disability Council of Australiahttp://members.ozemail.com.au/~pdca

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~pdca

http://www.wwda.org.au/

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~neda

http://www.dice.org.au/

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~deaforum/

http://www.aad.org.au/

http://www.bca.org.au/

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