Cibes Lift - 4 ways to improve accessibility in school buildings
A figure that highlights the importance of accessibility in school buildings is the World Health Organization report. According to this report, over 1.3 billion people, representing 16% of the global population, experience significant disabilities. The European Disability Act (EAA) mandates that a group of products and services as well as industries like education and transport meet certain mandatory requirements to resolve discrepancies in accessibility amongst European Countries.
School buildings are used by people with diverse abilities and needs, so it is essential that educational institutions welcome all students with respect, providing them with equal opportunities to access education.
This article explores four ways to improve accessibility in school buildings.
1. Install a wheelchair lift in your school building
Installing a lift in your school building can be cheaper, easier and take up less room than you may realise. Cibes lifts do not require a separate machine room, meaning that the lifting mechanism is entirely contained within the lift itself. In addition, installing a Cibes lift requires fewer building preparations and less construction work than conventional lifts.
In Europe, national and EU accessibility standard address access to and utilisation of public buildings for the disabled. When it comes to lifts, it is important that the platform size is big enough to accommodate a wheelchair – minimum 900 x 1400 mm for platform lifts and 1100 x 1400 mm (width x depth) for cabin lifts, according to EU accessibility standards. Cibes platform lifts and cabin lifts are available in a wide range of wheelchair accessible lift sizes.
Our team are experts in ensuring you get the right lift solution for your building and needs and are happy to speak you through your options, just get in touch.
Accessibilty wheelchairs
Cibes A5000 wheelchair lift in a school building
2. Inclusive building design
One of the most fundamental aspects of accessibility in school buildings is the design of the physical environment. Schools should be built or adapted to inclusive building design principles, and include features such as:
Automated doors, with or without presence sensors, also facilitate access to all parts of the building for wheelchair users.
Door openings and corridors should be wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Accessible washrooms, clear signage with adequate contrast, Braille signage and audio messages where needed are other examples of inclusive building design.
Access ramps enable students, teachers, and visitors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters to circulate around the school building in full independence.
Access ramps can also be integrated with lifts. For example, when a Cibes platform lift is installed without a pit, the lift is delivered with a ready-made access ramp to bridge the level difference between the lift floor and the floor of the building.
Pitless lift with access ramp
Cibes platform lift with access ramp
3. Creating sensory-friendly spaces in educational settings
Sensory-friendly design constitutes a specific field within inclusive building design, conceived to reduce stress in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other sensory processing difficulties. For students with these disorders, the sensory impressions of a traditional classroom can lead to anxiety, discomfort, or even meltdowns, making sensory-friendly spaces in school buildings vital. When creating sensory-friendly spaces in schools, it is essential to consider factors such as lighting, noise and room for sensory break spaces:
Lighting. Bright, fluorescent lights can be overstimulating for students with sensory sensitivities and all kinds of flickering light sources should be avoided. Natural lighting or soft, dimmable lighting are much better options.
Noise reduction. For students with sensory sensitivities, noise is a particularly challenging stimulus. Installing acoustic panels in the school building to reduce auditory stress will minimise echoing and background noise.
Break spaces for sensory regulation. Designated sensory break spaces enable students to retire from the overwhelming sensory impressions of the classroom. These spaces should be quiet, free from clutter and decorated in neutral, soft colours to avoid over-stimulation. For some students, these spaces are vital to self-regulate and return to class ready to learn. For others, simply having access to a space where they can decompress is enough to make the day manageable.
Decorative wall for accessibility
Decorative acoustic wall panel to reduce noise levels
4. Inclusive furniture
Accessibility in school buildings goes beyond common solutions; it is also about focusing on the details, like the furniture in classrooms. Furniture plays a significant role in creating an environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, can feel included and thrive. Some of the ways furniture that can help make your school more accessible are the following:
Adaptive furniture: Furniture designed to be adjustable, such as height-adjustable desks, chairs or wheelchair-accessible tables and ergonomic seating.
Fidget friendly furniture: This includes fidget chairs or therapy balls which are specially designed for children or adults with ADHD or sensory processing disorders. Their comfortable design allows students to sit comfortably for longer, whilst providing them with sensory stimulation.
Adaptations to existing furniture: Even if buying new furniture isn’t possible, you can always make adaptations to your furniture with accessories. These accessories are designed to provide sensory stimulation and keep students engaged. Things such as fidget friendly chair bands, foot fidgets, sit on wedges, stools and cushions are readily available online at affordable prices.
Adjustable furniture for accessibility
Adjustable furniture improves accessibility in school buildings
5 reasons to improve accessibility in school buildings
By adapting the environment to accommodate the diverse needs of all students, staff, and visitors, schools can create the best conditions for everyone to thrive and succeed. Here are 5 reasons to improve accessibility in schools:
1. Promotes inclusivity and respect
Improving accessibility in school buildings helps students, regardless of their physical abilities, to participate fully in all educational activities. This spirit of inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and equality. By creating an architectural environment where everyone’s needs are met and valued, schools can promote a culture of respect and acceptance.
2. Accessibility enhances safety for all
Accessible school buildings are safer for everyone, not just individuals with disabilities. Features like ramps, handrails, wide doorways, and non-slip flooring help prevent accidents and injuries in general. For example, easily accessible exits and routes ensure that everyone can evacuate the school building safely, during fire drills or real emergency situations.
3. Supports academic achievement
By removing barriers to participation, accessible environments also remove barriers to learning, allowing students with disabilities to focus on their academic achievements. When the architecture makes it easy for students with disabilities to access all school facilities, they are more likely to actively engage in studies and extracurricular activities.
4. Encourages community engagement
Schools often serve as community hubs, hosting events, meetings, and activities that involve many members of the local community. That means that accessible school buildings can make it easier for all community members, also those with disabilities, to participate in these events, thus strengthening the bond between the school and all members of the local community.
5. Compliance with legal requirements
Improving accessibility in school buildings not only benefits students but also ensures compliance with the European Strategy for persons with disabilities 2021-2030. This strategy requires member states to make all public buildings, including schools, accessible to people with disabilities. This involves implementing key features like elevators, accessible bathrooms, wide doorways, and ramps to accommodate students with mobility challenges. These adaptations are essential to meet regulations and for creating an inclusive learning environment.
Additionally, the European Commission has been implementing inclusive education policies. Such as the European Education Area initiative and the ET 2020 strategy. Both initiatives promote inclusive education, emphasizing the need for creating an environment that caters to students with diverse needs. This includes adapting classrooms with accessible furniture, and ensuring teachers are trained to support students with differing needs.
If you are looking to make a school more accessible, you probably know that there are many ways to get started. While we cannot guide you through every aspect, we specialise in manufacturing adaptable lifts that we can customise to meet your specific accessibility needs.
Our lifts are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing buildings, providing a key solution for creating inclusive spaces. Whether you are upgrading a facility or building new, we are here to help you. Contact us to get started.