Access Insight - January 2019

DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

Basics of Hearing Augmentation

by Andrew Stewart

Stairway nosing strips

by Bruce Bromley

International best practices for access to buildings for people with disability

by Michael Small

14-16 August 2019 Luna Park, Sydney www.accessconference.com.au THE MAGAZINE FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTANTS IN ACCESS AUSTRALIA

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

by Mark Relf AM

President of the Association of Consultants in Access Australia

NCC 2019 PREVIEW As the 2018 end of year celebrations and holidays are now a distant memory 2019 launches us into a new frontier with the preview release of NCC 2019, which includes two important amendments:

• Accessibility Verification Methods DV2, DV3 and FV2.1 • Adult change facilities The task of preparing performance solutions will become even more interesting with the overlay of DV2, DV3 and FV2.1.

While DV2 and DV3 have be added, it is evident that the accompanying handbooks will be released at a later time, presumably before the 1st May, otherwise it seems we are moving into a world of deregulation, risk and liability not yet encountered before.

FV2.1 introduces waiting time to determine minimum number, location, gender, disability types of sanitary facilities required in a building.

No doubt the criteria for the inclusion of adult change facilities in the nominated types of buildings will present some interesting debates between consultants, designers, developers and certifiers not to mention specification F2.9 with contradictions and ambiguities between diagrams and text.

Let us ponder a list of questions for the upcoming NCC 2019 seminars which I imagine will produce many responses like; “we will get back to you”.

It maybe a case of waiting a few more years until the next phase of the Increased Competent use of Performance project (IcUP) when “quantification” of the Verification Methods is released.

IN THIS ISSUE From the President’s Desk........................2 ACAA State Networks...............................3 From the ACAA Committee........................4 International best practices for access to buildings for people with disability..............7 ACAA Conference - Access 2019: Call for Papers.......................................13

Address: 20 Maud Street, Geelong VIC 3220 Email: office@access.asn.au Phone: +61 3 5221 2820 Web: www.access.asn.au

The basics of hearing augmentation........14

Editor:

Book Review: But I Can Do the Job..........16 Stair Nosing Compliance.........................20 Hot Apps...............................................25

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Farah Madon vicepresident@access.asn.au

December 2018 / January 2019 Issue Cover photo credit: iStock Please email the Editor if you would like to showcase your project on the Cover of the next Access Insight

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ACAA MATTERS

ACAA ACCESS 2019 CONFERENCE

CITIZEN AWARDS

ACAA Access 2019 Conference planning continues and if you missed the first call for papers in December don’t panic reminders are being sent throughout February.

Each January our communities gather together to celebrate the achievements of remarkable people amongst us and this year I would like to bring your attention to the recognition of our very own Vice President, Farah Madon, who has been named Citizen of the Year within the local community of Penrith.

In addition to the usual themes we are planning to hold a poster competition that enables members to showcase their projects which will be judged for the Disability Inclusion Access Awards. So, register your interest now and make up your posters and videos for submission by May 2019.

BARRIERS TO THE SAFE USE OF INNOVATIVE VEHICLES AND MOBILITY DEVICES With a title like this one could easily be led to think that government was embarking on a project to improve access to the built environment. However, the detail of the consultation paper is more about regulating permissible use of wheelchairs, scooters and other devices in the public domain.

Besides working full time as an Access Consultant, she somehow finds time to volunteer on the local Access committee, attend various civic events, take on a role representing ACAA on Standards Committee and still be a mum and wife. This is award is truly deserved ... well done Farah!

Mark Relf AM

If you are interested in the paper and making a submission PLEASE CLICK HERE.

ACAA NSW Access Consultants Network Contact: ACAA NSW Chairperson

Robyn Thompson for details

ACAA SA Access Consultants Network Contact: ACAA SA Chairperson

Grant Wooller for details

ACAA QLD Access Consultants Network Contact: ACAA QLD Chairperson

Angela Chambers for details

ACAA VIC Access Consultants Network Contact: ACAA VIC Chairperson

Ms Maree Wyse for details

ACAA WA Access Consultants Network Contact: ACAA WA Chairperson

Anita Harrop for details

ACAA WA Event Date:

5 March 2019

Time:

4.00 pm - 5.30 pm

Venue: Northern Metropolitan TAFE,

Student Services Conference Room

December 2018 / January 2019

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ACAA MATTERS

From the ACAA Committee of Management JANUARY 2019 ACAA COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT CONTACT DETAILS PRESIDENT: Mr Mark Relf AM

TREASURER: Mr Howard Moutrie

VICE PRESIDENT: Mrs Farah Madon

ORDINARY MEMBERS: Ms Jennifer Barling Ms Cathryn Grant Mr Bruce Bromley

SECRETARY: Mrs Anita Harrop

F

ollowing the recent AGM members forum on behalf of the management committee we would like to update and clarify some apparent misunderstandings that several members have raised.

