While architects and project managers may understand and execute building designs that include access for disabled individuals, it is altogether different to actually experience navigating access to a building in a wheelchair, for example.   

The Seminar Series, sponsored by Planning, Development, and Design, has been a conduit for members of PD&D to learn about areas of university interest, code training, and more. The series features both internal and external speakers hosting discussions to help broaden knowledge and develop awareness on relevant subjects.

The most recent seminar, Advanced Barrier Free, focused on accessibility requirements for renovations and new construction, with an emphasis on developing understanding for why those requirements were put in place.

The event was presented by Jack Boekhout, a building and accessibility codes consultant who has provided seminars for the state Department of Community Affairs, building and accessibility code officials, and the American Institute for Architects.

Boekhout brought wheelchairs—both motorized and manual scooters, walkers, crutches, and a plywood ramp, cut to the exact minimum size measurements required for accessibility clearance in buildings, so participants could test out the equipment to gain a better understanding for how it feels to navigate buildings if one’s mobility is impaired.

“Movements such as making a right hand turn, or having enough clearance to open a door can be extremely challenging for those with limited mobility,” said Elana Saltzman, IP&O Assistant Director of Design and organizer of the Seminar Series. “If the measurement for a turning circle is 60 inches of clearance, you cannot make it 59 inches, there are reasons that requirements are the way they are.”

Typically held as lunch and learn meetings, the Advanced Barrier Free seminar was the first in the Seminar Series to span an entire day, allowing for a more enriching and detailed experience. Also, given the importance of designing for barrier-free access, the session was opened up to project staff from University Facilities, and the session was so well attended this it spilled over into the cafeteria at 33 KB.

“In our day to day tasks of getting our work done, we often forget how the simplest human activity of just being able to walk around campus without incident can be taken for granted,” said Maricel Sarmiento-Romano, Project Manager for Facilities. “This seminar helped put into perspective the true importance of why these codes must be put into place. The interactive presentation, which included using wheelchair demonstrations, encouraged awareness and empathy. This was such an important reminder to project managers as to why we must not only make sure these codes are integrated into the design, but that we must also be advocates for all those who rely on these codes to confidently and comfortably perform their day-to-day tasks.”

“I appreciated the amount of effort it took to bring all the equipment necessary for this seminar,” said Frank Wong, Assistant Vice President of Planning, Development, and Design. “It was useful to get hands on experience for what navigating through a building with a wheelchair is like, rather than just hearing someone describe it.”
 

“This session was the highlight of the series,” said Saltzman. “Based on the success of this seminar, we hope to bring in more long, full day seminars on code related matters, it would really help and augment the work our colleagues do.”