Building modifications are often required to ensure workplaces and public areas are accessible for people with disability. The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992, also known as the DDA, State and Territory discrimination laws, the Building Code of Australia and the Disability Access Standards are the most relevant laws and codes relating to access.
The Disability Discrimination Act , section 23, makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person with disability by not providing access or use of a public premises. The DDA also outlines building access requirements in relation to employment in sections 15 and 17.
Modifications to buildings commonly include:
The Building Code of Australia does refer to technical specifications outlined in the Australian Standards, however, the BCA do not always ensure building modifications comply with the DDA. The primary Australian Standards relating to building modifications is AS 1428.1—Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work and AS 1428.2—Design for access and mobility, Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements—Building and facilities.
The Australian Human Rights Commission website also outlines the Disability Access Standards regarding access issues (the links will open in a new windows):
All building modifications need to be approved by local council and access consultants or building surveyors may be employed to provide additional information regarding access and building modifications.
References:
Standards Australia 2001, AS 1428.1, Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Standards Australia 1992, AS 1428.2, Design for access and mobility, Part 2: Enhanced & additional requirements—Building facilities, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to buildings and services: Guidelines and information, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 9 February 2012, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/guidelines.htm.
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to premises, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 9 February 2012, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/access_to_premises.html.
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