In response to potential members of ACAA, the committee has been considering alternative ways for people working in the access profession to become Associate members of ACAA, thus eventually leading to Accredited membership. A process is currently being trialled by ACAA that incorporates peer review of a work portfolio and an allied qualification, usually in architecture, occupational therapist, building surveying, or similar to develop an alternative pathway to associate membership. The process is not final and several comments made during the forum will be included.

While some people are concerned that a “no qualification” pathway is a negative step for access consulting, which in the opinion of the management committee is unfounded, for the following reasons;

• The alternative pathway does require a tertiary qualification in an allied field, which is supplemented by a work portfolio that is peer reviewed by ACAA. • The alternative pathway is to associate member not accredited member status.

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• The accredited member status is still the highest recognition in the field of access consulting, which requires a formal test, 3 years CPD and work portfolio.

There has also been some discussion regarding Government tenders requiring “qualified” access consultants and what the alternative pathway approach may mean for members and the access profession moving forward.

Like many aspects of federalism it is evident that there are differences between states and territories whereby;

• Some states require a qualification while others require accreditation by the professional body such as ACAA. • Some states have many pathways to formal recognition including “no qualification” pathways, such building surveyors/certifiers and building designers in NSW can attain the highest grade 1 status with an allied qualification and formal test.

There is also an alternative pathway available for Registered Architects without any qualifications but a have work portfolio. www.aaca.org.au/registration-as-an-architect/ To this end the committee reaffirms that; the accredited member status is still the highest recognition in the field of access consulting, which

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ACAA MATTERS requires a formal test, 3 years CPD and work portfolio.

The management committee also received feedback from a few employers and several graduates of the certificate IV qualification that the content does not adequately deliver the requisite knowledge and skills to immediately work as an access consultant.

As a point of clarification, concerns regarding the certificate IV course are in no way a criticism of any RTO that provides training in the certificate IV or diploma course in Access Consulting.

To address the matter ACAA has and will engage several strategies in 2019;

• ACAA made a submission for a Case for Change in 2018 to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to update and reconfigure the three qualifications, as did the Access Institute. Unfortunately, the Case for Change was unsuccessful. Nonetheless, ACAA will prepare a new submission in 2019 which will focus more heavily on employment outcomes and learning pathways.

• ACAA will survey the membership to obtain feedback about members experiences in education, CPD, employment and small business management concerning access consulting about what has worked well, not been okay and where gaps exist.

• ACAA has also had a fruitful discussion with Access Institute, the RTO that delivers the courses relating to the access consulting qualifications.

• ACAA have agreed to take a collaborative approach to reviewing alternative pathways to support ACAAs existing and prospective members into the future. Options that will be explored would focus on ways that members could achieve a relevant access consulting qualification through a variety of flexible mechanisms including Credit Transfer and Recognised Prior Learning as well as knowledge testing.

We will keep you updated about progress we make in 2019. ACAA is committed to supporting qualifications for access consultants and will work together to endeavour these are relevant and meet the changing needs of the profession.

December 2018 / January 2019

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FEATURED ARTICLE

International best practices for access to buildings for people with disability

by Michael Small

Michael Small is an Associate member of ACAA and runs a consultancy business based in Tasmania. Michael worked at the Australian Human Rights Commission for 18 years and was a member of the Committee that drafted the Premises Standards. More recently he completed a Churchill Fellowship looking at access compliance in North America and Europe.

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n late 2017, I undertook a Churchill Fellowship study tour of Canada, the USA, Ireland and the UK, to look at how these countries worked to achieve the best possible access to buildings for people with disability, particularly to existing buildings that are being modified or extended.

All four countries have a similar human rights and building regulation frameworks to that of Australia and I wanted to look at how those laws interacted.

In all four countries, similar to Australia, discrimination (or civil rights) laws protect people with disability from being treated differently because of their disability in most areas of life, including access to and use of buildings.

In general, these rights are upheld through complaints arising from discrimination experienced by people with disability following the construction of a building.

Throughout the design and construction of a building in the four countries visited there are no inspectors or certifiers to monitor or enforce non-discrimination obligations under discrimination law. This is also the case in Australia.

Compliance with building law, however, is mandatory, and all the countries visited have monitoring and compliance-enforcement mechanisms in place in the form of building and occupation permit procedures. Again as is the case in Australia.

