Accessibility Law (BP 344)

VII.
PHILIPPINES
B. Accessibility Law
(Batas Pambansa Bilang 344)
and its Amended and Original
Implementing Rules and Regulations
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Batasang Pambansa
Fifth Regular Session
Begun and held in Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila,
on Monday, the twenty-sixth day of July nineteen
hundred and eighty-two.
BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344
AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE MOBILITY OF
DISABLED PERSONS BY REQUIRING CERTAIN
BUILDINGS, INSTITUTIONS, ESTABLISHMENTS
AND PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INSTALL FACILITIES
AND OTHER DEVICES.
Contents
Batas Pambansa Blg. 344
Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations
Rule I Scope and Application
Rule II Minimum Requirements for Accessibility
Rule III Specific Requirements for Buildings and Related Structures for Public Use
Rule IV Requirements for Public Transportation
Rule V Administration and Enforcement
Persons/Individuals Liable for Any Violation of the Act
Appendix A Minimum Requirements for Accessibility
A. Outside and Around Buildings
B. Parking
C. Inside Buildings and Structures
D. Safety
Illustration for Minimum Requirements
A. Outside and Around Buildings
B. Parking
C. Inside Buildings and Structures
D. Safety
Original Implementing Rules and Regulations
Rule I Scope and Application
Rule II Minimum Requirements for Accessibility
Rule III Specific Requirements for Buildings and Related Structures for Public Use
Rule IV Requirements for Public Transportation
Rule V Administration and Enforcement
Annex A DEFINITION OF TERMS AS USED IN THESE RULES AND
REGULATIONS
Annex B 1-28
Annex C 1-5
Be it enacted by the Batasang Pambansa in session assembled
SECTION 1. In order to promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to

participate fully in the social life and the development of the societies in which they live
and the enjoyment of the opportunities available to other citizens, no license or permit
for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings for public use,
educational institutions, airports, sports and recreation centers and complexes,
shopping centers or establishments, public parking places, work-places, public utilities,
shall be granted or issued unless the owner or operator thereof shall install and
incorporate in such building, establishment, institution or public utility, such architectural
facilities or structural features as shall reasonably enhance the mobility of disabled
persons such as sidewalks, ramps, railings and the like. If feasible, all such existing
buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities may be renovated or altered to
enable the disabled persons to have access to them: Provided, however, That buildings,
institutions, establishments, or public utilities to be constructed or established for which
licenses or permits had already been issued may comply with the requirements of this
law: Provided, further, That in case of government buildings, street and highways, the
Ministry of Public Works and Highways shall see to it that the same shall be provided
with architectural facilities or structural features for disabled persons.
In the case of the parking place of any of the above institutions, buildings, or
establishment, or public utilities, the owner or operator shall reserve sufficient and
suitable space for the use of disabled persons.
SECTION. 2. In case of public conveyance, devices such as the prominent display of
posters or stickers shall be used to generate public awareness of the rights of the
disabled and foster understanding of their special needs. Special bus stops shall be
designed for disabled persons. Discriminating against disabled persons in the carriage
or transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful.
SECTION. 3. The Minister of Public Works and Highways and the Minister of
Transportation and Communications, in coordination with the National Commission
Concerning Disabled Persons, shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations to
implement the provisions of this Act.
SECTION. 4. Any person violating any provision of this Act or of the rules and
regulations promulgated hereunder shall, upon conviction by a court of competent
jurisdiction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one month but not more
than one year or a fine of P2,000 to P5,000 or both, at the discretion of the court:
Provided, That in the case of corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or associations,
the president, manager or administrator, or the person who has charge of the
construction, repair or renovation of the building, space or utilities shall be criminally
responsible for any violation of this Act and/or rules and regulations promulgated
pursuant thereto.
SECTION. 5. All laws, executive and administrative orders, rules and regulations
inconsistent with the foregoing provisions are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SECTION. 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved.
(Signed)
QUERUBE C. MAKALINTAL
Speaker
This Act was passed by the Batasang Pambansa on December 7, 1982
(Signed)
ANTONIO M. DE GUZMAN
Secretary General
Approved: February 25, 1983
(Signed)
FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS
AS AMENDED
OF
BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344
(Accessibility Law)
"An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings,
Institutions, Establishments, and Other Public Utilities To Install Facilities and Other
Devices."
Jointly Promulgated by:
The Department of Public Works and Highways
Port Area, Manila
The Department of Transportation and Communications
Pasig, Metro Manila
In coordination with:
The National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons
(Accessibility Sector on the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons)
Diliman, Quezon City
RULE I - SCOPE AND APPLICATION
1. Purpose:
The Rules and Regulations set forth herein provide for minimum requirements
and standards to make buildings, facilities and utilities for public use accessible
to disabled persons, pursuant to the objectives of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344,
"An Act To Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain
Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and
Other Devices
2. Definition of Terms:
For the purpose of these Rules and Regulations, the words, terms and phrases
enumerated in Annex "A" hereof shall have the meaning as provided therein.
3. Scope:
The provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall apply to the following:
3.1 Public and private buildings and related structures for public use and which
shall be constructed, repaired or renovated
3.2 Streets and highways and public utilities
3.2.1 Streets and highways
3.2.2 Public transport vehicles which shall include:
a. Passenger buses and jeepneys
b. Passenger trains, including those of the Light Rail Transit Authority
(LRTA)
c. Domestic inter-island vessels
d. Domestic aircraft of air carriers
3.2.3 Public Telephones
3.3 Public transport terminals including those of LRTA
4. Application:
4.1 Public and private buildings and related structures for public use. No permit
for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings and
related structures for public use, whether owned or leased, shall be granted or
issued, unless the owner thereof shall have provided in the places and
specifications submitted for approval barrier-free facilities and accessibility
features as provided in these Rules and in accordance with the following criteria:
4.1.1 Building and related structures to be constructed -
a. At the space where the primary function is served and where facilities
and ingress/egress of the building or structure are located, as to make
such space accessible to the disabled persons; provided, however,
that where the primary function can be served at the ingress level and
where such level is provided with facilities, requirements for
accessibility at other levels may be waived.
b. Ten percent (10%) of the total number of units of government-owned
living accommodations shall be accessible and fully usable by the
disabled persons with any fractional part in excess of one-half (1/2) in
the computation thereof, to be considered as one unit; for privately-
owned living accommodations the number of accessible units shall be
as provided in Section 3 of Rule III thereof.
c. Ingress/egress from the street to the building or structure shall be
made accessible.
d. Accessible slots in parking areas shall be located as near as possible
to ingress/egress spaces of the building or structure.
4.1.2 Buildings and related structures to be repaired or renovated including those
proposed for a change of occupancy If feasible, barrier-free facilities and
accessibility features shall be provided in accordance with the requirements
under Sub-section 4.1.1 (1), (c) and (d): feasibility of incorporation of barrier-
free facilities and accessibility features shall be determined from all the
following conditions:
a. When the repair or renovation work is to be done in the space where
the primary function is served;
b. When the facilities can be made accessible at any other level which is
accessible by means of an elevator with a minimum width of 800 mm;
c. When the space allotted for the primary function will not be diminished
by more than ten percent (10%) of its original area;
d. When the capacity or strength of any major structural component, such
as slabs, beams, girders, columns, bearing walls and footings of the
building or structure will not be diminished;
e. When the cost (exclusive of the exception provided below) of such
repair or renovation work is in excess of twenty percent (20%) of the
total cost of the building or structure, based upon the computation of
permit fees as provided under Rule III of the Implementing Rules and
Regulations promulgated pursuant to P.D. 1096 entitled: "The National
Building Code of the Philippines";
f. When there is no legal constraint which would not allow compliance
with these regulations:
EXCEPTION: Repair or renovation work which consists only of heating,
ventilating and air-conditioning systems, including those which may be
required only with respect to fire panic and explosion safety for existing
spaces, shall not be subject to the requirements for barrier-free facilities and
accessibility features.
4.2.1 Streets, highways and transport related structures to be constructed
-Streets, highways and transport related structures shall be provided with the
following barrier-free facilities and accessibility features at every pedestrian
crossing: ramps and other accessible features in buildings of the
sectoral offices and attached agencies of DOTC; transportation
terminals and passenger waiting areas for use of disabled persons;
a. Cutout curbs and accessible ramps at the sidewalks.
b. Audio-visual aids for crossing
EXCEPTION: Requirements for accessibility at pedestrian grade
separations or overpasses and underpasses may be waived.
4.2.2 Existing streets and highways to be repaired and renovated The
accessibility requirements shall be provided where the portion of existing
streets and highways to be repaired or renovated includes part or the entire
pedestrian crossing.
4.2.3 Transport vehicles for public use
a. No license or franchise for the operation of public buses, passenger
boats, ships and domestic airplanes shall be granted or issued unless
the owner or operator thereof shall have provided and designated the
number of seats and shall have placed audio-visual aids
b. Government instrumentality’s operating passenger trains including the
Light Rail Transit Authority shall have provided the number of seats for
disabled persons
c. Government instrumentality’s operating passenger airplanes shall
provide and designate the number of seats for disabled persons and
shall likewise place the audio-visual aids
4.2.4 Existing Public Transport Vehicles -
The minimum accessibility requirements shall apply to all existing units of
public transport vehicles, and including those units, which are to be repaired
and renovated.
4.2.5 Public Telephones -
At least one unit of public telephones for every four (4) units shall be
accessible to disabled persons and shall be provided with visual aids
required, provided that if only one (1) public telephone is to be installed in a
particular place the same shall be accessible to disabled persons.
4.2.6 Public Transport Terminals -
The criteria and accessibility requirements, provided for public and private
buildings and related structures for public use shall apply to public transport
terminals.
5. Special Standards of Accessibility
Where the requirements for accessibility in the Rules will create an unreasonable
hardship in design/construction, special standards of accessibility through the
use of other methods and/or materials shall be allowed if better facilities can be
provided subject to the approval of the National Council for the Welfare of
Disabled Persons.
6.
RULE II - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY
1. Design Criteria:
1.1 CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS. The categories of disability dictate
the varied measures to be adopted in order to create an accessible environment
for the handicapped. Disabled persons under these Rules may be classified into
those who have:
1.1.1 Impairments requiring confinement to wheelchairs; or
1.1.2 Impairments causing difficulty or insecurity in walking or climbing stairs
or requiring the use of braces, crutches or other artificial supports; or
impairments caused by amputation, arthritis, spastic conditions or pulmonary,
cardiac or other ills rendering individuals semi-ambulatory; or
1.1.3 Total or partial impairments of hearing or sight causing insecurity or
likelihood of exposure to danger in public places; or
1.1.4 Impairments due to conditions of aging and incoordination;
1.1.5 Mental impairments whether acquired or congenital in nature.
1.2 ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR

