As awareness of inclusive design continues to grow, so does the demand for access consultants. Whether in commercial developments, residential projects, public spaces, or infrastructure, accessibility is no longer a box to tick, it’s a fundamental part of good design, compliance, and community responsibility.

When it comes to designing accessible environments, the gradient of ramps is a critical consideration. In Australia a ramp is required to have a 1 in 14 gradient for a maximum length of 9m before a landing is required as outlined in AS1428.1-2009. In New Zealand, NZS4121:2001 allows ramps with a maximum gradient of 1 in 12.

When designing accessible parking spaces, the required width of a shared zone beside an accessible parking space in Australia referring to AS2890.6:2009 mandates a 2400mm wide shared zone, whilst in New Zealand referring to NZS 4121:2001, only requires a 1200mm width.

Based on AS1428.1-2009, lift buttons are required to have a minimum 500mm clearance to a corner wall or other obstruction to ensure that a person with a mobility aid is able to approach the lift buttons without obstructing the lift opening and press the buttons to call the lift.

If the number of people who will occupy a building is known, it should be used. However, in the absence of more accurate information, Clause D1.13 must be used. D1.13 is used in several Parts of the BCA, such as in calculating minimum exit widths, as well as the number of sanitary and other facilities. D1.13 does not restrict the number of occupants using a building, or enforce any building use or licensing requirements.

Part F3 of the BCA details the requirements for rooms or spaces within a building that must provide a height suitable for the intended use. ‘Intended use’ recognises that the height required in rooms and spaces is directly related to the room’s function.

The BCA classifies buildings by their use. A building may be made up of a number of classes if it has a mixed use.

This provision provides details on buildings or parts of buildings not required to be accessible under the BCA. Clause D3.4 details exemptions to the requirements for access to certain areas within buildings where providing access would be inappropriate because of the nature of the area or the tasks undertaken

An accessible adult change facility is a type of sanitary compartment that includes a hoist and adult size change table in addition to a peninsula-type toilet pan and other fixtures and fittings. Its purpose is to provide a suitable toilet for people with more complex or profound disability who may be unable to use standard accessible toilets.

Hearing augmentation systems assist people with a hearing impairment to be made aware of communications associated with a building’s use.