In each of the countries visited, while compliance with building law is mandatory, compliance with the access provisions of those laws would not protect a building owner or operator from a successful complaint of discrimination if a person experienced an access barrier.

Australia is unique in having adopted an approach that establishes a closer link between building law and discrimination law in relation to the design and construction of buildings.

As ACAA members will be well aware Australia has done this by developing the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 (Cth) (the Premises Standards), that defines the minimum level of accessibility required in new buildings (and new work on existing buildings) to meet obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) in relation to those matters covered by the Premises Standards.

At the same time the Premises Standards were introduced the accessibility provisions of the National Construction Code (NCC) were changed to reflect the content of the Premises Standards.

December 2018 / January 2019

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FEATURED ARTICLE As a result, a designer, builder or developer can be confident that if a building complies with accessibility requirements in the NCC it also complies with discrimination law in relation to those matters covered by the Premises Standards.

For the development and building sector, the benefit of this approach is clarity and certainty, something building professionals in all four countries visited were envious of.

For people with disability and the broader community, the benefit is significantly better access to buildings, and the availability of a monitoring and enforcement mechanism through the state and territory building approval processes.

There is broad agreement that the Premises Standards are delivering benefits to all stakeholders when applied to new buildings, but there is less confidence about fully achieving the benefits envisaged when it comes to modifications and extensions to existing buildings.

For the potential benefits to people with disability and the broader community to be realised, particularly with respect to existing buildings undergoing modification or extension, a number of elements need to be in place, including:

• Building professionals, such as designers, builders, certifiers and consultants, with the skills to interpret and apply access requirements.

• A building approval process that is rigorous and independent.

• A flexible, but transparent process for exercising discretion in relation to access requirements for existing buildings undergoing modification or extension.

• Resources for building professionals and community advocates to assist with understanding and applying access requirements.

• Efficient, timely and transparent appeals mechanisms to deal with special cases.

• Effective auditing of compliance by regulatory bodies.

An example of the many differences between Australia and in this case Ireland in the fitout of accessible toilets 8

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FEATURED ARTICLE • A governance structure that includes regulators, the building and design sectors, the disability and aged sectors, human rights agencies, access experts and government to ensure timely improvements and maintain the integrity of the Premises Standards.

Following my Fellowship, I have concluded that there are several positive features of Australia’s approach and practice in building accessibility, including that:

• The development of the Premises Standards, rather than fragmented and less progressive changes to building law, gave rights advocates the leverage to ensure significant improvements in accessibility.

• The building approval and permit process under state and territory building law, when properly applied, effectively ensures compliance with the Premises Standards.

• Industry has greater clarity and certainty as to its obligations under all relevant laws.

• A consistent level of accessibility is applied across Australia.

• A partnership approach to developing the Premises Standards safeguarded their integrity.

Australia also benefits from having a national access consultant accreditation body, the ACAA which stands out as being the most developed and active access consultant organisation in any of the countries visited.

There were several areas, however, in which, in my view, Australia is not performing well, including the following:

• The limited availability of information and resources to both building professionals and people with disability to assist with understanding and applying the standards.

• Insufficient recognition of the need for flexibility in relation to changes to existing buildings.

• Little work being done on addressing access issues outside the basic building structure.

• Lack of timely, low cost, expert-driven decisions on appeals or requests for dispensations.

• Insufficient attention being paid to establishing mechanisms for improved compliance, monitoring and auditing.

• Insufficient focus on ensuring that access issues are addressed at the earliest stages of projects.

While none of the four counties visited performed perfectly in all these areas, each had some interesting and valuable approaches and initiatives.

For example, in all four countries there was greater recognition of the difficulties associated with applying access requirements for new buildings to upgrades or extensions to existing buildings. That recognition takes the form of:

Michael running a workshop at the Access Board in the USA. The Board brought together 15 of the US's leading experts on access to exchange ideas and compare approaches to providing access in the USA and Australia.

December 2018 / January 2019

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FEATURED ARTICLE • A wide range of exceptions written into codes or guidelines (USA and Canada).

• The creation of separate codes or sections of codes/guidelines covering changes to existing buildings (USA and Ireland).

• The application of measures of disproportionality (USA).

• The availability of compliance alternatives and triggers for the scope of compliance (Canada).

• An emphasis on practicability and reasonably achievable compliance (USA, UK and Ireland).

• A focus on the accessibility of service delivery (UK).

Other examples of initiatives that warrant further consideration include the funding of organisations focussing on accessibility and resource development, closer links between planning and building approval processes, and extending the scope of standards to include fitout and the broader built environment.

