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Comparative Reviews of Building Codes and Standards

Accessibility Simplified can help your project team and organization implement a design strategy that is reflective of not only universal design, but one that also addresses compliance with the most stringent requirements from a range of mandatory and optional building codes and standards as specified in a project PSOS. The development of a comparative codes/standards matrix can help ensure your project takes a best practices approach. 

Accessibility Simplified recognizes that building codes and standards are continually changing, evolving and being updated, and we can bring the most up to date knowledge to any of your projects.

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Photo: NORR DIALOG in JV

Case Study - Universal Accessibility Best Practices

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of ensuring the renewal of the Parliamentary Precinct not only meets but exceeds the current minimum standards for accessibility. The Universal Accessibility Strategy and Action Plan (the Strategy) was developed to ensure that renewal activities within the Parliamentary Precinct go above and beyond to address accessibility in a holistic manner.  

Working as part of the NORR DIALOG JV team, a comprehensive Background and Benchmarking Report was completed to drive the compilation of UA best practices and the development of the UA Monitoring Tool. Research included an analysis of 74 documents within seven categories;  
 
· National sources (6 documents);  
· Provincial and Territorial Sources (14 documents); 
· Departmental sources (7 documents); 
· Other Canadian Sources and Best Practices (7 documents); 
· International Sources and Best Practices (25 documents); and; 
· Heritage Sources and Best Practices. (5 documents) 
 
The goal of the research was to identify sources and best practices that embrace Universal Accessibility concepts and strategies, instead of simply being an accessibility code. 

 

These UABP requirements, when implemented together, can result in a building that goes ‘above and beyond’ what is required by all mandatory codes and standards. No existing code includes all the UA requirements that have been compiled as part of the Universal Accessibility Strategy and Action Plan. The best practices were compiled from Canadian and international sources and identify the very best practices for UA, resulting in the most universally accessible facilities.

They have been conducted for projects related to

  • new design/build projects

  • projects undergoing substantial renovation

  • for the development of audit checklists

  • to guide the development of legislation

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Case Study - Parks | Trails Comparative Study 

Comparative Code reviews of have been conducted  across a full range of international, national, Provincial/Territorial/State building codes, as well as municipal standards and organizational guidelines relating to Trails, Parks, Beaches and outdoor spaces.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has used the best practices information for projects related to

  • new design/build projects

  • projects undergoing substantial renovation

  • for the development of audit checklists

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Case Study - Building Codes and Standards

Comparative Code reviews of have been conducted for a full range of development projects; inclusive of a full range of international, national, Provincial/Territorial/State building codes, as well as municipal standards and organizational guidelines.

They have been conducted for projects related to

  • new design/build projects

  • projects undergoing substantial renovation

  • for the development of audit checklists

  • to guide the development of legislation
     

Project sectors have included:

  • Transportation

  • Convention & Entertainment

  • Education

  • Arts

  • Housing

  • Stadium & sport facilities

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