IAAP just announced a new resource for its members. This Accessible Built Environments Initiative is an extension of the work of the Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES). This helps bring in resources for those looking into accessibility into public spaces and/or workspaces. This is being led by a taskforce created to expand IAAP’s availability to its members and launch a new certification program for built environment accessibility. The pilot version of this exam will be available this month.
Here’s a quick explanation for those interested. Built environments refer to a human-made space. Buildings, cities, and public spaces all fall in this category. Recently, the science of it includes effects on mental and physical health. While architectural accessibility has been an important factor for decades, the improvements in technology mean this built environment accessibility has no factors to consider. With smartphones, ride services, and even things such as the rentable scooters or bikes in cities, how are these new options made accessible and or how will the environment need to change to accommodate new methods of accessibility? GPS and mapping tools are become so precise, they can be used to trigger apps on your phone that inform you of local food choices or recommended spots.
There’s obviously a lot to consider in this arena but if you’re looking into a new area of accessibility, this will be a good place to start.