My full report is available on the Churchill Fellowship website at www.churchilltrust.com.au/ fellows/ (search under my name) or directly from me at Michael@smallconsulting.com.au I have provided my report to the Premises Standards Review Team in the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, and other stakeholders, and will to refer to it during ongoing discussions in the Expert Advisory Group that Mark Relf and I are members of.

RECOMMENDATIONS The Premises Standards must be reviewed every five years. The first review took place in 2016, with the review report and Government response released in 20171. While some of the review recommendations are already being actioned, the major work on a range of recommendations is yet to be completed.

1 Department of Innovation, Industry and Science (Commonwealth), Review of the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 (2016), available at: https:// industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/buildingandconstruction/Pages/PremisesStandardsReview.aspx.

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Recommendation 1: Increase the availability of information, training and resources to assist with understanding and applying the standards Initiatives that could be considered:

• Make referenced technical standards available without cost, as is the case in the countries visited.

• Adopt a structure and style for codes and guidance material like that in Mississauga in Canada, Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (TGD M)2 in Ireland or Approved Document M (AD M) in the UK3. While this approach may be resisted in the National Construction Code (NCC), because it would be inconsistent with the rest of the NCC, it may be possible to make these changes with the Premises Standards, or at least with a revised Guideline on the application of the Premises Standards.

• Establish a centre for accessibility along the lines of the National Disability Authority in Ireland or the US Access Board to progress Australia’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)4 to pursue and promote a universal design approach.

• Develop a range of online resources such as those developed by the US Access Board and the National Disability Authority in Ireland. These could include a webinar program focusing on interpretation and application issues, or animated films to show the application of accessibility requirements focussing on understanding the functionality of required design features.

• Increase training opportunities for building professionals and disability advocates on implementation and monitoring of compliance.

2 Technical Document - Access and Use (2010) Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Republic of Ireland) http:// www.housing.gov.ie/housing/building-standards/tgd-part-m-access-anduse/technical-guidance-document-m-access-and-use.

3 Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M; Access to and use of buildings, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings [2015] Gov.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-anduse-of-buildings-approved-document-m.

4 Australia is a party to this Convention, having ratified it on 17 July 2008. The text of the Convention is available at <https://treaties. un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-15&chapter=4&clang=_en>.

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FEATURED ARTICLE Recommendation 2: Address the need for more flexibility in relation to upgrades and extensions to existing buildings while retaining the integrity of the Premises Standards Initiatives that could be considered: Assess the advantages and disadvantages of introducing a wider range of exceptions written into codes or guidelines (USA and Canada).

• Assess the advantages and disadvantages of creating a separate code or sections of codes/guidelines covering changes to existing buildings: USA and Ireland.

• Assess the advantages and disadvantages of the application of measures of disproportionality (the ‘20% rule’) (USA).

• Assess the advantages and disadvantages of providing compliance alternatives and limited triggers for the scope of compliance (Canada).

• Assess the advantages and disadvantages of focussing on practicability and reasonably achievable compliance (USA, UK and Ireland).

• Assess the advantages and disadvantages of focussing on the accessibility of service delivery rather than building accessibility only (UK).

• Clarify the provisions in Part 4.1(4) of the Premises Standards concerning the meaning of ‘substantially equal access’ and, in particular, whether equitable service delivery, as distinct from building accessibility, can be considered when there are substantial questions of unjustifiable hardship (UK).

• Clarify the triggers for the application of the Premises Standards where alterations or upgrades of existing buildings are taking place. In particular, clarify the application of the affected part provisions where the new work is exempt from building approval, is simply repair work or is replacing like with like.

• Consider establishing a more formal role for ACAA-accredited members in relation to assessing plans for upgrades or extensions to existing buildings.

• Develop resources to assist in identifying appropriate Performance Solution approaches to upgrades and extensions to existing

buildings, including making case examples available online.

Recommendation 3: Extend the scope of Disability Standards to ensure a more holistic approach to the built environment, employment and service delivery Initiatives that could be considered:

• Develop accessibility standards in the areas of fixtures and fittings, customer service, information and communication, employment and public space to supplement the Premises, Transport and Education Standards (USA, Canada, Ireland and UK).

• Develop a pro-active obligation on public bodies to upgrade premises and deliver accessible services (Ireland).

Recommendation 4: Provide a timely, low-cost, expert-driven appeals process in relation to substantial questions of unjustifiable hardship and appropriate Performance Solutions Initiatives that could be considered:

• Establish consistent state and territory mechanisms for responding to appeals on the full application of access requirements of the NCC in relation to alterations and extensions of existing buildings and changes-in-use of buildings (Massachusetts, USA).

• Strengthen the link between decisions of state and territory Access Panels (or equivalent) and certainty afforded under the unjustifiable hardship provisions of the Premises Standards to give greater confidence to those responsible for projects and their approval.

