Making buildings accessible to all is everyone’s moral duty

Productive integration into society of everyone as equal partners is paramount for all citizens and the country. This requires establishing a society that constructs public buildings with everyone in mind so that everyone, especially people with curtailed mobility, can use fully.

This prevents inhumane discrimination, promotes gainful opportunities, minimises unwanted dependency and brings rich dividends to the country. It is an indispensable investment that can be delayed no further. The implementation of the recent Supreme Court Order will promote this mission of National importance.”

These facts were revealed recently to a distinguished gathering of engineers by the invited speaker Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera, Hony. Secretary-General of IDIRIYA, a voluntary disability rights advocate and a pioneering campaigner for ‘buildings for all’.

“Accessibility - A Moral Duty of Engineers”, was a programme organised jointly by Sri Lanka Association of Civil Engineers (SLAICE) and the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) held at Wimalasurendra auditorium Colombo 7 with Vidya Jyothi Professor Dayantha Wijeyesekera chairing and Secretary Engineer Malith Mendis joining the head table.

“Why should man spend money and time constructing buildings that hinder or preclude activities of others in the same society”?

This question exposed a grave social problem causing colossal waste economically, socially and psychologically for an estimated three million people and our country. Mobility is an asset that can be snatched away anytime from any one for different reasons. Every one of us, may well spend some of our time living with curtailed ability to move. As such diversity in mobility is inevitable and normal.

Already an estimated 16% of our population are so affected. As professionals in the construction industry and as the custodians of our built environments, engineers and architects should promote designs and constructions that include all people making none an unwanted burden on society.

It must be their moral duty to take note of the ‘diversity in ability’ of society, thereby promoting integration into society of the widest possible range of people through incorporating user-friendly design features at all stages of constructions.

A lively session of questions and answers followed. All professionals present agreed that the procedures and practices in play are inept in three vital aspects: enforcement mechanism of ‘accessibility for all’ especially in new public building, punitive repercussions for violators of the law, and defining responsibility.

It was agreed by everyone that accessibility should be LEGALLY recognised as everyone’s moral duty and equal responsibility as an act of social justice in the National interest.

A pertinent question was raised by Professor Wijeyesekera concerning the costs of establishing accessibility facilities.

Dr. Perera said: “It is a widespread disastrous myth that establishing access facilities is very costly and requires years of time. In fact there are several low-cost ways and means to improve accessibility affordable by everyone.”

However, ‘designing for inclusion’ is a highly responsible humanitarian task of national importance. It demands time, money and no margin for any error. As such, it is advisable and a wise investment that the authorities undertaking ‘building work’ seek expert guidance from those with proven practical experience and good understanding of disability related access issues.

- Sri Lanka Association of the Institution of Civil Engineers UK