DESIGN. The minimum and maximum dimensions for spaces in the built
environment should consider the following criteria:
1.2.1 The varying sizes and structures of persons of both sexes, their reaches
and their lines of sight at both the standing and sitting positions.
1.2.2 The dimensional data of the technical aids of disabled persons.
Included in the second consideration are the dimensions of wheelchairs; the
minimum space needed for locking and unlocking leg braces plus the range
of distance of crutches and other walking aids from persons using such
devices.
By applying at this very early stage dimensional criteria which take into
account wheelchair usage, the physical environment will ultimately encourage
and enable wheelchair users to make full use of their physical surroundings.
1.2.3 The provision of adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering generally
insures adequate space for disabled persons equipped with other technical
aids or accompanied by assistants. In determining the minimum dimensions
for furniture and fixtures accessible to disabled persons, the following
anthropometric data shall serve as guides for design:
• The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10 m to 1.30 m.
• The width of wheelchairs is from 0.60 m to 0.75 m.
• A circle of 1.50 m in diameter is a suitable guide in the planning of

wheelchair turning spaces.
• The comfortable reach of persons confined to wheelchairs is from 0.70

m to 1.20 m above the floor and not less than 0.40 m from room
corners. The comfortable clearance for knee and leg space under
tables for wheelchair users is 0.70 m.
• Counter height shall be placed at a level comfortable to disabled

persons' reach.
1.3 BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

No group of people shall be deprived of full participation and enjoyment of the
environment or be made unequal with the rest due to any disability. In order to
achieve this goal adopted by the United Nations, certain basic principles shall be
applied:
1.3.1 ACCESSIBILITY. The built environment shall be designed so that it
shall be accessible to all people. This means that no criteria shall impede the
use of facilities by either the handicapped or non-disabled citizens.
1.3.2 REACHABILITY. Provisions shall be adapted and introduced to the
physical environment so that as many places or buildings as possible can be
reached by all.
1.3.3 USABILITY. The built environment shall be designed so that all
persons, whether they be disabled or not, may use and enjoy it.
1.3.4 ORIENTATION. Finding a person's way inside and outside of a building
or open space shall be made easy for everyone.
1.3.5 SAFETY. Designing for safety insures that people shall be able to move
about with less hazards to life and health.
1.3.6 WORKABILITY AND EFFICIENCY. The built environment shall be
designed to allow the disabled citizens to participate and contribute to
developmental goals.
RULE III - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS AND RELATED STRUCTURES

FOR PUBLIC USE
1. CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING BY USE OF OCCUPANCY:
1.1 Occupancy classified by categories enumerated in Section 701 of the
National Building Code (PD 1096) are hereby adapted
1.1.1 Category I - Residential -This shall comprise Group A and partly Group
B Buildings
1.1.2 Category II - Commercial and Industrial -This shall comprise partly
Groups B, C, E, F, G, H, and I Buildings
1.1.3 Category III - Educational and Industrial - This shall comprise partly
Group C, D, E, and H Buildings
1.1.4 Category IV - Agricultural - This shall comprise partly Group J
Buildings.
1.1.5 Category V - Ancillary - This shall comprise partly Group J Buildings
2. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND FACILITIES:
Where the following features and facilities are: architectural design requirements
in accordance with generally accepted architectural practice, the same include
the corresponding graphic signs.
2.1 Architectural facilities and features:
2.1.1 A Stairs
2.1.2 B Walkways
2.1.3 C Corridors
2.1.4 D Doors and Entrances
2.1.5 E Washrooms and Toilets
2.1.6 F Lifts/Elevators
2.1.7 G Ramps
2.1.8 H Parking Areas
2.1.9 I Switches, Controls, Buzzers
2.1.10 J Handrails
2.1.11 K Thresholds
2.1.12 L Floor Finishes
2.1.13 M Drinking Fountains
2.1.14 N Public Telephones
2.1.15 O Seating Accommodations
3. CATEGORY I
The following requirements shall only apply to government-owned buildings.
3.1 Group A
3.1.1 Single detached. Ten percent (10%) of the total units to be constructed.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, and
L.
3.1.2 Duplexes: Ten percent (10%) of the total units to be constructed.
L.
3.1.3 School or company staff housing units: One (1) unit for 26 to 50 units to
be constructed and 1 additional unit for every 100 units thereafter. Barrier-free
facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
3.2 Group B
3.2.1 Multiple dwelling units or high-rise residential condominiums or
tenement houses.
One (1) unit from 26 up to 50 units to be constructed and an additional unit for
every 100 units thereafter, with all such units at ingress level in case there is
not barrier-free elevator provided.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
and M.
4. CATEGORY II
The following requirements shall apply to both government and privately-owned
buildings.
4.1 Group B
4.1.1 Accessories, tenement houses and/or row houses, apartment houses
and/or town houses. One (1) unit for every 50 units up to 150 units and an
additional unit for every 100 units thereafter.
L.
4.1.2 Hotels, motels, inns, pension houses and/or apartels. One (1) unit per
every 50 units up to 150 units and an additional unit for every 100 units at
ingress level. In case there is no barrier-free elevators: at least one (1)
unit shall be provided at ingress level.
M, and N.
4.1.3 Private or "off campus" Dormitories: One (1) unit per every 50 units up
to 150 units and an additional dwelling unit for every 100 units thereafter at
ingress level.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M,
and N.
4.2 Group C
4.2.1 Amusement Halls and Parlor
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
M, N and O.
4.2.2 Massage and Sauna Parlors
and M.
4.3 Group E-1

4.3.1 Train Stations and Terminals
M, N and O.
4.3.2 Bus depots and terminals
M, N and O.
4.3.3 Transportation Office
M, N and O.
4.3.4 Airport terminal buildings, heliports
M, N and O.
4.3.5 Ports and harbor facilities, landing piers, sheds, ferry landing stations
M, N and O.
4.4 Group E-2

4.4.1 General wholesale and retail stores
and N.
4.4.2 Shopping centers and supermarkets and public markets
and N.
4.4.3 Restaurants, dining and drinking establishments
and N.
4.4.4 Office Buildings
and N.
4.4.5 Financial Institutions
and N.
4.4.6 Funeral parlors, morgues and crematories
M, N, and O.
4.4.7 Memorial and Mortuary Chapels
M, N, and O.
4.5 Group H-1, Group H-4, and Group I

4.5.1 Theaters, Auditoriums and Convention Halls
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M,
N, and O.
4.5.2 Concert Halls and Opera Houses
N, and O.
4.5.3 Colisea and Sports Complexes and Stadiums
N, and O.
4.6 Group F
4.6.1 Dairies and Creameries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L,
and M.
4.6.2 Factories and workshops using incombustible or non-explosive
materials
and M.
4.6.3 Breweries bottling plants, canneries and tanneries
and M.
4.7 Groups G-3

4.7.1 Wood working establishments, lumber and timber yards.
and M.
4.7.2 Pulp, paper and paper board factories
and M.
4.7.3 Textile and fiber spinning mills
and M.
4.7.4 Garment and undergarment factories
and M.
5. CATEGORY III
5.1 Group C
5.1.1 Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities, vocational
schools, seminaries and novitiates), including school auditoriums, gymnasia,
reviewing stands, little theaters and concert halls.
N, and O.
5.1.2 Libraries, museums, exhibition halls and art galleries
N, and O.
5.1.3 Civil Centers
N, and O.
5.1.4 Clubhouses lodges
N, and O.
5.2 Group D-1
5.2.1 Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, mental asylums
and M.
5.2.2 Jails, prisons, reformatories, correctional institutions
and M.
5.2.3 Rehabilitation Centers
and M.
5.2.4 Leprosaria
and M.
5.3 Group D-2

5.3.1 Homes for the Aged
and M.
5.3.2 Hospitals and Sanitaria
and M.
5.4 Group D-3

5.4.1 Nursing Homes for ambulatory patients
and M.
5.4.2 Orphanages
and M.
5.5 Group E-7

5.5.1 Police and fire stations
and M.
5.6 Group H
5.6.1 Churches, temples, chapels and similar places of worship
and O.
6. CATEGORY IV
6.1 Agricultural buildings
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
7. STANDARD OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR SPECIAL TYPE OF FACILITIES
7.1 The provision of this section shall apply to the specified type of facilities and
identified specific requirements for accessibility and usability which shall be
provided for each of the listed occupancy uses.
7.1.1 Auditoriums, assembly halls, theaters, and related facilities:
a. Seating for the disabled shall be accessible from the main lobby to
primary entrances, together with related toilet facilities.
b. In all assembly places where seating accommodation is provided,
there shall be spaces for the disabled persons as provided.
Seating Capacity Wheelchair Seating Space

