Standardizing accessibility, part of the 2010 Paralympics legacy

2010-03-12

As hundreds of athletes compete for gold at the 2010 Paralympics, the organizers are counting on the thousands of changes and considerations that were built into venues and accommodations throughout the host city of Vancouver, to make these Games among the most accessible ever, for the athletes, as well as the many spectators with physical disabilities that will be in attendance.

From the earliest planning stages, accessibility has been an important focus of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games organizing committee (VANOC). The committee has ensured each of the Games’ venues are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. And as they worked to create spaces that are free of physical barriers for those with disabilities, they relied on the existence of standards for buildings and equipment.

For example, when Public Works and Government Services Canada put out the call for bids to build the 2010 Canada Pavilion in Vancouver for the Games, it stipulated that the building must adhere to criteria set out in the standard for Accessible Design for the Built Environment (CAN/CSA-B651-04). Developed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and approved by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) as a National Standard of Canada, the standard covers a variety of accessibility considerations for the interiors of buildings, such as seating options, bathroom facilities and increased maneuverability for athletes and guests alike.

The logistical considerations specified in the standard, which most able-bodied Canadians take for granted, will make the difference between the success and failure of hosting such a large, international event.

“I think (accessibility) is one of those aspects of the Games that people aren’t really aware of,” says Kevin McFarland, who played a key role in forming the Whistler Accessibility Advisory Committee. “The Games initiative has had a big impact on the whole accessibility movement (in British Columbia),” he added.

Even though the 2010 call for bids required site contractors to adhere to the national accessibility standard, this is not a legal requirement for all buildings. There are, however, other standards employed during the construction of venues for the Games that were mandatory.

Referenced in the National Building Code of Canada and in the British Columbia Building Code’s requirements for barrier-free design, two other National Standards of Canada, the Lifts for Persons with Physical Disabilities (CAN/CSA B355-00), and the Safety Code for Elevators (CAN/CSA B44-00) were key to implementing accessibility for the Paralympics.

“It goes beyond physical barriers. It’s also about how people become fully integrated in their community regardless of whether they have a disability or not,” says McFarland.

And the legacy of accessibility in Vancouver won’t end with the Paralympics closing ceremony. 2010 Legacies Now, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining legacies in British Columbia communities, has coordinated the construction of three world-class accessible playgrounds in Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond. These playgrounds meet the criteria set out in the latest edition of the national standard for Children’s Playspaces and Equipment (CAN/CSA-Z614-07), which includes guidance on designing playspaces to be more inclusive for children with disabilities and allow kids from all walks of life to enjoy the structures without any barriers due to various disabilities.

“The accessible playground is one of the many legacies for Whistler brought by hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” says Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed. “We are extremely grateful to our partners… for their contribution to a safe and fun place where all kids can play for years to come.”

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