Australian States and Territories adopted the National Construction Code (NCC) which includes minimum technical requirements for buildings. There are additional requirements in the Federal Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The DDA mirrors parts of the NCC but has broader application as it covers discrimination.
Provision of the mandated minimum requirements does not guarantee that the needs of all users will be met. A good wayfinding system is also necessary to create a legible and usable space that can be safely navigated.
A design guide by the Australian Institute of Architects provides an outline of the NCC mandated minimum provisions. It also includes recommendations for best practice design solutions to make facilities and premises safer and less discriminatory for people who are blind or have low vision.
The guide can be viewed on the Australian Institute of Architects website.
Our thanks go to ACA member Francesca Davenport who has been instrumental in preparing this guide and making it available for all ACA members.