4 - 50 2
51 - 300 4
301 - 500 6
c. When the seating capacity exceeds 500 an additional wheelchair seating

space shall be provided for each total seating capacity increase of 100 seats
d. Readily removable seats may be installed in these spaces when such
spaces are not required to accommodate wheelchair users.
8. COMPUTATION OF ACCESSIBLE UNITS
In the computation for the allocation of accessible units and seating capacity
decimal greater than 0.5 shall be considered as one unit. In all cases a minimum
of one (1) accessible unit shall be provided.
9. APPLICATION OF BARRIER-FREE FACILITIES AND FEATURES
9.1 Graphic signs shall be bold and conspicuously installed in every access from
point of entry to connecting destination.
9.2 Walkways shall be provided with adequate passageway in accordance with
the provision.
9.3 Width of corridors and circulation system integrating both and vertical access
to ingress/egress level of the building shall be provided.
9.4 Doors and entrances provided herein used as entry points at entrance
lobbies as local points of congregation shall be designed to open easily or
accessible from floor to floor or to any point of destination.
9.5 Washroom and toilets shall be accessible and provided with adequate turning
space.
9.6 Whenever elevator/s is required it should meet the requirements provided.
9.7 Ramps shall be provided as means of access to level of change going to
entry points and entrances, lobbies influenced by condition of location or use.
9.8 Parking areas shall be provided with sufficient space for the disabled persons
to allow easy transfer from carpark to ingress/egress levels.
9.9 Height above the floor of switches and controls shall be in accordance with
the provisions.
9.10 Handrails shall be provided at both sides of ramps.
9.11 Floors provided for every route of the wheelchair shall be made of non-skid
material.
9.12 Water fountains shall be installed as required.
(Refer to Appendix A for the illustrations of Rules II and III complementing Rule II
of the previous implementing rules and regulations).
RULE IV - REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
1. Classification of public conveyances by mode of transport shall be as follows:
1.1 Land Transportation - This shall refer to buses having a minimum seating
capacity of 50 persons for regular buses and 40 persons for air-conditioned
buses. This shall include regular city buses, regular provincial buses, air-
conditioned city buses (Love Bus and Pag-ibig Bus) and air-conditioned tourist
and provincial buses.
1.2 Rail Transportation - This shall refer to the three railways systems in the
country, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) operating in Luzon, the Panay
Railways Corporation (PRC) operating in the island of Panay and the Light Rail
Transit Authority (LRTA) operating in Metro Manila.
1.3 Water Transportation - This shall refer to domestic passenger ships, ferry
boats and other water transportation vessels.
1.4 Air Transportation - This shall refer to the domestic passenger airplanes.
2. No franchise or permit to operate public transportation units shall be granted,
issued or renewed unless such units are constructed or renovated in accordance
with the requirements.
3. If feasible, all owners or operators of existing public transport utilities shall modify
or renovate their units to accommodate disabled persons.
4. The construction or renovation of public transport utilities covered by these rules
shall be subject to compliance with the body designs and specifications as
provided under existing rules and regulations.
5. Posters or stickers shall be conspicuously displayed inside the units.
6. Public transportation shall have designated seats for disabled persons.
6.1 Regular buses shall have at least five (5) designated seats for disabled
persons near exit/entrance doors
6.2 First class, premiere and air-conditioned buses shall have at least four (4)
designated seats for disabled persons near the door
6.3 Passenger trains shall have at least six (6) designated seats per car for
disabled persons nearest to the door 6.4 Passenger airplanes shall have at
least two (2) designated seats for disabled persons near the front exit/entrance
door on a per aircraft-type basis
6.5 For regular and air-conditioned city buses, other passengers may use these
designated seats if not occupied and yield them to incoming disabled persons
whenever the occasion arises
6.6 For provincial buses, regular and air-conditioned buses, passenger trains
and airplanes, the designated seats for disabled persons may be occupied by
other passengers only if no disabled persons shall occupy these seats at the
start of the trip
6.7 Jeepneys shall have at least two (2) seats, preferably the front seats as
designated seats for disabled persons
6.8 For jeepneys, other passengers may use these designated seats if not
occupied and yield them to incoming disabled passengers only if the
yielding passenger can still be accommodated at the back
6.9 In domestic shipping, each vessel shall:
a. Allocate on a per class-basis, areas for disabled passengers. These
areas shall be nearest to the entrance and/or exit doorways of the
vessels.
b. Give priority to disabled passengers' embarkation and disembarkation
through the assignment of "time windows." Disabled passengers shall be
given a twenty (20) minute period to embark ahead of the three (3) hour
embarkation time prior to the ship's departure; and shall be allocated a
maximum of one (1) hour for disembarkation after the ship's arrival.
7. The designated seats shall be identified by the International Symbol of Access.
8. Owners or operators of city buses operating in highly urbanized cities shall install
in their units audiovisual aids such as buzzer, bell, flashing light to inform the
driver of any alighting passenger.
9. At least one deck in passenger ships shall be provided with accessible ramps,
passageways, access to gangways, galleys, safety equipment and
bunks/berths/cabins with dimensions conforming with the requirements.
RULE V - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
1. Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement
The administration and enforcement of the provision of these Rules and
Regulations shall be vested in the Secretary of Public Works and Highways and
the Secretary of Transportation and Communications, in accordance with the
functions and jurisdiction of their respective Departments as provided for by laws
as follows.
1.1 The Secretary through the Heads of attached agencies of the Department of
Public Works and Highways, with the technical assistance of the Building
Research Development Staff, shall administer and enforce the provisions of
these Rules and Regulations through the City/Municipal Engineer who shall
also act as Local Building Official pursuant to Section 477 of R.A. 7160,
otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 and as applied to
the following:
1.1.1 Buildings and related structures including public transport terminals
1.1.2 Streets and Highways
1.2 The Secretary of Transportation and Communications shall administer and

enforce the provisions of these Rules and Regulations through the Heads of Line
and Attached Agencies of the Department as follows:
1.2.1 Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - In respect
to the issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) and Provisional
Authority (PA) for the operation of public road transportation utilities or
services.
1.2.2 Land Transportation Office - In respect to the registration of buses
and jeepneys and enforcement of regulations related to land transport
1.2.3 Philippine National Railways and the Light Rail Transit Authority For the
operation of passenger trains and including stations and terminals
1.2.4 Maritime Industry Authority - In respect to the development,
promotion, and regulation of all enterprises engaged in business of
designing, constructing, manufacturing, acquiring, operating,
supplying, repairing and/or maintaining vessels or components thereof;
of managing and/or operating shipping lines, shipyards, dry docks,
marine railway, marine repair shops, shipping and freight forwarding
agencies and similar enterprises; issuance of license to all water
transport vessels.
1.2.5 Philippine Ports Authority - In respect to the planning,
development, financing, construction, maintenance and operation of
ports, port facilities, port physical plants, and all equipment used in
connection with the operation of a port.
1.2.6 Civil Aeronautics Board - In respect to the supervision and
regulation of, the jurisdiction and control over air carriers, general sales
agents, cargo sales agents and air freight forwarders, and issuance of
certificates/licenses to aircrafts.
1.2.7 Air Transportation Office - In respect to the maintenance, operation
and development, of all government airports (other than the NAIA,
Mactan International Airport) as well as air navigation facilities
(excluding meteorology).
2. Criminal Liability
As stipulated in Section 46 of R.A. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna
Carta for Disabled Persons (a), any person who violates any provision of
the rules and regulations of this Act shall suffer the following penalties:
1) for the first violation, a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000.00) but not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not
more than two (2) years, or both at the discretion of the court; and
2) for any subsequent violation, a fine of not less than One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not exceeding Two hundred thousand
pesos (P200,000.00) or imprisonment for not less than two (2) years but
not more than six (6) years, or both at the discretion of the court.
(b) Any person who abuses; the privileges granted herein shall be
punished with imprisonment of not less than six (6) months or a fine of
not less than Five thousand pesos (5,000.00) but not more than Fifty
thousand pesos (P50,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court.
(c) If the violator is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the
officials thereof directly involved shall be liable therefor.
(d) If the violator is an alien or a foreigner, he shall be deported
immediately after service of sentence without further deportation
proceedings.
PERSONS/INDIVIDUALS LIABLE FOR

