Providing dignified access to government buildings is an important element of supporting inclusion for people with disabilities in the workplace. Improving accessibility benefits everyone, working and visiting these buildings and provides a best practice approach for others to follow.
An audit of accessibility of existing Australian Government owned and leased premises is a key action item in the APS Disability Employment Strategy 2020-2025. The Department of Finance is leading the review with around twenty-five entities participating.
The accessibility of buildings participating in the audit will be assessed to ensure there is dignified access for all employees and visitors. The audits will look for opportunities to improve accessibility that goes beyond compliance.
Some of the infrastructure features the audit will look at includes:
- Access to the principal entrance is accessible to everyone or an alternative accessible entrance is clearly indicated with signage.
- Clear and legible signage to assist in finding a destination within a building, including the use of braille is provided.
- Pathways of travel within the building, including the lift are accessible to everyone.
- All doors within the building are easy to open and shut and movement into and between rooms is accessible to everyone.
- All spaces accessed by steps or stairs should offer an alternate access option (via ramp or lift) near to the stairs with clear signage.
- Tactile ground surface indicators should be applied consistently throughout the building.
Providing better physical access to workplace environments ensures that everyone is able to work and move with ease in a workplace. Providing dignified access to government buildings makes an important contribution to efforts to increase the employment of people living with disability in the APS.
A final report will be delivered in 2023 and improvements implemented where needed.
