How inclusive is the real estate sector? Construction plans leave accessibility issues aside

Although the implementation of functionalities accessibility in homes and condominiums they can represent an increase of between 1 and 2% in the total cost of the work, these issues are not taken into account by the developers, which makes life difficult for people with some type of disability who reside in these types of spaces.

According to an analysis of the Happy Community platform, prepared together with architects from the consulting firm in universal accessibility Everything Accessible, the real estate sector does not think about the population with disabilities as a market, nor in the future needs that may be due to age, injury or pregnancy.

“The proposal is that the buildings or condominiums have a percentage of accessible apartments based on the total number of apartments. Or, design apartments with universal accessibilityno matter who is going to inhabit it,” the analysis refers.

The initiative becomes relevant in a context in which it is estimated that there are more than 6 million people in the country with some type of disabilitythat is, 4.9% of the country’s total population, according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.

In this scenario, the analysis refers that the public space also presents difficulties for the People with disabilitiesbecause the zones that have adjustments are not enough, because they are only found in certain areas or buildings and, furthermore, only the motor disability or the actual usability of people in this condition is not considered.

Within the analysis, developers are suggested to enable functionalities within their projects that could help People with disabilitiessuch as:

• Have ramps and railings, which must be given constant maintenance.
• Adapt common areas to accessibility a People with disabilities.
• Adapt access doors to at least 90 centimeters wide.
• Elevators must be of a size that allows wheelchairs to rotate 360 ​​degrees and indicate the floor so that people with disabilities visual disability know where they are every time the doors open.
• The paths of the gardens are better to be smooth, to prioritize that people with motor difficulties can travel them.
• Opt for ergonomic locks that are more practical and have a better grip than a circular one.

Likewise, the analysis makes some recommendations to be able to support the People with disabilitiesespecially in condominiums:

• Residents and custodians are encouraged to identify people in disability situation or elderly, in order to provide them with the necessary support, which can be done through digital systems.
• Train building workers on the use of correct and inclusive language.

“Inclusion covers all the aspects that surround us and everything influences the environment and the quality of life of any person, especially for those who have some disability. The accessibility it benefits everyone, not just a sector of the population”, refers to the analysis.