Legislation and frameworks

This toolkit is informed by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA),both of which promote equality of opportunity and the prevention of discrimination based on sex, race, disability and age.

The toolkit is also informed by the principles set out in the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (SA), which reflect the principles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the National Disability Strategy.

Other important legislation and strategies relevant to ensuring the dignified, equitable, cost-effective and reasonably achievable access to buildings, and facilities and services within buildings, is provided for people with disability includes:

• National Construction Code
• Building code of Australia (BCA)
• Standards Australia
• Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010
• Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010
• AS1428.1 (2009) (Incorporating Amendment No 1): Design for access and mobility Part 1: General requirements for access – New building work (Standards Australia)
• AS1428.4.1 (2009) (Incorporating Amendment No 1): Design for access and mobility Part 4.1: Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment - tactile ground surface indicators (Standards Australia)
• AS1428.4.2 (2018) Design for access and mobility Part 4.2: Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment – Wayfinding signs (Standards Australia).

Wayfinding Standards

Standards Australia released the Wayfinding Standard in November 2018. AS1428 4.2:2018 Design for access and mobility: Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment – Wayfinding signs.

This Wayfinding Standard provides specific guidance on the design and installation of static signage to assist people who are blind or have low vision to navigate the built environment. The Standard provides:

• Introduction to Wayfinding (the objectives of good wayfinding, making wayfinding an integrated system of directions including hints in the architectural design and the importance of making pre-visit information available).
• Orientation and mobility (guidance on the impact of blindness and low vision and the design principles which best assist in good wayfinding).
• Guidance on signage design and illustrations of signage placement.
• Font and pictogram examples.
• Raised and tactile maps (location, design and placement).

While the Wayfinding Standard is not currently referenced in the National Construction Code (meaning it is not yet compulsory), it is likely to be compulsory from 2022. You can buy the Wayfinding Standard from the SAI Global Store.

Reference to current legislation, codes and Standards is required at all times to ensure the most up-to-date versions are being sourced.

National Construction Code (2019)

The 2019 National Construction Code (NCC), took effect from 1 May 2019 for new or redeveloped buildings. The NCC provides the minimum necessary requirements for safety and health; amenity and accessibility, and sustainability in the design, construction, performance and liveability of new buildings (and new building work in existing buildings) throughout Australia.

The new NCC incorporates three main changes relating to access for people
with disability:

1. Accessible Adult Change Facilities
2. Verification method – access to and within buildings
3. Verification method – ramp gradient, crossfall, surface profile and slip resistance for ramps used by wheelchairs

The Download the National Construction Code (2019) free from the ABCB website.