• Make appeal decisions available online (UK and Massachusetts, USA).

Recommendation 5: Establish better compliance monitoring, enforcement and auditing systems Initiatives that could be considered:

• Appoint inspectors to audit compliance: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

December 2018 / January 2019

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FEATURED ARTICLE • Establish an audit system that focusses on improving knowledge and compliance through the development of practice notes and educational material rather than punishing those involved in non-compliant projects.

• Provide the Australian Human Rights Commission with authority to be a complainant and negotiate agreements (Department of Justice, USA, Ombudsman, Ireland).

Recommendation 6: Ensure access issues are integrated into the earliest stages of a project Initiatives that could be considered:

• Improve connectedness between planning approval and building permit processes similar to the UK Design and Access Statement requirements, whereby at the planning stage a change-in-use application can be refused if it would be impossible to provide equitable access at the later building approval phase (UK).

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• Develop training and resources for planners to provide them with the skills to identify possible future accessibility problems associated with a project.

• Consider mandatory requirement for an Access Strategy for major public developments (UK).

• Encourage local authorities to develop inclusive design guidelines/codes for their own properties and facilities (Canada).

• Adopt a requirement that new buildings and certain existing buildings undergoing extension or upgrades must have a Disability Access Certificate (Ireland).

• Adopt an Inclusion Lens that establishes a policy and procedure for ensuring access is addressed early on in a project and involves consultation between planners, project managers and community reference groups .

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5 I am currently working on a project aiming to achieve this with a local government authority in Tasmania.

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2019 ACAA National Conference 14 - 16 August 2019 at Luna Park in Sydney

CALL FOR PAPERS

ACCESS 2019 Call for Papers are open!

ACCESS 2019 is now accepting submissions for presentations at ACCESS 2019 – Inclusion by Design: Equality, Diversity and the Built Environment.

ACAA is delighted to launch Access 2019, the Conference for access consultants and all people working to establish inclusive communities. Access 2019 will provide a forum to share and learn about the many aspects and elements that enable inclusive communities.

The Conference will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences on a range of topics that bridge the gap, from access to inclusion: • Verifying performance-based design in a DDA context • The role of the NDIS in building Inclusive Communities and through Specialist Disability Accommodation.

• Liveable – Adaptable – Accessible Visitable Housing: What’s the difference and where to from here?

• Using Technology that enables Inclusive Access • The journey to inclusive access, research and standards development • Inclusive Access: Plan Design Build neighbourhoods, public transportation and communication systems.

• Inclusive egress and fire safety measures.

• Inclusive live, educate, work, play leisure and tourism • NDIS planning: capacity building – assistive technology • Moving beyond the minimums in the pursuit of inclusion The most successful presentations in the program present real-life case studies, as well as provide actionable insights for delegates to take back to their workplaces or homes. To make a submission you will need a session title and short description (around 100-150 words), as well as the speaker information and short biography.

Sales presentations and pure product promotions will not be accepted.

If you have any questions, please call us on 1300 789 845 or or email info@interpoint.com.au The FINAL deadline for submissions is 5pm AEST, Friday 1st of March 2019. Submissions can only be made via the online portal (CLICK HERE) and cannot be accepted via email.

APPLY NOW

December 2018 / January 2019

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FEATURED ARTICLE

The basics of hearing augmentation

by Andrew Stewart

Andrew is well recognised in the building profession, regularly lecturing in Hearing Augmentation and improving the technical standards in Australia. This included being the key author of the Australian Building Standards for Hearing Augmentation, published in 2010.

Andrew was born into a hearing impaired family, with a hearing impaired father, brother and two sisters. He wore hearing aids from 7 years old until he was fitted with his first cochlear implant in 2009 and his second in 2016. He and his wife have raised two wonderful and amazing hearing impaired children who wear a combination of hearing aids and a cochlear implant.

Andrew Stewart has launched his own company, Hearing Connections, specialising in Hearing Augmentation systems.

WHAT ARE HEARING AUGMENTATION SYSTEMS? There are three types of Hearing Augmentation Systems: Hearing Loops, FM and Infra-red System.

These systems typically connect to the output of an existing PA/sound system/sound source.

This can include wireless microphones, TVs, and music systems both in the home and in public places. The systems are typically received by the consumer using a hearing aid or cochlear implant on the telecoil (previously known as the "T Switch") setting, however some systems can be used with headphones if the user does not wear hearing devices.

