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Accessible Outdoor Furniture

The AODA has standards for the design of public spaces, but no standards for accessibility in other built environments. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends improvements to all standards and laws governing buildings and public spaces. In addition, the review recommends that future AODA standards should align with existing standards in other parts of the country. For instance, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) have developed federal standards for accessibility in the built environment. Future AODA standards may include some or all of these guidelines and requirements to make buildings more accessible. In this article, we explore guidelines in the federal built environment standards for accessible outdoor furniture.

Accessible Outdoor furniture

Outdoor furniture includes:

This furniture should be near accessible paths, but not create obstacles on them. For example, furniture can be placed in an amenity zone close to other features of the environment, including:

These zones should be along curbs and should not reduce the width of paths. Moreover, furniture can be located on one or both sides of paths. However, this location should be consistent throughout a region, so that people can find the furniture they need. People should have enough space to reach furniture with their assistive devices, including turning space. Furthermore, if the ground under furniture is not level with the path beside it, ramps should connect the two areas. In addition, this ground should contrast the surface of the path in colour and texture. Finally, the standards list measurements for the width of amenity zones.

Rest areas

Rest areas near drop-offs or downward slopes should have edge protection, such as a raised curb. The standards list measurements for picnic table clearances, including:

  • Knee clearance
  • Clear areas around them for approach

Public telephones

Outdoor public telephones should be on surfaces that are:

  • Firm
  • Stable
  • Slip-resistant

Moreover, people should be able to find telephones with their white canes.

Washrooms

The route from an accessible path to a washroom door should be level.

Information Kiosks

Information kiosks should comply with requirements for:

Moreover, kiosks with counters should comply with requirements for seating at counters. Furthermore, kiosks should comply with the federal standards for self-service interactive devices.

Parking Meters, Newspaper Dispensers, Mail Boxes, and Courier Boxes

The standards list measurements for clear areas of approach around:

  • Parking meters or ticket dispensers
  • Newspaper dispensers
  • Mail boxes
  • Courier boxes

Moreover, like the areas in front of public telephones, ground surfaces under these fixtures should be firm, stable, and slip-resistant. In addition, these dispensers or boxes should have good colour contrast with their surroundings, and be fixed to the ground, a wall, or a poll. However, they should be near enough to the ground for someone to find them with a white cane. They should comply with requirements for operating controls. The standards list specific measurements for the height of controls for these dispensers or boxes. Likewise, dispensers should comply with the federal standards for self-service interactive devices.

Garbage Bins, Recycling Bins, and Ashtrays

Many requirements for dispensers or boxes also apply to:

  • Garbage bins
  • Recycling bins
  • Ashtrays

For example, the standards list measurements for clear areas of approach around these containers. Likewise, they should:

  • Have good colour contrast with their surroundings
  • Be cane-detectable and fixed to the ground, a wall, or a poll

In addition, the standards list measurements for the height of lids.

Reflecting Pools

Surfaces on the edges of reflecting pools should be firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Moreover, these edges should have:

Traffic Control Boxes, Hydro Transformers, and Fire Hydrants

Finally, the standards list measurements for the height of other fixtures installed near paths, such as:

  • Traffic control boxes
  • Hydro transformers
  • Fire hydrants

Guy wires should have good colour contrast with their surroundings.

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