Easy Access
Easy Access is a term that describes among other things, the design of buildings, or transport so that anybody regardless of whether they are elderly, pushing a pram, or are disabled can use them. Examples of design features might be obvious things such as ramps instead of, or as well as steps, but it also covers such things as fire alarms hooked up to the lighting system of a building so that when the alarm sounds, the light simultaniously flash, thereby alerting deaf people to the situation.
Easy Access facilites are now required by legislation in many countries:
- Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) (UK)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) (US)
- Disability Discrimination Act (Australia)
While the provision of Easy Access can be painfully difficult and expensive to provide as a retro-fit or afterthough, designing EA facilities at the time of original construction can be quite simple.
List of London stations to get Easy Access
- According to Modern Railways of May 2005, GBP370m has been earmarked for further disability access to the UK rail network.