London, Ontario Facility Accessibility Design Standards

Type: Policy

Status: Last updated in 2007

Source File: http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Accessibility/accessibilitystandards.htm

Description:

The Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADS) is a technical design document used by City of London staff to enhance accessibility beyond the minimal requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

FADS is used when planning and designing municipal facilities as an aid to remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.

Background
Originally introduced in 2001, our standards reflect extensive research on accessible, barrier-free environments that included consultation with organizations such as Canadian Hearing Society, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Community Living London, Learning Disabilities Association, Ontario March of Dimes and Thames Valley Children's Centre.

Going beyond existing accessibility regulations, standards and guidelines, FADS incorporates the principles of "universal design" that benefit people of all ages and abilities. This approach continues to earn London praise as being on the leading edge in building an accessible community.

Bill Campbell, Division Manager of Facilities Design and Construction, directed the standards development project and notes that the universal design aspect is a subtle but significant factor. "We're building inclusive environments to incorporate design elements that work well for almost everyone. Building entrances at grade level with power assisted doors is a good example of a simple yet effective design feature that provides equal access to individuals of all abilities - a parent pushing a baby stroller, a person using a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or walker, individuals with limited use of their hands due to a disability or injury or someone simply carrying heavy or awkward items in and out of a building."

Implementation of the City of London's Facility Accessibility Design Standards will make newly constructed and/or renovated facilities accessible to people of all ranges of physical and sensory ability.

Obtaining Permission to reproduce, adopt or adapt City of London standards
The City of London continues to encourage and support municipalities in their barrier-free endeavours and in working together for the removal of barriers in our communities. We are happy to provide permission to utilize and/or reproduce our standards upon submission of a completed FADS Authorization Request form. To date more than more 50 municipalities and organizations in Canada and the United States have adopted - or adapted - the City of London 's Facility Accessibility Standards for use in their community.