General Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2008 12 noon
Parksville Community Centre
In Attendance: Michelle Jones, Chair Karen Barry
Karen Barry Maureen Pilcher
Egon Kuhn Bruce Cownden
Shirley Wright Duane Round
Manley LaFoy Bon Thorburn
Guests: Councillor Chris Burger Councillor Marc Lefebvre
Gerry Price Regan Myers
Marilyn Hayden, Recording Secretary
Guest Presentation: Measuring Up Project Universal Design
Gerry Price & Regan Myers
Michelle Jones called the meeting to order at 12:10 P.M.
Councillor Marc Lefebvre introduced Regan Myers and Gerry Price to present the Universal Design presentation.
· The object of the presentation is to sensitize and educate people on creating accessibility one structure at a time.
· There is only 1 elevator in all commercial buildings in Parksville and in buildings built up to 6 years ago there are no handicap washrooms.
· Most communities are not friendly for anyone who is not 100% able.
· Universal design is about products, environments and communications designed to consider the needs of the widest possible array of users. Also known as Inclusive Design and/or Lifespan Design. The ultimate goal is to improve accessibility for as many people as possible at little or no extra cost.
· Design should be blind to culture, age, gender, and ability. Listening to people and learning how they use products, spaces and services has become more important than the actual creative design process itself.
· Seven principles of Universal Design:
o Flexibility in use
o Simple, intuitive use
o Perceptible information
o Equitable use
o Tolerance for error
o Low physical effort
o Size and space for approach & use
· Universal Design is beneficial because all humans change physically and intellectually throughout life so this must be considered in the design stages. If a design works well for people with disabilities, it will work better for everyone. Usability and aesthetics are mutually compatible. Embracing Universal Design at the outset can help avoid costly retrofits in the future.
· By 2032, there will be a significant number of seniors as well as a small amount of young families with a noticeable decrease in the population in between.
· Universal Design can be applied to any product or environment. Eg. Applying UD principles to typical service counters result in better service for everyone. A product based on UD principles can be beneficial to persons with different disabilities. Eg. Curb cuts beneficial to those in wheelchairs and scooters with a tactile surface for those with visual impairments so they know they are entering a street.
· Common Standards for Home Construction:
o At least one no-step entrance.
o Doors and hallways wide enough to navigate through.
o A bathroom on the first floor big enough to get into in a wheelchair and be able to close the door.
o One-story living areas for eating, sleeping and using the bathroom are all located on one level.
· Innovative home design based on Universal Design principle:
o A bathroom that has appliances that move and relocate depending on the users needs. Users can customize their own bathing space.
o Keyless entry allows you to walk up to the door and press a button and magically your door is open.
o As you walk up to your home, the lights in the yard turn on. As you enter your home, the interior lights turn on.
o Stacking closets that become home elevators.
o Gradual ramps entering a house rather than stairs.
· Easy Universal Design upgrades that benefit everyone:
o Non-slip surfaces on floors and bathtubs.
o Handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.
o Thresholds that are flush with the floor.
o Adequate lighting.
o Lever door handles and rocker light switches.
· Universal Design Websites:
o Universal Design Institute www.design.ncsu.edu/cud
www.adaptiveenvironments.org/universal/index.php
o BC Access Handbook http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/building/handbook/
o Architectural Products www.barrierfree.org
o Universal Trails and Parks www.americantrails.org, www.ncaonline.gor, www.access-board.gov
o Universal Marine Access
www.access-board.gov/recreation/guides/fishing.htm
www.indiana.edu/-nca/monographs/9beach-access.shtm1#top
Questions:
Why are there more handicapped people today?
· Medicine keeping people alive longer.
· Extreme sports
· More car accidents
· Seniors living longer
· If houses were designed in the first place to accommodate the handicapped and seniors, it would be much cost effective.
The BC Building Code has created problems, how can we deal with this?
· The code will relax if it is a disabled building.
Is there a marketable need?
· Bruce Cownden reported that there is a huge need. If houses were designed to accommodate ambulatory care, it would enable a couple to stay together in their own home.
· Duane Round reported that retrofit homes do not cost that much more to build, 3 doors are normal now.
Is the group sending the message to government to change the building code?
· Councillor Marc Lefebvre yes
· Regan Myers no
Egon Kuhn reported that he built 170 units in the French Creek area all wheel chair accessible.
Michelle Jones thanked Councillor Marc Lefebvre for organizing the presentation and Regan and Gerry for their informative presentation.