The chairbound disabled are people who depend upon wheelchairs for mobility.

A) SOME BASIC CHARACTERISTICS

:: The strictly chairbound cannot walk or stand, so their requirements for mobility demand the most space.

B) ACCESSIBLE ENVIRONMENTS AND THE CHAIRBOUND

:: The international symbol of access should be used to mark appropriate areas or buildings with accessible spaces for the chairbound.

:: The entrance of buildings should be levelled or ramped.

:: Revolving doors and turnstiles should be avoided.

:: Emergency exits should also be accessible and usable by the chairbound.

:: Doors should be wide enough to allow the passage of a wheelchair (0.80m minimum).

:: Lifts with appropriate width and controls should be provided in all public buildings of two or more levels.

:: Controls, equipment and storage areas should be placed in the area of reach of the chairbound.

:: Adequate knee-space under tables, benches or wash-basins is essential.

:: Public pavements should be kept open and free of street furniture.

:: Car parks with an appropriate extra width for the transfer to the wheelchair, should be provided as close as possible to the main entrance of the building.