ANY VIOLATION OF THE ACT
For Buildings/Establishment/Structure
1. Owner or Operator of the Building, Establishment or Structure
2. Contractor
3. Architect
4. Engineer
5. Building Official or Other Public Official in-charge with the issuance of building
permit, registration, certification and/or inspection of the building, establishment
or structure
For Air, Land and Sea Transportation
1. Owner/Operator of Public Transportation
2. Body Builders
3. Safety Officers/Engineers/Managers
4. Drivers/Conductors/Conductresses
5. Public Official in-charge with the issuance of permits, registration, certification
and inspection of the public transportation
EFFECTIVITY
These Rules shall take effect thirty (30) days after the date of publication in the Official
Gazette.
Promulgated by:
(SGD.) JESUS B. GARCIA, JR.
Secretary
Department of Transportation and Communications
(SGD.) GREGORIO R. VIGILAR
Secretary
Department of Public Works and Highways
The NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR
THE WELFARE OF DISABLED PERSONS
By:
(SGD.) CORAZON ALMA G. DE LEON
Chairman
APPENDIX A
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY
A. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS
1. DROPPED CURBS
1.1 Changes in level walkways should be by a dropped curb.
1.2 Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian crossings and at the end of
walkways of a private street or access road.
1.3 Dropped curbs at crossings have a width corresponding to the width of the
crossing; otherwise, the minimum width is 0.90 m.
1.4 Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining curbs with a gradient not
more than 1:12.
1.5 Dropped curbs shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum cross
gradient of 1:20 to prevent water from collecting at the walkway.
1.6 The lowest point of a dropped curb should not exceed 25 mm from the road
or gutter.
2. CURB CUT-OUTS
2.1 Curb cut-outs should only be allowed when it will not obstruct a walkway or in
any way lessen the width of a walkway.
2.2 The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be 0.90 M.
2.3 Curb cut-outs should have a gradient not more than 1:12.
3. WALKWAYS AND PASSAGEWAYS
3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided with slip-resistant
material.
3.2 Whenever and wherever possible, walkways should have a gradient no more
than 1:20 or 5%.
3.3 Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100.
3.4 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.
3.5 If possible, gratings should never be located along walkways. When
occurring along walkways, grating openings should have a maximum dimension
of 13 mm x 13 mm and shall not project more than 6.5 mm above the level of the
walkway.
3.6 Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in angle
or interruptions by cracks or breaks creating edges above 6.50 mm.
3.7 In lengthy or busy walkways, spaces should be provided at some point along
the route so that a wheelchair may pass another or turn around. These spaces
should have a minimum dimension of 1.50 m and should be spaced at a
maximum distance of 12:00 m between stops.
3.8 To guide the blind, walkways should as much as possible follow
straightforward routes with right angle turns.
3.9 Where planting is provided adjacent to the walkway, regular maintenance is
essential to ensure branches of trees or shrubs do not overhang walkways or
paths, as not only do these present a particular danger to the blind, but they also
reduce the effective footways width available to pedestrians generally.
3.10 Walkway headroom should not be less than 2.0 m and preferably higher.
3.11 Passageways for the disabled should not be obstructed by street furniture,
bollards, sign posts or columns along the defined route, as they can be
hazardous.
4. HANDRAILS
4.1 Handrails should be installed at both sides of ramps and stairs and at the
outer edges of dropped curbs. Handrails at dropped curbs should not be installed
beyond the width of any crossing so as not to obstruct pedestrian flow.
4.2 Handrails shall be installed at 0.90 m and 0.70 m above steps or ramps.
Handrails for protection at great heights may be installed at 1.0 m to 1.06 m.
4.3 A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be provided at the start and
end of ramps and stairs.
4.4 Handrails that require full grip should have a dimension of 30 mm to 50 mm.
4.5 Handrails attached to walls should have a clearance no less than 50 mm
from the wall. Handrails on ledges should have a clearance not less than 40 mm.
5. OPEN SPACES
5.1 Where open spaces are provided, the blind can become particularly
disoriented. Therefore, it is extremely helpful if any walkway or paths can be
given defined edges either by the use of planters with dwarf walls, or a grass
verge, or similar, which provides a texture different from the path.
6. SIGNAGES
6.1 Directional and informational sign should be located at points conveniently
seen even by a person on a wheelchair and those with visual impairments;
6.2 Signs should be kept simple and easy to understand; signages should be
made of contrasting colors and contrasting gray matter to make detection and
reading easy;
6.3 The international symbol for access should be used to designate routes and
facilities that are accessible;
6.4 Should a sign protrude into a walkway or route, a minimum headroom of 2.0
meters should be provided;
6.5 Signs on walls and doors should be located at a maximum height of 1.60 M.
and a minimum height of 1.40 meters. For signage on washroom doors, see C.
Section 8.6.
6.6 Signages labeling public rooms and places should have raised symbols,
letters or numbers with minimum height of 1 mm; braille symbols should be
included in signs indicating public places and safety routes;
7. CROSSINGS
7.1 In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all at grade crossing
should
7.1.1 Be as near perpendicular to the carriageway as possible.
7.1.2 Be located at the narrowest, most convenient part of the carriageway.
7.1.3 Have central refuges of at least 1.5 m in depth and preferably 2 m,
provided as a midcrossing shelter, where the width of carriageway to be
crossed exceeds 10 m.
7.2 All crossings should be located close if not contiguous with the normal
pedestrian desire line.
7.3 Provide tactile blocks in the immediate vicinity of crossings as an aid to the
blind. The tactile surface has to be sufficiently high enough to be felt through the
sole of the shoe but low enough not to cause pedestrian to trip, or to effect the
mobility of wheelchair users. See details of recommended pairing slabs below.
Note: Tactile strips formed from brushed or grooved concrete finishes have not
been proven successful as they do not provide sufficient distinction from the
normal footway surface and therefore should not be used.
7.4 The most beneficial form of crossing as far as any disabled are concerned is
the light controlled crossing having pedestrian phases and synchronized audible
signals and should, wherever possible, be provided in preference to other types
of crossings as determined by the duly authorized agency.
7.5 The audible signal used for crossings should be easily distinguishable from
other sounds in the environment to prevent confusion to the blind. A prolonged
sound should be audible to warn the blind that the lights are about to change.
(Design of such a system shall be developed by the Traffic Engineering Center.)
7.6 The flashing green period required for the disabled should be determined on
the basis of a walking speed of 0.90 m/sec. rather than 1.20 m/sec. which is what
is normally used. The minimum period for the steady green (for pedestrians)
should not be less than 6 seconds or the crossing distance times 0.90 m/sec.,
whichever is the greatest.
B. PARKING
1. PARKING AREAS
1.1 Parking spaces for the disabled should allow enough space for a person to
transfer to a wheelchair from a vehicle;
1.2 Accessible parking spaces should be located as close as possible to building
entrances or to accessible entrances;
1.3 Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking spaces should be
perpendicular or to an angle to the road or circulation aisles;
1.4 Accessible parking slots should have a minimum width of 3.70 m.;
1.5 A walkway from accessible spaces of 1.20 m. clear width shall be provided
between the front ends of parked cars;
1.6 Provide dropped curbs or curb cut-outs to the parking level where access
walkways are raised;
1.7 Pavement markings, signs or other means shall be provided to delineate
parking spaces for the handicapped;
1.8 Parking spaces for the disabled should never be located at ramped or sloping
areas;
C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

