Accessibility in the Canadian shelter system project summary sheet
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Accessibility in the Canadian shelter system project summary sheet [PDF - 1.4 MB]
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Why we did it
Canadian shelters were engaged to assess barriers in built environment, information and communication technology, and mental health. Findings were shared with Employment and Social Development Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund to help inform future funding.
Who we engaged
- Patron and operator surveys received : 90
- Cross-disability lived experience on-site assessments: 02
- On-site accessibility assessments: 19
- Patron and operator interviews: 24
Common mental health problems cited:
- past trauma or violence (100%)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (35%)
- feeling overwhelmed/anxious (70%)
- repeated thoughts/urges causing anxiety (45%)
- lack attention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness (35%)
What we found - common gaps and barriers
1. Exterior environments and building entrances
Inaccessible:
- exterior routes
- building entries
- exterior amenity/rest areaFootnote 1
2. Interior and exterior signage and wayfinding
Missing:
- architectural wayfinding and tactile signage
- accessible, gender-inclusive signage
- ICT integration
3. Interior stairs, ramps, handrails, and elevating devices
Moderate Deficiencies:
- vertical circulation (elevator, stairs, lifts)
4. Interior doors and accessible routes
Inaccessible:
- interior doors (heavy doors, knob hardware, etc.)
- continuous circulation through buildings
5. Washrooms, showers, and change rooms
Missing:
- accessible, gender-inclusive washrooms
- emergency features in washroom/ showers
- private, accessible, showers
6. Operating controls, life-safety, and security
Missing:
- emergency response plans with accessibility considerations
- emergency features in vertical circulation (elevator, stairs, lifts)
7. Diverse human experience accommodation
Missing:
- acoustic treatment of spaces
- indoor air quality treatment of spaces
8. Shelter specific accessibility considerations
Missing:
- accessible cultural spaces
- multi-sensory environments
- lighting controlFootnote 2
9. Communication, and technology
Missing:
- accessible modes of communication
- digital communication affordances
How can we improve
1. Accessible approach and building entry
- Fully accessible building approach and building entry sequence
- Accessible tactile and sensory map of site/building at building entry
2. Accessible exterior amenity/rest space
Fully accessible exterior amenity and rest areas complete with accessible route to building access point, with provisions of overhead shelter/shading, drinking water, access to natural environment/landscaping, and comfortable seating for those in pain.
3. Accessible intake/communication space
Fully accessible dedicated intake space, equipped with assistive communication tools; conducive to intake processes (e.g. bed bug protocols) in a dignified manner. Include a fully accessible washroom, change area, and shower (operator input req.).
4. Accessible cultural/quiet room
Fully accessible cultural/quiet room (for smudging, prayer, meditation, a space for those who need to get away from chaos, to read, rest, if suffering from insomnia, etc.).
5. Accessible private sleeping room
Fully accessible private sleeping room(s), including accessible furniture, located on floor of building with accessible vertical access (for example, elevator).
6. Accessible signage and wayfinding systems
Fully accessible and cohesive signage and wayfinding systems. Includes signage and wayfinding to accessible and gender-inclusive washrooms, accessible entries and other particularly accessible spaces.
7. Sensory accommodation improvements
- Task lighting with dimmer function in sleeping rooms/bunks
- Audio/noise (cancellation, pink, white) devices
- Sound baffles/treatment sound dampening for large open areas
- Acoustic improvements to existing intake spaces and sleeping spaces
- Acoustic treatment of HVAC in sleeping, dining, and quiet areas
- Improve air quality (for example, smudging spaces, service/ companion animal areas.)
8. Accessible washroom and shower with shelter specific amenities
Fully accessible private washroom(s) and shower(s), complete with a full range of emergency provisions such as emergency call button, emergency fall floor sensors, etc.
9. Integration and use of ICT and digital technologies
Better integration and use of ICT and digital technologies, particularly for patron communication internally and with external resources.
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