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WHY DO WE NEED HEARING AUGMENTATION? Hearing Augmentation allows a deaf or hearing impaired user to hear the output signal directly in their ear using a hearing device. With such a device the user is able to hear the sound without reverberation or background noise. Furthermore they are able to hear speech clearly where otherwise they would have struggled. Hearing devices include hearing aids, cochlear implants, BAHAs (Bone Anchored Hearing Aids) and auditory brain-stem implants.

TYPES OF HEARING AUGMENTATION Hearing Loop System A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a system for use by people with hearing devices with a Telecoil. Alternatively, receivers are available for those not using hearing devices or whose hearing devices do not have a Telecoil. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal and consists of a Loop Amplifier which connects to the sound system output. The amplifier sends the signal through an installed cable 'loop' which is run either in/under the floor/ carpet or in the ceiling. By being run as a complete loop the cable acts as an antenna allowing the signal to be picked up by the hearing device when it is set to Telecoil setting.

Hearing loops require installation by a professional experienced in hearing loops (such as Hearing Connections). If not installed correctly users may be required to tilt their head at an awkward angle to pick up the signal or find unexpected dead spots in the area.

Some of the Advantages are:

â&#x20AC;˘ Discrete for the user, they don't have to identify themselves

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FEATURED ARTICLE • Users don't have to find out where to collect receivers • There are no receiver batteries to fail • There are no receiver attachments to fail • Receivers can not get lost or damaged by users or staff • Less training is required for staff to run the system • No ongoing cost for maintenance of receivers, inc repairs and replacement batteries • Not open to DDA complaint for lack of working receivers or attachments • Unlimited amount of Telecoil users at no additional cost FM System An FM system is for use by people with or without hearing devices. An FM System is made up of one base station transmitter connected to the sound system output. Depending on the device, the transmitter can be located with the sound system or in a nearby room. The receivers are approximately 9.5 x 5 cm and are worn with a lanyard around the neck with an appropriate attachment. One receiver and attachment is required per user. Each receiver is commonly fitted with rechargeable batteries that require charging after each use.

For both FM and the Infrared systems every receiver must be provided with attachments to suit both types of users, those with hearing devices with a Telecoil, and those who do not have hearing devices, or do not have a Telecoil.

These attachments will be in the form of a neckloop for Telecoil users and a headset for other users (headsets must work for both ears

for speech clarity and DDA compliance).

Infra-red System An Infrared System is for use by people with or without hearing devices. An Infrared System is made up of usually two or more wall mounted emitters connected to the sound system output.

These emitters use non-visible light to transmit the signal from the emitters to body worn receivers. Due to the light signal, this is a line-of-sight system and any disruption or blockage of the signal (even temporarily) can disrupt the sound. This can take the form of a person walking between the emitter and the user, or the user turning in another direction if there are not an adequate amount of emitters.

To achieve a practical and sufficient outcome an adequate number of emitters need to be used, and correctly mounted; taking into account the height of people occupying the room, and the direction they are facing.The receivers are approximately 9.5 x 5 cm and are worn with a lanyard around the neck with an appropriate attachment. One receiver and attachment is required per user. Each receiver is commonly fitted with rechargeable batteries that require charging after each use.

For Infrared systems every receiver must be provided with attachments to suit both types of users, those with hearing devices with a Telecoil, and those who do not have hearing devices, or do not have a Telecoil. These attachments will be in the form of a neckloop for Telecoil users and a headset for other users (headsets must work for both ears for speech clarity and DDA compliance).

For more information refer to www.hearconnect.com.au

Comparison of Features

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BOOK REVIEW

BUT I CAN DO THE JOB: EXAMINING DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE THROUGH HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLAINT CASES

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE DOCUMENT

Authors: Simon Darcy, Tracy Taylor and Jenny Green Published: Disability & Society, 2016, Vol. 31:9, 1242-1274 Reviewed by: Cathryn Grant

AIM:

RESULTS:

The aim of the study was to examine complaints of disability discrimination in the workplace to better understand why and how people with a disability have difficulty finding and maintaining employment.

Whilst most complaints were regarding physical, vision or hearing access issues it was people with mental health issues and HIV/AIDS that were the most discriminated against.

METHOD: Much of the research in this area has focused on the individual and their impairments and how to manage their disability in the workplace, a medical model type approach.

This study used natural data (data which exists without the researcher having to intervene) which involved reviewing Australian Human Rights Commission complaint cases and Federal Court actions brought under the Australian DDA. The case studies were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively to determine patterns of employment discrimination. In total 987 publicly available complaints were reviewed.

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Access to and within premises was the most common issue under which a complaint was made. The three common issues were access to and within the place of employment, parking and toilets.