1. ENTRANCES
1.1 Entrances should be accessible from arrival and departure points to the
interior lobby;
1.2 One (1) entrance level should be provided where elevators are accessible;
1.3 In case entrances are not on the same level of the site arrival grade, ramps
should be provided as access to the entrance level;
1.4 Entrances with vestibules shall be provided a level area with at least a 1.80
m. depth and a 1.50 m. width;
2. RAMPS
2.1 Changes in level require a ramp except when served by a dropped curb, an
elevator or other mechanical device;
2.2 Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m;
2.3 The maximum gradient shall be 1:12;
2.4 The length of a ramp should not exceed 6:00 m. if the gradient is 1:12; longer
ramps whose gradient is 1:12 shall be provided with landings not less than 1.50
m.;
2.5 A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be provided at the top and bottom
of any ramp;
2.6 Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at 0.70 m. and 0.90 m.
from the ramp level;
2.7 Ramps shall be equipped with curbs on both sides with a minimum height of
0.10 m.;
2.8 Any ramp with a rise greater than 0.20 m. and leads down towards an area
where vehicular traffic is possible, should have a railing across the full width of its
lower end, not less than 1.80 meters from the foot of the ramp;
3. DOORS
3.1 All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80 m;
3.2 Clear openings shall be measured between the surface of the fully open door
at the hinge and the door jamb at the stop;
3.3 Doors should be operable by a pressure or force not more than 4.0 kg; the
closing device pressure an interior door shall not exceed 1 kg.;
3.4 A minimum clear level space of 1.50 m x 1.50 m shall be provided before and
extending beyond a door;
EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into a corridor, the required
clear, level space on the corridor side of the door may be a minimum of 1.20 m.
corridor width;
3.5 Protection should be provided from doors that swing into corridors;
3.6 Outswinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets and
accessible restroom stalls;
3.7 Latching or non-latching hardware should not require wrist action or fine
finger manipulation;
3.8 Doorknobs and other hardware should be located between 0.82 m. and 1.06
m. above the floor; 0.90 is preferred;
3.9 Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m. above the floor, are preferred to
horizontal pull bars for swing doors or doors with locking devices;
3.10 Doors along major circulation routes should be provided with kick plates
made of durable materials at a height of 0.30 m. to 0.40 m;
4. THRESHOLDS
4.1 Thresholds shall be kept to a minimum; whenever necessary, thresholds and
sliding door tracks shall have a maximum height of 25 mm and preferably
ramped;
5. SWITCHES
5.1 Manual switches shall be positioned within 1.20 m to 1.30 m above the floor;
5.2 Manual switches should be located no further than 0.20 from the latch side of
the door;
6. SIGNAGES
(See "SIGNAGES" under OUTSIDE & AROUND BUILDINGS.)
7. CORRIDORS
7.1 Corridors shall have minimum clear width of 1.20 m.; waiting areas and other
facilities or spaces shall not obstruct the minimum clearance requirement;
7.2 Recesses or turnabout spaces should be provided for wheelchairs to turn
around or to enable another wheelchair to pass; these spaces shall have a
minimum area of 1.50 m x 1.50 m. and shall be spaced at a maximum of 12.00
m.;
7.3 Turnabout spaces should also be provided at or within 3.50 m. of every dead
end;
7.4 As in walkways, corridors should be maintained level and provided with a
slipresistant surface;
8. WASHROOMS & TOILETS
8.1 Accessible public washrooms and toilets shall permit easy passage of a
wheelchair and allow the occupant to enter a stall, close the door and transfer to
the water closet from either a frontal or lateral position;
8.2 Accessible water closet stalls shall have a minimum area of 1.70 x 1.80 mts.
One movable grab bar and one fixed to the adjacent wall shall be installed at the
accessible water closet stall for lateral mounting; fixed grab bars on both sides of
the wall shall be installed for stalls for frontal mounting;
8.3 A turning space of 2.25 sq.m. with a minimum dimension of 1.50 m. for
wheelchair shall be provided for water closet stalls for lateral mounting;
8.4 All accessible public toilets shall have accessories such as mirrors, paper
dispensers, towel racks and fittings such as faucets mounted at heights
reachable by a person in a wheelchair;
8.5 The minimum number of accessible water closets on each floor level or on
that part of a floor level accessible to the disabled shall be one (1) where the total
number of water closets per set on that level is 20; and two (2) where the number
of water closets exceed 20;
8.6 In order to aid visually impaired persons to readily determine whether a
washroom is for men or for women, the signage for men's washroom door shall
be an equilateral triangle with a vertex pointing upward, and those for women
shall be a circle; the edges of the triangle should be 0.30 m long as should be the
diameter of the circle; these signages should at least be 7.5 mm thick; the color
and gray value of the doors; the words "men" and "women" or the appropriate
stick figures should still appear on the washroom doors for the convenience of
the fully sighted;
Note: the totally blind could touch the edge of the signs and easily determine
whether it is straight or curved;
8.7 The maximum height of water closets should be 0.45 m.; flush control should
have a maximum height of 1.20 mts.
8.8 Maximum height of lavatories should be 0.80 m. with a knee recess of 0.60 -
0.70 M. vertical clearance and a 0.50 m. depth.
8.9 Urinals should have an elongated lip or through type; the maximum height of
the lip should be 0.48 m.
9. STAIRS
9.1 Tread surfaces should be a slip-resistant material; nosings may be provided
with slip-resistant strips to further minimize slipping:
9.2 Slanted nosings are preferred to projecting nosings so as not to pose
difficulty for people using crutches or braces whose feet have a tendency to get
caught in the recessed space or projecting nosings. For the same reason, open
stringers should be avoided.
9.3 The leading edge of each step on both runner and riser should be marked
with a paint or non-skid material that has a color and gray value which is in high
contrast to the gray value of the rest of the stairs; markings of this sort would be
helpful to the visually impaired as well as to the fully sighted person;
9.4 A tactile strip 0.30 m. wide shall be installed before hazardous areas such as
sudden changes in floor levels and at the top and bottom of stairs; special care
must be taken to ensure the proper mounting or adhesion of tactile strips so as
not to cause accidents;
10. ELEVATORS
10.1 Accessible elevators should be located not more than 30.00 m. from the
entrance and should be easy to locate with the aid of signs;
10.2 Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of 1.10 m. x 1.40 m.;
10.3 Control panels and emergency system of accessible elevators shall be
within reach of a seated person; centerline heights for the topmost buttons shall
be between 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor;
10.4 Button controls shall be provided with braille signs to indicate floor level; at
each floor, at the door frames of elevator doors, braille-type signs shall be placed
so that blind persons can be able to discern what floor the elevator car has
stopped and from what level they are embarking from; for installation heights,
see Section 6.6, Signages;
10.5 Button sizes at elevator control panels shall have a minimum diameter of 20
mm and should have a maximum depression depth of 1 mm;
D. SAFETY
1. FENCING FOR ROADWORKS AND FOOTWORKS
All excavations, whether on the road or footway must be adequately protected,
i.e. fenced. Whatever the type of fencing used, it is important the railings should
incorporate the following features.
1.1 The height of the top of the rail should be at least 1.00 M. above the adjacent
surface.
1.2 The railing should incorporate a tapping rail to assist the blind, and this
should not be greater than 0.35 M. above adjacent surface.
1.3 The fence should be strong enough to offer resistance should a blind person
walk into it.
1.4 Gaps should not occur between adjoining fence lengths.
2. COVERS FOR EXCAVATIONS
2.1 Excavations in the footway or carriageway where pedestrians may walk are
covered over temporarily with properly constructed and supported boards to
provide a temporary path for pedestrians.
2.2 If the footway width will be reduced to less than 1.20 because of the
excavation, the temporary covering should extend across the whole of the
footway.
2.3 Minimum dimensions at obstructions
2.3.1 Effective width of footways past any obstruction should not be less than
1.20 M.
2.3.2 If unavoidable, loose materials temporarily stored on footways must be
properly fenced and prevented from encroaching onto the main footway by
the use of a kickboard at least 0.20 M. high which will also serve as a tapping
board for the blind.
3. SIGNAGE FOR ROADWORKS ON THE CARRIAGEWAY
3.1 Temporary signs used to warn of roadworks should be carefully located and
should not cause any inconveniences to pedestrians, particularly the disabled.
3.1.1 Signs should be located on verges or similar whenever these are
available.
3.1.2 Signs should not reduce the available footway width to less than 1.20 M.
4. LOCATION OF EMERGENCY EXIT
4.1 Wall mounted or free standing tablets with an embossed plan configuration of
the building which also shows the location of the lobby, washrooms and
emergency exits of the building (indicated by different textures with
corresponding meanings) should be provided either in front of the building or at
the main lobby. The markings of this tablet should be readable by both the fully
sighted and the blind persons.
4.2 Flashing light directional signs indicating the location(s) of fire exit shall be
provided at every change in direction with sufficient power provided in
accordance with the provisions for emergency lighting under Section 3.410 of
P.D. NO. 1185 (The Fire Code of the Philippines).
5. AUDIBLE AND VISIBLE ALARM SYSTEM
5.1 Audio-visual alarm systems shall be provided in all fire sections, as defined
under P.D. NO. 1185 otherwise known as The Fire Code of the Philippines, of
buildings in accordance with the guidelines provided under Section 3.503 of the
same.
5.2 For buildings of residential occupancies, i.e. Groups A and B, as defined
under Section 701, of Chapter 7 of P.D. NO. 1096 otherwise known as the "The
National Building Code of the Philippines", the provision of "VIBRA-ALARMS" for
all occupants who are either deaf or hearing-impaired shall be compulsory.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS
1. DROPPED CURBS
1.1 Changes in level at walkways should be effected by slight ramps and
dropped curbs;
1.2 Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian crossings and at the end
of footpaths of a private street or access road;
1.3 Dropped curbs crossings should have a length corresponding to the width
of the crossing; otherwise, the minimum width should be 0.90 m.
1.4 Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining curbs with a gradient
not more than 1:12;
1.5 Dropped curbs shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum cross
gradient of 1:20 to prevent water from collecting at the walkway;
1.6 The lowest point of a dropped curb should not exceed 25 mm height
above the road or gutter;
2. CURB CUT-OUTS
2.1 Curb cut-outs should only be allowed when it will not obstruct a walkway
or in any way lessen the width of a walkway;
2.2 The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be 0.90 m.;
2.3 Curb cut-outs should not have a gradient not more than 1:12;
3. WALKWAYS
3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided with slip-
resistant material;
3.2 Whenever and wherever possible walkways should have a gradient no
more than 1:20 or 5%
3.3 Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100;
3.4 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters;
3.5 If possible, gratings should never be located along walkways; when
occuring along walkways, grating openings should have a maximum
dimension of 13 mm x 13 mm and shall not project more than 6.5mm above
or below the level of the walkways;
3.6 Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in
angle or interruptions by cracks or breaks creating edges above 6.5 mm;
3.7 In lengthy or busy walkways, spaces should be provided at some point
along the route so that a wheelchair may pass another or turn around; these
spaces should have a minimum dimension of 1.5 meters and should be
spaced at a maximum distance of 12.00 meters between stops;
3.8 To guide the blind, walkways should as much as possible follow straight
forward routes with right angle turns;
3.9 Where planting is provided adjacent to the walkway, regular maintenance
is essential to ensure branches of trees or shrubs do not overhang walkways
or paths, as they do not only present a particular danger to the blind, but they
also reduce the effective footway width available to pedestrians;
3.10 Walkway headroom should be less than 2.00 m and should preferably
be higher;
3.11 Passageways for the disabled should not be obstructed by street
furniture, bollards, sign posts or columns along the defined route, as they can
be hazardous;
4. HANDRAILS
4.1 Handrails should be installed at both sides of ramps ad stairs and at the
outer edges of dropped curbs at crossings; handrails should not be installed
beyond the width of any crossing so as not to obstruct pedestrian flow;
4.2 Handrails shall be installed at 0.90 m and 0.70 m above steps or ramps;
handrails for protection at great heights may be installed at 1.00 m to 1.06 m;
4.3 A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be provided at the start
and end of ramps and stairs;
4.4 Handrails that require full grip should have a dimension of 30 cm to 50
cm;
4.5 Handrails attached to walls should have a clearance no less than 50 mm
from the wall; handrails on ledges should have a clearance not less than 40
mm;
5. OPEN SPACES
5.1 Where open spaces are provided, the blind can become particularly
disoriented. Therefore, it is extremely helpful if any walkway or paths can be
given defined edges either by the use of planters with dwarf wall, or a grass
verge, or similar, which provides a texture different from the path.
6. SIGNAGES
6.1 Directional and informational sign should be located at points conveniently
seen even by a person on a wheelchair.;
6.2 Signs should be kept simple and easy to understand; signages should be
made of contrasting colors and gray values to make detection and reading
easy;
6.3 The international symbol for access should be used to designate routes
and facilities that are accessible;
Sign Size (cm) Usage
A 10 x 10 Comfort room stall doors
With or without directional arrows to
A,B,C,D 15 x 15
identify doors, rooms
A,B,C 22 x 22 With or without arrows
A,B,C,D,E 30 x 30 For exterior use
A,B,C,D,E 60 x 60 For exterior use
F 20 x 60 For exterior use
6.4 Should a sign protrude into a walkway or route, a minimum headroom of
2.00 meters should be provided; See Fig.
6.5 Signs on walls and doors should be located at a maximum height of 1.60
meters and a minimum height of 1.40 meters;
6.6 Signages labeling public rooms and places should have raised symbols,
letters or numbers with a minimum height of 1 mm; Braille symbols should be
included in signs indicating public places and safety routes;
6.7 Text on signboards shall be of a dimension that people with less than
normal visual acuity can read at a certain distance.
7. CROSSINGS
7.1 In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all at grade
crossing should;
7.1.1 be as perpendicular as possible to the carriageway;
7.1.2 be located at the narrowest, most convenient part of the carriageway;
7.1.3 have central refuges of at least 1.50 m in depth and preferably 2.00 m,
provided as a mid-crossing shelter, where the width of carriageway to be
crossed exceeds 10.00 m;
7.2 All crossing should be located close if not contiguous with the normal
pedestrian desire line;
7.3 Provide tactile blocks in the immediate vicinity of crossings as an aid to
the blind; the tactile surface should be high enough to be felt by the sole of
the shoe but low enough so as not to cause pedestrians to trip or to affect the
mobility of wheelchair users;
NOTE: tactile strips formed from brushed or grooved concrete have not
proved successful as they do not provide sufficient distinction from the normal
footway surface and therefore should not be used;
7.4 Light controlled crossings with pedestrian phases and audible signals are
most beneficial to the disabled; they should be provided wherever possible;
7.5 The audible signals used for crossings should be easily distinguishable
from other sounds in the environment to prevent confusion to the blind; a
prolonged sound could serve as warning signal that the crossing time is about
to end;
7.6 Sufficient time should be allowed for the slower persons negotiating a
crossing; a walking speed of 0.90 m/sec. rather than 1.20 m/sec. should be
considered; a minimum crossing period of 6.0 seconds or the crossing
distance times the crossing speed (0.90 m/sec.), whichever is greater;
B. PARKING
1. PARKING AREAS
1.1 Parking spaces for the disabled should allow enough space for a person
to transfer to a wheelchair from a vehicle;
1.2 Accessible parking spaces should be located as close as possible to
building entrances or to accessible entrances;
1.3 Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking spaces should be
perpendicular or at an angle to the road or circulation aisles;
1.4 Accessible parking slots should have a minimum width of 3.70 m.;
1.5 A walkway from accessible spaces of 1.20 m. clear width shall be
provided between the front ends of parked cars;
1.6 Provide dropped curbs or curb cut-outs to the parking level where access
walkways are raised;
1.7 Pavement markings, signs or other means shall be provided to delineate
parking spaces for the handicapped;
1.8 Parking spaces for the disabled should never be located at ramped or
sloping areas;
C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
1. ENTRANCES
1.1 At least one entrance to every building should be accessible from arrival
and departure points to the interior lobby;
1.2 One (1) entrance level should be provided where elevators are
accessible;
1.3 In case entrances are not on the same level of the site arrival grade,
ramps should be provided as access to the entrance level;
1.4 Entrances with vestibules shall be provided a level area with at least a
1.80 m. depth and a 1.50 m. width;
2. RAMPS
2.1 Changes in level require a ramp except when served by a dropped curb,
an elevator or other mechanical device;
2.2 Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m;
2.3 The maximum gradient shall be 1:12;
2.4 The length of a ramp should not exceed 6.00 m. if the gradient is 1:12;
longer ramps whose gradient is 1:12 shall be provided with landings not less
than 1.50 m.;
2.5 A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be provided at the top and
bottom of any ramp;
2.6 Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at 0.70 m. and 0.90
m. from the ramp level;
