PLANNING FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

To create an environment for a more caring society, a new requirement was incorporated into the Building Control Regulations 1989. This new requirement requires all new buildings and existing ones going through major retrofitting exercises, to which disabled persons may reasonably be expected to have access, to be designed in accordance with the Code on Barrier Free Accessibility in Buildings. This code, which is drawn up in pursuance of the Building Control Regulations 1989, provides detailed guidelines to help developers, architects and engineers in planning and designing the various special facilities in their building projects to cater to the needs of the elderly and the physically handicapped. A survey conducted on 134 physically disabled persons has shown that the Code on Barrier Free Accessibility in Buildings should be able to meet the needs of the physically handicapped. It was found that the Code on Barrier Free Accessibility in Buildings did not have any significant impact on architects, developers and property managers. Thus, the accessibility of our built environment is very much dependent on social attitudes towards physical disability. Disabled people are equal partners of society. They should be given equal opportunities for full participation and integration into the community. They need a supportive environment that can help them develop and express their physical, mental and social capacities to the fullest. It is hoped that the public and private sector will continue with their efforts to promote a barrier free environment for the physically disabled in Singapore.