Twenty per cent of complaint cases involved people not employing a person with a disability and in many cases employers directly communicated this to the applicant. This identifies a lack of understanding regarding people with disabilitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights and the legislation that protects those rights: the DDA. Another area of complaint was around inflexible work practices or roster systems that did not allow someone to leave when required to be at home caring for a child with a disability.

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTANTS IN ACCESS AUSTRALIA

BOOK REVIEW Another area of compliant was around the issues of assistive technology. Cost, integrating the technologies with other software and workplace policies and procedures were cited as reasons for not being able to employ or retain a current staff member with a disability.

The study reports that the conciliation process was positive when both employer and employee where open to creating non-discriminatory opportunities and were able to discuss and listen to each other’s side and find solutions.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE: • Of all complaint cases across the Australian Human Rights Commission’s operations, by far the largest proportion involves disability discrimination.

• Within the disability discrimination complaint cases, employment makes up the greatest proportion of these cases.

• Of these complaints most relate to physical, vision or hearing access issues and typically access to the building, parking and toilets.

This study highlights the volume of complaint cases in the employment of people with disabilities and that physical access to the built environment plays a significant part of these.

December 2018 / January 2019

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Stair Nosing Compliance

by Bruce Bromley Managing Director: Equal Access Group Pty Ltd ACAA Accredited Access Consultant

Editorial comment: There appears to be a lot of confusion in the industry in regards to nosing strips. Below is an article written by Bruce Bromley that discusses the same. ACAA COM welcomes feedback on the article so that this can be developed into a Practice Note.

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here is nothing like the threat from a disgruntled stair nosing supplier to sue me if I do not retract my comments about purposely supplying non-compliant nosing. My answer to the retraction was simply ‘No” I had nothing to retract.

The reason for the threat is the compliance of the following style of commonly used stair nosings (shown in Figure 1 below).

Whilst the company name will remain redacted I thought it was a good time to discuss this type of nosings in question and why that style does not meet the prescriptive requirements of AS 1428.1:2009.

WHAT ARE THE PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR NOSINGS? AS 1428.1:2009 Design for access and mobility Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work 11.1 Stair Construction

• Stair nosings shall not project beyond the face of the riser and the riser may be vertical or have a splay backwards up to a maximum 25 mm, as shown in Figures 27(A) and 27(B).

Striped style non-compliant stair nosings from a Chinese manufacturer as found on Alibaba.

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTANTS IN ACCESS AUSTRALIA

FEATURED ARTICLE • Stair nosing profiles shall: °° have a sharp intersection; °° be rounded up to 5 mm radius; or °° be chamfered up to 5 mm × 5 mm.

Strip of contrasting 15 mm • At the nosing, each tread colour 50-75mm Setbackshall have a strip not less than 50 mm and not more than 75 mm deep across the full width of the path of travel.

The strip may be set back a maximum of

Strip of contrasting colour 50-75mm

15 mm from the front of the nosing. The strip shall have a minimum luminance contrast of 30% to the background. Where the luminous contrasting strip is affixed to the surface of the tread, any change in level shall comply with Clause 7.2 and Clause 7.3.

• Where the luminance contrasting strip is not set back from the front of the nosing then any area of luminance contrast shall not extend down the riser more than 10 mm.

15 mm Setback

25mm max. splay

5mm radius max.

25mm max. splay NOTE: A chamfered nosing 5mm x 5mm may be used

FIGURE 27(A) A TYPICAL STAIR NOSING PROFILE WITH NOSING STRIP 5mm radius max.

NOTE: A chamfered nosing 5mm x 5mm may be used

FIGURE 27(A) A TYPICAL STAIR NOSING PROFILE WITH NOSING STRIP

Inlaid strip of contrasting colour 50 to 75 wide paving tile or similar

Inlaid strip of contrasting colour 50 to 75 wide paving tile or similar

10mm max. exposed face of nosing strip

10mm max. exposed face of nosing strip

25mm max. splay

25mm max. splay

FIGURE 27(B) A TYPICAL STAIR NOSING PROFILE WITH EXPOSED NOSING STRIP December 2018 / January 2019

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FEATURED ARTICLE WHAT IS A COMPLIANT STRIP? The keywords within the above extracts are ‘Strip’ and ‘Colour’ both of which are used in a singular context.

• Strip of contrasting colour • Inlaid strip of contrasting colour • At the nosing, each tread shall have a strip not less than 50 mm and not more than 75 mm deep across the full width of the path of travel.

This means the contrasting strip must be a ‘single strip’ and of ‘one colour’ only. The multiple strips nosings that are made up of bands of aluminium and coloured inserts, as shown above, do not meet this prescriptive requirement and are so non-compliant.

WHAT IS THE 10MM FRONT EXTENSION? As detailed below, the maximum a stair nosing front face (any area of luminance contrast) is permitted to extend down the face of a riser is 10mm.