2.7 Ramps shall be equipped with curbs on both sides with a minimum height
of 0.10 m.;
2.8 Any ramp with a rise greater than 0.20 m. and leads down towards an
area where vehicular traffic is possible, should have a railing across the full
width of its lower end, not less than 1.50 meters from the foot of the ramp;
3. DOORS
3.1 All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80 m;
3.2 Clear openings shall be measured between the surface of the fully open
door at the hinge and the door jamb at the stop;
3.3 Doors should be operable by a pressure or force not more than 4.0 kg;
the closing device pressure an interior door shall not exceed 1 kg;
3.4 A minimum clear level space of 1.50 m x 1.50 m shall be provided before
and extending beyond a door;
EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into a corridor, the
required clear, level space on the corridor side of the door may be a minimum
of 1.20 m corridor width;
3.5 Protection should be provided from doors that swing into corridors;
3.6 Outswinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets and
accessible restroom stalls;
3.7 Latching or non-latching, hardware should not require wrist action or fine
finger manipulation;
3.8 Doorknobs and other hardware should be located between 0.82 m. and
106 m. above the floor; 0.90 is preferred;
3.9 Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m. above the floor, are preferred to
horizontal pull bars for swing doors or doors with locking devices;
3.10 Doors along major circulation routes should be provided with kick plates
made of durable material at a height of 0.30 m to 0.40 m;
4. THRESHOLDS
4.1 Thresholds shall be kept to a minimum; whenever necessary, thresholds
and sliding door tracks shall have a maximum height of 25 mm and preferably
ramped;
5. SWITCHES
5.1 Manual switches shall be positioned within 1.20 m to 1.30 m above the
floor;
5.2 Manual switches should be located no further than 0.20 from the latch
side of the door;
6. SIGNAGES
6.1 (See "SIGNAGES" under OUTSIDE & AROUND BUILDINGS.)
7. CORRIDORS
7.1 Corridors shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m.; waiting areas and
other facilities or spaces shall not obstruct the minimum clearance
requirement;
7.2 Recesses or turnabout spaces should be provided for wheelchairs to turn
around or to enable another wheelchair to pass; these spaces shall have a
minimum area of 1.50 m x 1.50 m. and shall be spaced at a maximum of
12.00 m.;
7.3 Turnabout spaces should also be provided at or within 3.50 m. of every
dead end;
7.4 As in walkways, corridors should be maintained level and provided with a
slip-resistant surface;
8. WASHROOMS & TOILETS
8.1 Accessible public washrooms and toilets shall permit easy passage of a
wheelchair and allow the occupant to enter a stall, close the door and transfer
to the water closet from either a frontal or lateral position;
8.2 Accessible water closet stalls shall have a minimum area of 1.70 x 1.80
mts. One movable grab bar and one fixed to the adjacent wall shall be
installed at the accessible water closet stall for lateral mounting; fixed grab
bars on both sides of the wall shall be installed for stalls for frontal mounting;
8.3 A turning space of 2.25 sq. m. with a minimum dimension of 1.50 m. for
wheelchairs shall be provided outside water closet stalls;
8.4 All accessible public toilets shall have accessories such as mirrors, paper
dispensers, towel racks, and fittings such as faucets mounted at heights
reachable by a person in a wheelchair;
8.5 The minimum number of accessible water closets on each floor level or
on that part of a floor level accessible to the disabled shall be one (1) where
the total number of water closets per sex on that level is 20; and two (2)
where the number of water closets exceed 20;
8.6 In order to aid visually impaired persons to readily determine whether a
washroom is for men or for women, the signage on men's washroom door
shall be an equilateral triangle with a vertex pointing upward, and those for
women shall be a circle; the edges of the triangle should be 0.30 m long as
should be the diameter of the circle; these signages should at least be 7.5
mm thick; the color and gray value of these geometric forms should be
distinct from the color and gray value of the doors; the words "men" and
"women" or the appropriate stick figures should still appear on the washroom
doors for the convenience of the fully sighted;
NOTE: the totally blind could touch the edge of signs and easily determine
whether it is straight or curved;
8.7 The maximum height of water closets should be 0.45 m; flush control
should gave a maximum height of 1.2 m.;
8.8 Maximum height of lavatories should be 0.80 m with a knee recess of
0.60 - 0.70 m vertical clearance and a 0.50 m depth;
8.9 Urials should have an elongated lip or should be trough-type; the
maximum height of the lip should be 0.48 m;
9. STAIRS
9.1 Tread surfaces should be of a slip-resistant material; nosings should be
provided with slip-resistant strips to further minimize slipping;
9.2 Slanted nosings are preferred to protruding nosings so as not to impose
difficulty for people using crutches or braces whose feet have a tendency to
get caught in the recessed space of protruding nosings; for the same reason,
open stringers should be avoided;
9.3 The leading edge of each step of both runner and riser should be marked
with a paint or non-skid material that has a color or gray value which is in high
contrast to the gray value of the rest of the stairs; markings of this sort would
be helpful to the visually impaired as well as to the fully sighted person;
9.4 A tactile strip 0.30 m. wide shall be installed before hazardous areas such
as sudden changes in floor levels and at the top and bottom of stairs; special
care must be taken to insure the proper mounting or adhesion of tactile strips
so as not to cause accidients;
10. ELEVATORS
10.1 Accessible elevators should be located not more than 30.00 m. from the
entrance and should be easy to locate with the aid of signs;
10.2 Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of 1.10 m. x 1.40
m.;
10.3 Control panels and emergency systems of accessible elevators shall be
within reach of a seated person; centerline heights for the topmost buttons
shall be between 0.90 m. to 1.20 m. from the floor;
10.4 Button controls shall be provided with braille signs to indicate floor level;
at each floor, at the door frames of elevator doors, braille-type signs shall be
placed so that blind persons can be able to discern what floor the elevator car
has stopped and from what level they are embarking from; for installation
heights, see Section 6.6 Signages;
10.5 Button sizes at elevator control panels shall have a minimum diameter of
20 mm. and should have a maximum depression depth of 1 mm.;
11. WATER FOUNTAINS
11.1 At least one (1) fountain shall be provided for every 2,000 sq. m. of floor
area and there shall not be less than one (1) on each floor. Water spouts shall
be at the front and shall be push-button controlled. If wall-mounted, the
maximum height of the water fountain shall be 0.85 m. from the floor to the
rim. Should the floor-mounted type be higher than 0.85 m. up to the rim,
either provide paper cups or another lower fountain.
12. PUBLIC TELEPHONES
12.1 Provide a clear, unobstructed space of 1.50 m . x 1.50 m. in front of wall-
mounted and free-standing units and telephones mounted at the rear wall of
alcoves or recesses.
12.2 Telephone booth door openings should have a minimum clear width of
0.80 m. with either outswing, folding or sliding doors, coin slots, dialing
controls, receivers and instructional signs shall be located at a maximum of
1.10 m. above the floor.
13. PLACES OF ASSEMBLY
13.1 Number of seating accommodations reserved for wheelchair users shall
be in accordance with Section 7 of Rule III.
D. SAFETY
1. FENCING FOR ROADWORKS AND FOOTWORKS
All excavations, whether on the road or footway must be adequately protected or
fenced-in to protect pedestrians in general and the disabled in particular.
Whatever the type of fencing used, it is important that the railings should
incorporate the following features;
1.1 The height of the top of the rail should be at least 1.00 m. above the
adjacent surface;
1.2 The railing should incorporate a tapping rail to assist the blind; this should
not be greater than 0.35 m. above the adjacent surface;
1.3 The fence should be strong enough to offer resistance should a blind
person walk into it;
1.4 Gaps should not occur between adjoining fence lengths;
2. COVERS FOR EXCAVATIONS
2.1 Excavations in the footway or carriageway where pedestrians may walk
should be covered temporarily with properly constructed and supported
boards to provide path for pedestrians;
2.2 If the footway width will be reduced to less than 1.20 m. because of the
excavation, the temporary covering should extend across the whole footway;
2.3 Minimum dimensions at obstructions
2.3.1 Effective width of footways past any obstruction should not be less than
1.20 m.
2.3.2 If unavoidable, loose materials temporarily stored on footways must be
properly fenced and prevented from encroaching onto the main footway by
the use of a kickboard at least 0.20 m. high which may also serve as tapping
board for the blind;
3. SIGNAGE FOR ROADWORKS ON THE CARRIAGEWAY
3.1 Temporary signs used to warn of roadworks should be carefully located and
should not cause any inconvenience to pedestrians, particularly the disabled;
3.1.1 Signs should be located on verges or similar whenever these are available;
3.1.2 Signs should not reduce the available foorway width to less than 1.20 m.;
4. LOCATION OF EMERGENCY EXITS
4.1 Wall mounted or free standing tablets with an embossed plan configuration of
the building which would also indicate locations of lobbies, washrooms and
emergency exits (through the use of different textures to symbolize the spaces)
should be provided at the main lobby of each floor or other strategic locations; the
markings on this tablet should be readable by both the blind and the fully sighted;
4.2 Flashing light directional signs indicating the location(s) of fire exits shall be
provided at every change in direction with sufficient power provided in accordance
with the provisions for emergency lighting under Section 3.410 of P.D. 1185 (The
Fire Code of the Philippines);
The Original
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS
OF
BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344
(Accessibility Law)
"An Act To Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings,
Institutions, Establishments, and Other Public Utilities To Install Facilities and Other
Devices."
Jointly Promulgated by:
The Ministry of Public Works and Highways
Port Area, Manila
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications
Pasig, Metro Manila
The National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons
Diliman, Quezon City
RULE I - SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1. Purpose:
The Rules and Regulations set forth herein provide for minimum requirements
and standards to make buildings, facilities and utilities for public use accessible
to disabled persons, pursuant to the objectives of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344,
"An Act To Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain
Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities To Install Facilities and
Other Devices."
2. Definition of Terms:
For the purpose of these Rules and Regulations, the words, terms and phrases
enumerated in Annex "A" hereof shall have the meaning as provided therein.
3. Scope:
The provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall apply to the following
3.1 Public and private buildings and related structures for public use and which
shall be constructed, repaired or renovated.
3.2 Streets and highways and public utilities
3.2.1 Streets and highways
3.2.2 Public transport vehicles which shall include:
a. Passenger buses
b. Passenger trains, including those of the Light Rail Transit Authority
(LRTA)
c. Passenger boats and ships
d. Passenger airplanes
3.3 Public transport terminals including those of LRTA
4. Application:
4.1 Public and private buildings and related structures for public use. No permit
for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings and
related structures for public use, whether owned or leased, shall be granted or
issued, unless the owner thereof shall have provided in the places and
specifications submitted for approval barrier-free facilities and accessibility
features as provided in these Rules and in accordance with the following criteria:
4.1.1 Buildings and related structures to be constructed
a. At the space where the primary function is served and where facilities
and ingress/egress of the building or structure are located, as to make
such space accessible to the disabled persons; provided, however,
that where the primary function can be served at the ingress level and
where such level is provided with facilities, requirements for
accessibility at other levels may be waived.
b. Ten percent (10%) of the total number of units of government-owned
living accommodations shall be accessible and fully usable by the
disabled persons with any fractional part in excess of one-half (1/2) in
the computation thereof, to be considered as one unit; for privately-
owned living accommodations the number of accessible units shall be
as provided in Section 3 of Rule II hereof.
c. Ingress/egress from the street to the building or structure shall be
made accessible.
d. Accessible slots in parking areas shall be located as near as possible
to ingress/egress spaces of the building or structure.
4.1.2 Buildings and related structures to be repaired or renovated including those
proposed for a change of occupancy If feasible, barrier-free facilities and
accessibility features shall be provided in accordance with the requirements
under Sub-section 4.1.1 (a), (c) and (d): feasibility of incorporation of barrier-
free facilities and accessibility features shall be determined from all the
following conditions:
a. When the repair or renovation work is to be done in the space where
the primary function is served;
b. When the facilities can be made accessible at any other level which is
accessible by means of an elevator with a minimum width of 800 mm;
c. When the space alloted for the primary function will not be diminished
by more than ten percent (10%) of its original area;
d. When the capacity of strength of any major structural component, such
as slabs, beams, guiders, columns, bearing walls and footings of the
building or structure will not be diminished;
e. When the cost (exclusive of the exception provided below) of such
repair or renovation work is in excess of twenty percent (20%) of the
total cost of the building or structure, based upon the computation of
permit fees as provided under Rule III of the Implementing Rules and
Regulations promulgated pursuant to P.D. 1096 entitled: "The National
Building Code of the Philippines";
f. When there is no legal constraint which would not allow compliance
with these regulations:
EXCEPTION: Repair or renovation work which consists only of heating,
ventilating and airconditioning systems, including those which may be
required only with respect to fire panic and explosion safety for existing
spaces, shall not be subject to the requirements for barrier-free facilities and
accessibility features.
4.1.3 Buildings and related structures to be repaired or renovated including
those proposed for a Change of Occupancy, and for which permits had
already been issued prior to the date of effectivity of these Rules-
The provision of Sub-Section 4.1.2 shall apply provided that
a. Fifty percent (50%) or more of the total area of the building or related
structure is for public use; and
b. The repair or renovation work has not been commenced within six (6)
months from the date of effectivity of these Rules.
4.1.4 Buildings and related structures to be constructed and for which permits
had already been issued prior to the date of the effectivity of these Rules The
provision of Sub-section 4.1.1 (a,c, and d) shall apply, provided that
a. Fifty percent (50%) or more of the total area of the building or related
structure is for public use; and
b. The construction work has not been commenced within six (6) months
from the date of effectivity of these Rules.
EXCEPTION: Government buildings and related structures for public use and for
which permits have already been issued prior to the effectivity of these Rules,
shall be provided with architectural facilities or structural features for disabled
persons if construction work has not been commenced within six (6) months
from the date of effectivity of these Rules.
4.2.1 Streets and highways to be constructed
Streets and highways shall be provided with the following barrier-free facilities
and accessibility features at every pedestrian crossing, and as provided in
Section 2.17 of Rule II:
a. Cut-out curbs and accessible ramps at the sidewalks.
b. Audio-visual aids for crossing
EXCEPTION: Requirements for accessibility at pedestrian grade separations or
overpasses and underpasses may be waived.
4.2.2 Existing streets and highways to be repaired and renovated
The accessibility requirements under Sub-section 4.2.1 shall be provided
where the portion of existing streets and highways to be repaired or
renovated includes part or the entire pedestrian crossing.
4.2.3 Transport vehicles for public use
a. No license or franchise for the operation of public buses, passenger
boats, ships and domestic airplanes shall be granted or issued unless
the owner or operator thereof shall have provided and designated the
number of seats and shall have placed audio-visual aids required by
Sections 5 & 8 of Rule IV for the disabled persons.
b. Government instrumentalities operating passenger trains including the
Light Rail Transit Authority shall have provided the number of seats for
disabled persons required, by Section 5 of Rule IV.
c. Government instrumentalities operating passenger airplanes shall
provide and designate the number of seats for disabled persons and
shall likewise place the audio-visual aids required by Section 5 of Rule
IV.
4.2.4 Existing Public Transport Vehicles
The minimum accessibility requirements in Section 6.0 of Rule IV shall apply
to all existing units of public transport vehicles, and including those units
which are to be repaired and renovated.
At least one unit of public telephones for every five (5) units shall be
accessible to disabled persons and shall be provided with visual aids required
under Section 2.14 of Rule II, provided that if only one (1) public telephone is
to be installed in a particular place the same shall be accessible to disabled
persons.
4.2.6 Public Transport Terminals
The criteria and accessibility requirements, provided for public and private
buildings and related structures for public use under Sub-section 4.1 shall
apply to public transport terminals.
5. Special Standards of Accessibility:
Where the requirements for accessibility in the Rules will create an unreasonable
hardship in design/construction, special standards of accessibility through the
use of other methods and/or materials shall be allowed if equivalent or better
facilities can be provided.
RULE II - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY

