IHC has welcomed the Government’s commitment to designing accessible public buildings for people with disabilities.

The Buildings for Everyone guide intends to aid designers; developers; owners and occupiers; and facility/building managers on making good design decisions.

IHC Director of Advocacy Trish Grant says this means people with disabilities will have greater access to employment and services that has, in the past, been a major hindrance.

“More than 90,000 people in New Zealand have an intellectual disability, and it’s time reasonable accommodations are made,” says Trish.

“People with an intellectual disability will often also have associated physical disabilities that affect how they access buildings and services.

“IHC has long campaigned that no one should be excluded from gaining access to buildings, transport and services, and it’s promising to see the Government respond. It’s a basic human right.

“It’s great to see there is now tangible advice for designing buildings that reflects current legislation.

“This is a basic thing to get right – to ensure people with disabilities can participate in their communities in what we hope will become a truly accessible New Zealand.”

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