The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) in 1992. It’s celebrated annually on 3rd December to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and raise awareness of their situation in all aspects of life. The theme for 2024 is "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future".
Businesses, educational institutions, and communities can contribute to inclusivity by implementing accessible facilities.
In recognition of this year’s IDPD, we’re exploring how healthcare facilities can be made more inclusive by implementing accessible doorsets that comply with the latest accessibility standards and contribute to the well-being of patients with disabilities.
Doorsets with wider doorways ensure that patients and staff using wheelchairs or other mobility aids can move freely and comfortably through healthcare facilities, reducing barriers to access and improving overall mobility.
The Building Regulations Approved Document Part M (BS 8300-2:2018), states that ‘doors to the principal, or alternative accessible, entrance should be accessible to all, particularly wheelchair users and people with limited physical dexterity’.
In order to ensure that a doorset provides unrestricted access, we use the term ‘Effective Clear Width’. Effective Clear Width is the width of the opening measured at right angles to the wall in which the door is situated from the outside of the door stop on the closing side, to any obstruction on the hinge side. Therefore, if the door only opens to 90 degrees, then the ironmongery projection must be taken into account, but if the door opens beyond 90 degrees, then the measurement can be taken from the door stop to the door leaf.
Further details and an Effective Clear Width calculator can be found here.
Around 95% of people registered blind still have some vision in colour, and even those people that fit within the category of the remaining 5% often have some sensitivity to light and shade. Using contrasting colours on doors and frames helps individuals with visual impairments to easily distinguish doorways and navigate the facility more effectively. This visual aid can significantly enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of the environment.
The Building Regulations Approved Document Part M (BS 8300-2:2018), states that the presence of doors, whether open or closed, should be apparent to visually impaired people through the careful choice of colour and material for the door and its surroundings. This document also states that all Internal doors should be identifiable and contrast visually with the surrounding wall and floor finishes, achieving at least 30 points LRV.
The Equality Act 2010 requires that all new and refurbished public buildings and workplaces comply with current regulations via their ‘Access Statement’, ensuring safe entry, exit and safe passage throughout the building. The regulations mean that people, regardless of disability, age or gender, must be able to gain equal access to public buildings. For visually impaired people this means that there must be a good visual contrast between various elements of the building, including doorways, fixtures and fittings.
Further details and an LRV calculator can be found here.
Doorsets equipped with lever handles, which are easier to operate than traditional doorknobs, and at appropriate heights ensure that all individuals, including those with dexterity issues or limited hand strength, can use the doors without assistance, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Easy opening mechanisms, such as the SDS Clariglide sliding door’s low friction running gear and belt synchronisation technology, allow individuals with limited mobility or strength to enter and exit rooms without difficulty, enhancing independence and ease of movement within the facility.
Doorsets with low or no thresholds minimise tripping hazards and make it easier for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches to navigate, promoting a safer and more accessible environment for all patients and visitors.
There is a big difference between meeting accessibility standards and truly excelling in inclusive design. SDS doorsets are well-recognised for their durability and compliance with stringent accessibility, safety and hygiene standards. Our products go beyond the basics to create a welcoming environment for all.
SDS also understands that doorsets play a major role in the efficient operation of healthcare settings – alongside the key accessibility and safety features – post-formed doorsets are built to last.
The durable nature of SDS doorsets ensure they not only reduce the frequency of required maintenance and potential related downtime, but they also reduce the frequent need for replacements, resulting in significant long-term cost savings.
To find out more about how SDS can support with designing your next healthcare project, speak to one of our product specialists by contacting us via the button below.