1. Design Criteria:
1.1 CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS. The categories of disability dictate
the varied measures to be adopted in order to create an accessible environment
for the handicapped. Disabled persons under these Rules may be classified into
those who have:
1.1.1 Impairments requiring confinement to wheelchairs; or
1.1.2 Impairments causing difficulty or insecurity in walking or climbing stairs
or requiring the use of braces, crutches or other artificial supports; or
impairments caused by amputation, arthritis, spastic conditions or pulmonary,
cardiac or other ills rendering individuals semi-ambulatory; or
1.1.3 Total or partial impairments of hearing or sight causing insecurity or
likelihood of exposure to danger in public places; or
1.1.4 Impairments due to conditions of aging and incoordination;
1.2 ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR

DESIGN. The minimum and maximum dimensions for spaces in the built
environment should consider the following criteria:
1.2.1 The varying sizes and statures of persons of both sexes, their reaches
and their lines of sight at both the standing and sitting positions.
1.2.2 The dimensional data of the technical aids of disabled persons.
Included in the second consideration are the dimensions of wheelchairs; the
minimum space needed for locking and unlocking leg braces plus the range
of distance of crutches and other walking aids from persons using such
devices.
By applying at this very early stage dimensional criteria which take into
account wheelchair usage, the physical environment will ultimately encourage
and enable wheelchair users to make full use of their physical surroundings.
1.2.3 The provision of adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering generally
insures adequate space for disabled persons equipped with other technical
aids or accompanied by assistants. In determining the minimum dimensions
for furniture and fixtures accessible to disabled persons, the following
anthropometric data shall serve as guides for design:
• The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10 m to 1.30 m.
• The width of wheelchairs is from 0.60 m to 0.75 m.
• A circle of 1.50 m in diameter is a suitable guide in the planning of

wheelchair turning spaces.
• The comfortable reach of persons confined to wheelchairs is from 0.70

m to 1.20 m above the floor and not less than 0.40 m from room
corners. The comfortable clearance for knee and leg space under
tables for wheelchair users is 0.74 m.
• Counter heights shall be placed at a level comfortable to disabled

persons reach.
• Refer to Annex B-2 to B-6, Figs. 2 to 8.
1.3 BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

No group of people shall be deprived of full participation and enjoyment of the
environment or be made unequal with the rest due to any disability. In order to
achieve this goal adopted by the United Nations, certain basic principles shall be
applied:
1.3.1 ACCESSIBILITY. The built environment shall be designed so that it
shall be accessible to all people. This means that no criteria shall impede the
use of facilities by either the handicapped or non-disabled citizens.
1.3.2 REACHABILITY. Provisions shall be adapted and introduced to the
physical environment so that as many places or buildings as possible can be
reached by all.
1.3.3 USABILITY. The built environment shall be designed so that all
persons, whether they be disabled or not, may use and enjoy it.
1.3.4 ORIENTATION. Finding a person's way inside and outside of a building
or open space shall be made easy for everyone.
1.3.5 SAFETY. Designing for safety insures that people shall be able to move
about with less hazards to life and health.
1.3.6 WORKABILITY AND EFFICIENCY. The built environment shall be
designed to allow the disabled citizens to participate and contribute to
developmental goals.
2. Design Elements
2.1 GRAPHICS SIGNS. The International Symbol of Access shall be placed
where accessibility for disabled persons is provided for. See Annex B-1 Fig. 1.
The Symbol is white in color with either a dark blue or black background.
The following signs shall be placed at entrances and exits, toilets and
washrooms and outside accessible buildings.
Sign Size (cm) Usage

