DDA Applied to Street Furniture: Drinking Fountains

It is vital to ensure that public amenities cater to the diverse needs of all individuals. This article explores the implementation of the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and Australian Standards 1428.2 in the design and installation of accessible drinking fountains in the public realm.

The DDA makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person in many aspects of public life, including accessing public places, because of their disability.

The Australian Standards 1428.2: Design for Access and Mobility, known as AS1428.2, sets out guidelines for street furniture, including accessible drinking fountains.

Street Furniture Australia’s Arqua Fountain is suitable for people using wheelchairs, and is also comfortable for people with a disability who are on their feet, according to independent testing by Mark Relf, Access Consultant with Accessibility Solutions.

Where AS1428.2 generally assumes a front-on approach to a drinking fountain, the Arqua Fountain provides a wider range of access for wheelchair users through a side-on approach.

Underside clearance is a necessity for people who use wheelchairs. AS1428.2 recommends a range of 640-650mm above the ground. Arqua provides even greater variation for users, with clearance of 680-900mm on the standard model. Where children are focus users of a site, such as in playgrounds or schools, Arqua can be tailored to a child-friendly height.

Arqua Fountain wheelchair circulation approaches and access paths, total area 3600x1800mm.

Arqua Fountain tailored to a child-friendly height.

References:

• Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Australian Standards 1428.2: Design for Access and Mobility
• The 7 Principles of Universal Design, North Carolina State University
• Building For Everyone Series, Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
• Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, US Access Board

For tips on how to apply DDA to seats and tables, and further information on the principles of universal design, and how to reconcile AS1428.2 and comfort, see How to Apply DDA to Street Furniture: Seats and Tables.