TRY GOING through your daily routine with weights strapped to your legs or a blindfold blocking your vision to become more aware of the barriers people with disabilities face each day. While participants in such a “‘disability simulation’’ walk away from this exercise with their arms, legs and senses intact, many Ca- nadians do not have this option. The new CSA standard, Bar- riet-Free Design (CAN/CSA- B651-M90), was recently published as a resource for creating en- vironments that meet the needs of all individuals including people with a wide range of physical and sensory disabilities. “The standard is designed to help create facilities that everyone can use and an environment that is accessible to as many people as possible,’’ commented Don Henn- ing, chairperson of the technical committee that developed the standard. . This 115-page documeni, writ- ten in response to an expressed need for a_ national technicai standard covering a broad range of building and ‘environmental fa- cilities, is designed to be refer- enced in whole or part by various adopting authorities. This volun- tary standard. contains informa- tion such as measurements to make facilities accessible, but its axe UPHOLSTER NOW Friday, January 4, 1991 - North Shore News - 15 HOME & GARDEN New design standard will help the disabled application is left to the adopting authorities. The comprehensive design, con- struction and renovation require- ments of B651 can be applied to a broad range of new and existing buildings and facilities to make them safe and accessible for peo- ple with specified disabilities. The new standard may replace Public Works Canada’s 1985 document on accessibility in new and existing buildings under its jurisdiction. In late summer, Mr. Henning, senior architect, Acces- sibility Office, Architectural and Enginecring Services Branch, Public Works Canada, said the process of deciding on this change had started, but the decision hadn’t yet been made. In the fall of 1986, based on concerns about the variations in products for disabled people and access requirements across the country, Public Works Canada recommended that a new technical standard be developed. Fublic Works Canada provided financial assistance to help make Barrier- Free Design possible. This National Standard of Canada may be referenced by the provinces and territories. “If we all work from the same stand- ard,”” commented Mr. Henning, “there will be more uniformity in facilities across Canada.”’ and save Yo off ALL FABRICS And New Furniture Custom Made Excellence & Affordability One of Western Canada’s largest workshops. | Offer expires January 31/91 UPHOLSTERY LTD. ome: FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES 481 Mountain Highway, N. Vancouver 980-2813 Serving the North Shore since 1955 Owned and operated by the Nuttall Family North Shore's only member of the B.C. Professional Upholsterers Association which ensures you the best quality and guarantee in the business. He said using one standard across the country would be a bonus for architects, engineers and others involved in building design. This would also mean people with disabilities could ex- pect more similarity among Cana- dian buildings and other facilities. Subjects in this National Stand- ard of Canada include door open- ings and widths, washroom facili- ties, stairs, visual alarms, public telephones, signs, parking spaces and recreational facilities. The separate Residential Units section can be used independently of the rest of the document. The standard is a consensus of ras the Technical Committee on Bar- tier-Free Design members who represent a broad spectrum of in- terests including those of govern- ment and users. This committee provided copies of the draft standard to all interested parties to help ensure it received extensive public review. THE NORBURN SENATE | - HAS APPOINTED LIBERAL | SAVINGS TO DEFEAT G.S.I. IMPACT ON OUR LIGHTING PRICES. EXAMPLES: Polished Brass Fixtures With Bevelled Glass 1990 PRICE 599 Polished Brass Fixtures With Bevelled Glass 1990 PRICE ° NOW $3 19” STOREWIDE SALES NOW AT. ..