Designing for DDA

The Importance of DDA Compliant Furniture in Urban Landscapes

Creating truly inclusive public spaces means considering the needs of everyone in the community, including people with disabilities. One crucial aspect of this is the careful selection and design of street and park furniture. In Australia, this translates to adhering to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and implementing the Australian Standard AS1428.2 – Design for access and mobility.

At Commercial Systems Australia (CSA), we understand the importance of accessible design. We offer a comprehensive range of DDA-compliant furniture, and we also have the capability to customise pieces to meet the specific requirements of any project.

What is DDA Compliance and AS1428.2?

The DDA aims to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities. AS1428.2 provides the technical specifications for achieving accessibility in the built environment, including outdoor spaces. When it comes to furniture, this standard outlines requirements for:

• Clearances and Access: Ensuring sufficient space around furniture for wheelchair users and people with mobility aids to manoeuvre.
• Seat Heights and Depths: Providing appropriate seat heights and depths for comfortable seating and ease of transfer.
• Armrests and Backrests: Offering support for people with balance or mobility issues.

Why is DDA Compliant Furniture Important?

• Promotes Inclusion: Accessible furniture enables people with disabilities to fully participate in community life and enjoy public spaces alongside everyone else.
• Ensures Equal Access: It removes barriers that might prevent people with disabilities from using parks, playgrounds, and other public areas.
• Enhances Safety: Features like armrests and backrests can help prevent falls and provide support for people with mobility impairments.
• Meets Legal Requirements: Complying with the DDA is a legal obligation for businesses and organisations providing public spaces.

CSA’s Commitment to Accessibility

CSA is committed to providing high-quality, DDA-compliant furniture solutions. Incorporating compliant furniture into your project shouldn’t limit the aesthetic of your space, which is why we have numerous product ranges with DDA compliance in mind. Our range includes:

• Seating: Designed with appropriate seat heights, depths, armrests, and backrests.
• Picnic Settings: Providing adequate knee clearance for wheelchair users. Adjusting heights to create a range of accessible options.
• Specialised Tooling: Our commitment to making accessibility affordable means we’ve invested in tooling to fabricate products to help meet DDA compliance quicker and easier for our fabricators.

Customisation for Unique Needs:

We understand that every project is different. That’s why we offer customisation options to ensure our furniture perfectly meets the specific requirements of your space and complies with AS1428.2. Our team can work with you to adjust dimensions and configurations to meet the requirements.

Creating a More Inclusive Future:

By prioritising DDA compliance and choosing accessible furniture, we can create public spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for everyone. At CSA, we’re proud to play a part in building a more accessible future for all Australians.

Contact us today to learn more about our DDA-compliant furniture range and customisation options.