Figure 3: Standard stair nosing with a 50mm strip and maximum 10mm front extension on a square corner.

RAMIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS Any individual who specifies, supplies, certifies or installs such a product to a building that is required to be accessible (BCA Table D3.1) will be in breach of and potentially exposed to litigation as detailed in part 2.2 of the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010.

This is highlighted with the legal case of Toomey v Scolaro’s Concrete Constructions where a stair balustrade was found to be non-compliant and found to have contributed to a fall. In the end, Justice Geoffrey Eames decided that the responsibility of this case rests on a total of nine defendants and awarded $2.248M in damages paid by:

• The two men wrestling on the stair 50% of compensation • Balance 50% equally paid by the following:

°° the building surveyor, °° the building inspector, °° the developer, and °° the building manager Other stair-related legal cases:

• https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/quadriplegic-sues-melbourne-building-owner-after-falling-down-stairs/news-story/67f8c0cb5840322f433bffc24895a829 • https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-01/ hospital-fall-compensation-pay-out-charters-towers/8312092

ACAA would welcome member feedback on this article so that it can be developed into a Practice Note. Thank you.

°° two main building construction companies, °° the apartment’s architect,

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTANTS IN ACCESS AUSTRALIA

FEATURED ARTICLE

our new CORPORATE SPONSOR category!

Association of Consultants in Access Australia

CORPORATE SPONSORS

The annual fee for BRONZE Corporate Sponsor is $1,100. Sponsorship is is suitable for businesses that provide: • Products that relate to accessible built environments and support the objectives of ACAA. • Disability access-related consultancy services (provided that the business employs at least ONE financial ACAA Accredited level member).

BRONZE ‘Corporate Sponsor’ Package includes the following: Use of ‘ACAA Bronze Sponsor’ logo on your website and advertising material (for financial members).

Early release of ACAA Conference Trade booths and other Sponsorship packages at 10% discount for the next ACAA National Conference to be held at Luna Park Sydney in August 2019.

Free listing as a ‘Corporate Sponsor’ on ACAA website

¼ A4 page advertisement in six issues of Access Insight magazine (approx. value of $1,500); OR 2 x ¼ A4 page advertisements and 1 page ‘Advertorial’ in Access Insight magazine (approx value of $1,500 based on current Access Insight advertising rates).

Free admission to attend any two ACAA State Network seminars / meetings for two people (approx. value $200)

For details, contact Farah Madon: vicepresident@access.asn.au

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTANTS IN ACCESS AUSTRALIA

HOT APPS

January 2019 HOT APPS

I

n this section, we feature apps that are Access Industry related. If you have an app that is useful for Access Consultants, please let the Editor know so that it can be included in the next issue of Access Insight.

SKYPE LIVE CAPTIONING AND SUB-TITLES Skype video and audio calling, web conferencing, and chat application now has live captioning and subtitles to make using the software easier for people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment, or who may speak different languages from others in their video chat.

The feature will allow users to see real time transcriptions of the person they are communicating with. The spoken words appear on screen either in the same language, or in the user’s language of preference. Skype plans to roll out translation support for more than 20 languages and dialects.

Turning the live captioning / subtitles option on and off takes just a few simple steps:

• During an audio or video call, select the more (+) button.

• Select Turn subtitles on. You can also enable live captions and subtitles as the default for all Skype calls.

On first trial, the voice recognition was somewhat hit and miss, but improved when speaking slowly and clearly.

Download Skype HERE

AVA – 24/7 ACCESSIBLE LIFE Ava is another live captioning app, and is designed to be used on your smart phone during conversations. People who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment can participate in conversations by means of voice recognition technology.

Ava states it has 95% accuracy when the phone is a metre away from the speaker.

Download Ava HERE

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The content of this magazine is for information purposes only and opinions expressed in articles are those of its author and not ACAA. ACAA assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Advertised products and services that appear in this magazine have been provided by such organisations without verification by ACAA. ACAA does not guarantee, support nor endorses any product or service mentioned in this magazine, nor does it warrant any assertions made by the manufacturers of such products or services. Users of are recommended to obtain independent information and to perform independent research before using the information acquired from this magazine.

In this magazine, you will find links to other websites. ACAA cannot be held liable for the content of these websites nor for the way in which these websites handle your (personal) data. For information in this regard, read the privacy policy, disclaimer, copyright notices, general terms & conditions, if available, of any website you visit. No part of the magazine may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the ACAA Committee of Management.

20 Maud Street, Geelong VIC 3220 +61 3 5221 2820 office@access.asn.au

www.access.asn.au