CLOSING THE GAPS IN ACCESSIBILITY: MAKING SINGAPORE SPACES AND BUILDINGS MORE DISABILITY-FRIENDLY

Abstract

Singapore has a goal to create livable and inclusive societies, and the best tools to make it succeed would be the Enabling Masterplan, as well as The Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment by the Building and Construction Authority. With Singapore facing an ageing population, and the elderly being prone to having some degree of impairment when they are older, it is vital to try and make Singapore even more inclusive and close up any gaps in accessibility. Therefore, this dissertation aims to understand how accessible Singapore is currently and the gaps in accessibility to resolve them. As such, international case studies from Sydney, Tokyo, Paris and Orlando and a comparative case study of Clementi new town were referenced to come up with recommendations on how to make Singapore more disability-friendly. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews in Clementi respectively. Findings showed that Singapore was generally thought to be accessible, although many had not heard of ‘The Code on Accessibility’ or ‘Universal Design’. The main gaps in accessibility had to do with ramps and lifts in older buildings, lack of space for wheelchair users on public transport during rush hours, uncomfortable placement of switches in establishments and a lack of information regarding accessibility in Singapore’s establishments. These findings led to recommendations including updating and regulating accessibility features in buildings and establishments, using assistive smart technology, and having a one-stop website to provide information about accessible transportation and establishments.