University of Auckland New Zealand

Research project on the role of local government in improving physical access to buildings and public spaces for people with disabilities and the elderly.

Unimpeded physical access to public buildings and facilities is something that most people take for granted.Yet a number of people are constantly having to confront ' hostile built environments ' where physical,social and attitudinal barriers inhibit their ease of mobility and accessibility (Imrie,1996:1).In recent years,policymakers in a number of countries have begun to realise that the creation of barrier-free environments is a mainstream concern in planning policy and practice.Access codes and guidelines will increasingly require those resposnible for planning and designing the built environemnt to craete buildings,serivces and spaces that are accessible to everybody,regardless of ability.The rationale for this is simple : a barrier-free enviroenment for people with disabilities and the elderly is a barrier free environment for all.