Adapting Shelter Design for Improved Accessibility

Dear cluster members,

Please, find attached one simple and practical guideline to ensure T-shelters are accessible for all.

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B8cfV-4ewTgTNTA1OWNjMWYtMGYwZi00YjExLWJiMWMtOTBmY2ZmZjFjNzMy&hl=en

Handicap International has inaugurated its first T-Shelter in Petit Goave.

Don’t hesitate to contact Handicap International for any technical support/recommendation and visit our pilot T-shelter in Petit Goave.

Accessible temporary infrastructure:

Design and build camps and temporary settlements using minimal accessibility principles (based on Universal design) to make them SAFE et USER FRIENDLY for ALL. Adapt the environment according to the needs of the affected population: Shelters and public facilities such as camp offices, health services and other communal areas.

Consult people with disabilities and their families when designing temporary infrastructure.

Technical Recommendations:

• Make sure the pathways are stable, firm, even, and slip resistant and at least 90 cm wide.
• Ensure that there are no steps at the shelter entrance and the doorways are at least 90 cm wide (not including the frame).
• Make sure tent ropes or other obstacles are not blocking pathways.
• A ramp is always better than stairs, the ideal gradient should be 1:10 and it should have a smooth and non-slip surface.
• If you build stairs, make sure they are not more than 16cm height and at least 26cm depth.
• Doors should open outwards to increase usable space inside.

• Don’t forget to use bright paint if possible to indicate change in elevation/direction or to mark the tents rings.
• If the people are sleeping on the floor, make sure to provide some raised beds for people with less mobility.

Locate person with disabilities and their families close to essential facilities (latrine, distribution point, water point, cooking areas...

ALWAYS BUILD HANDRAILS (90cm height) BESIDE STAIRS AND RAMPS.

A SIMPLE ROPE HANDRAIL CAN BE USEFUL FOR GUIDING PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT EVEN ON FLAT GROUND.

If accessibility features are incorporated into the original design of a building it usually costs less than 2% of the total cost of the construction.