A 10 x 10 For use in comfort room stall doors
For use with or without directional arrows to
A, B, C, D, F 15 x 15
identify door rooms
A, B, C, D, F 22 x 22 For use with or without arrows
A, B, C, D, E, F 30 x 30 For exterior use
A, B, C, D, E, F 60 x 60 For exterior use
Signposts shall also identify rooms of importance to the handicapped such as in

hotel rooms and give the necessary warnings in cases like projecting objects.
Rectangular signboards shall indicate warnings and circular ones shall spell out
prohibitions.
Text on signboards shall be of a dimension that people with less than normal
visual acuity can read at certain distance. Refer to Annex B-7, Fig. 9 for the
relationship of text size of reading distance. The vertical components of letters
shall have a thickness of 1/5 of the letter height.
Letters and symbols shall either be raised at least 1 mm from the background or
engraved in order that persons with seeing difficulties can read information using
their fingertips. See Annex B-7, Fig. 10. Letter sizes shall be at least 15 mm in
height to facilitate tactile reading. Signs in braille shall allow the blind to read vital
available information.
Signs shall be located at a maximum of 1.60 m. from the floor and minimum of
1.40 m. from the floor. See Annex B-8, Fig. 11.
2.2 WALKWAYS. The functional requirements of walkways is to provide a hard,

even and non-skid surfaced route with a required minimum width of 1.20 m to
permit a person in wheelchair to traverse it with safety. In lengthy or busy
walkways, they shall be so constructed that at some point along the route, space
is provided for a wheelchair to be turned around or to pass another.
Limit the maximum dimension of turn-about spaces to 1.50 m and the maximum
distances between rest stops at 3.00 m.
2.3 WIDTH OF CORRIDORS. Corridors shall have a minimum width of 1.20 m to

permit a person in a wheelchair to traverse it while avoiding conflict with the
swing of doors and to permit passage of one wheelchair alongside another
person. In addition, recesses or turn-about spaces shall be provided where
wheelchairs can go into or turn around or to enable another wheelchair user to
pass. See Annex B-9, Fig. 12.
2.4 DOORS AND ENTRANCES. At least one (1) entrance to every building used
by the public shall be at ground level or ramped to provide access to persons in
wheelchairs. Entrances with vestibules shall be provided with at least a 3.00 m
depth to allow a disabled person to open the door and allow his wheelchair to
pass through easily. See Annex B-9, Fig. 13.
A 1.50 m minimum level area shall be provided at the opening sides of doors to
prevent the wheelchair from rolling while the disabled person attends to the door.
See Annex B-11, Fig. 17. Doors placed in or close to the corner of an area shall
be hung with the hinges nearest the corner with a 50 mm clearance from jamb to
wall. See Annex B-10, Fig. 14.
Entrance doors shall have a structural opening of 1.00 m and a minimum clear
opening of 0.80 m for easy access. See Annex B-10, Fig. 15.
Doors shall be designed to open easily and operable by a single effort requiring
less than 4.0 kg. of force.
2.5 WASHROOMS AND TOILETS. Accessible public washrooms and toilets

shall permit easy passage of a wheelchair and allow the occupant to enter a stall,
close the door, and transfer to the water closet from either a frontal or lateral
position. One (1) movable grab bar and one fixed to the adjacent wall shall be
installed and a turning-space of 2.25 sq. m. with a minimum dimension of 1.50 m
for wheelchairs shall be provided. See Annex B-13, Fig. 19. All accessible public
toilet accessories, fittings, and plumbing fixtures such as mirrors, tissue
dispensers, towel racks, faucets and the like shall be mounted at heights usable
by persons in wheelchairs. See Annex B-16, Fig. 24.
An audio visual alarm system shall be provided for all accessible washrooms and
toilets.
2.6 ELEVATORS. Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of 1.10

m x 1.40 m. See Annex B-17, Fig. 25. Elevator doors shall have a minimum width
of 0.80 m.
The control panels and emergency systems of accessible elevators shall be
within reach of a seated person. Centerline heights for the topmost buttons shall
lie between 0.90 m 1.20 m from the floor. See Annex B-17, Fig. 26.
Button controls inside elevator cars shall be provided with braille signs to indicate
floor levels. At each floor, at the door frames of elevator doors, braille-type signs
shall be placed so that blind persons can be able to feel at what floor the elevator
car has stopped and at what floor level they are starting from. See Section 2.1 of
this Rule for installation heights.
2.7 GRADIENT OF RAMP. Ramps shall be placed where they will not pose as
safety hazards. The slope of a ramp shall not exceed 1:12.
The length of ramps shall not exceed 6.0 m if the gradient is 1:12. When longer
ramps are required, they shall be separated by landings with a minimum length
of 1.50 m. See Annex B-19, Fig. 29.
A level area of not less than 1.80 m shall be provided at the top and bottom of
any ramp. Ramps shall be equipped with curbs of about 50 mm high on exposed
edges and provided with handrails on both sides at 0.70 m and 0.90 m from the
floor. See Annex B-19, Fig. 30.
2.8 PARKING AREAS. Parking spaces reserved for handicapped drivers and
passengers shall allow sufficient clear space between parked cars to allow them
to transfer to a wheelchair. Special parking spaces for disabled persons shall be
located as close as possible, if not adjacent to building entrances and other
public facilities. Parking slot widths shall be 3.70 m. See Annex B-20, Fig. 31.
2.9 HEIGHT ABOVE THE FLOOR OF SWITCHES AND CONTROLS. Control

panels, emergency systems, electric switches, door and window hardware that
must be manipulated by hand shall be placed so that they are within reach of a
person seated on a wheelchair. Centerline heights of the topmost control buttons
or switches shall be from 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor. Hardware shall be
selected for easy use by handicapped persons. See Annex B-20, Fig. 32.
2.10 HANDRAILS. Handrails shall be provided at both sides of ramps, stairs and
walls. They shall be securely fitted to the walls or floors and their ends shall turn
in towards the walls at both ends. A 0.30 m long extension of the handrails shall
be provided from the start and end or ramps and stairs. See Annex B-21, Fig. 33.
Handrail dimensions and clearances are shown in Annex B-22, Fig. 34.
2.11 THRESHOLDS. The use of thresholds shall be minimized throughout

buildings. Where they are essential, the maximum height shall be 2.5 mm (1") to
allow passage of a wheelchair. See Annex B-22, Fig. 35.
2.12 FLOORS. Floor surfaces shall be of a non-skid material and of a texture to

minimize resistance to the movement of a wheelchair.
2.13 WATER FOUNTAINS. At least one (1) fountain shall be provided for every
2,000 sq. m. of floor area and there shall not be less than one (1) on each floor.
Water spouts shall be at the front and shall be pushbutton controlled. If wall-
mounted, the maximum height of the water fountain shall be 0.85 m from the
floor to the rim. Should the floor mounted type be higher than 0.85 m up to the
rim, either provide paper cups or another lower fountain.
2.14 PUBLIC TELEPHONES. Provide a clear unobstructed space of 1.50 m x

1.50 m in front of wall-mounted or free-standing units and telephones mounted at
the rear wall of alcoves or recesses. See under Section 2.3 illustration.
Telephone booth door openings shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80 m with
either outswing, folding or sliding doors. Coin slots, dialing controls, receivers
and instructional signs shall be located at a maximum of 1.10 m above the floor.
See Annex B-23, Fig. 36.
2.15 STAIRS. Tread surfaces shall be of a non-slip material. Carpets for

carpetted stairs shall be securely fixed.
Railings shall be provided at both sides of the stairs. For details of railings and
handrails, see Annex B-21, Fig. 33 and Annex B-22, Fig. 34.
2.16 PLACES OF ASSEMBLY. Number of seating accommodations reserved for

wheelchair users shall be in accordance with Section 7 of Rule III. Minimum
dimensions shall conform with those shown in Annex B-24, Fig. 37.
2.17 EXTERIOR REQUIREMENTS. Curb cut-outs which do not protrude into the
streets shall be provided at pedestrian crossings for wheelchair users. Round
buttons of 25-27 mm diameter shall be provided at the edges of pedestrian
crossings for persons with totally impaired vision. Painted lanes on pedestrian
crossings shall be provided for those with poor vision. See Annex B-25 to 27,
Figs. 38 to 41.
Provided at intersections with heavy pedestrian trafic of major thoroughfares.
Gratings on pavements or expansion joints shall have openings not greater than
1.25 cm. See Annex B-28, Fig. 42 and 43.
RULE III - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS AND RELATED STRUCTURES

FOR PUBLIC USE
1. Classification of Buildings By Use of Occupancy:
1.1 Occupancy classified by categories enumerated Section 701 of the National
Building Code (PD 1096) are hereby adapted.
1.1.1 Category I Residential This shall comprise Group A and partly Group B
Buildings.
1.1.2 Category II Commercial and Industrial This shall comprise partly Groups
B, C, E, F, G, H, and I Buildings.
1.1.3 Category III Educational and Industrial This shall comprise partly Group
C, D, E, and H Buildings.
1.1.4 Category IV Agricultural This shall comprise partly Group J Buildings.
1.1.5 Category V Ancillary This shall comprise partly Group J Buildings
2. Architectural Features and Facilities:
Where the following features and facilities are: architectural design requirements
in accordance with generally accepted architectural practice, the same shall in
accordance with Rule II, be made accessible/barrier-free and shall include the
corresponding graphic signs.
2.1 Architectural facilities and features:
2.1.1 A Stairs
2.1.2 B Walkways
2.1.3 C Corridors
2.1.4 D Doors and Entrances
2.1.5 E Washrooms and Toilets
2.1.6 F Lifts/Elevators
2.1.7 G Ramps
2.1.8 H Parking Areas
2.1.9 I Switches, Controls, Buzzers
2.1.10 J Handrails
2.1.11 K Thresholds
2.1.12 L Floor Finishes
2.1.13 M Drinking Fountains
2.1.14 N Public Telephones
2.1.15 O Seating Accommodations
3. CATEGORY I
The following requirements shall only apply to government-owned buildings.
3.1 Group A
3.1.1 Single detached. Ten percent (10%) of the total units to be constructed.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J. K, and
L.
3.1.2 Duplexes: Ten percent (10%) of the total units to be constructed.
L.
3.1.3 School or company staff housing units: One (1) unit for 26 to 50 units to
be constructed and 1 additional unit for every 100 units thereafter. Barrier-free
facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
3.2 Group B
3.2.1 Multiple dwelling units or high-rise residential condominiums or
tenement houses.
One (1) unit from 26 up to 50 units to be constructed and an additional unit for
every 100 units thereafter, with all such units at ingress level in case there is
not barrier-free elevator provided.
and M.
4. CATEGORY II
The following requirements shall apply to both government and privately-owned
buildings.
4.1 Group B
4.1.1 Accessories, tenement houses and/or row houses, apartment houses
and/or town houses. One (1) unit for every 50 units up to 150 units and an
additional unit for every 100 units thereafter.
L.
4.1.2 Hotels, motels, inns, pension houses and/or apartels. One (1) unit per
every 50 units up to 150 units and an additional unit for every 100 units at
ingress level, in case there is no barrier-free elevators; provided that in all
cases, one (1) unit shall be provided at ingress level.
M, and N.
4.1.3 Private or "off campus" Dormitories: One (1) unit per every 50 units up
to 150 units and an additional dwelling unit for every 100 units thereafter at
ingress level.
and N.
4.2 Group C
4.2.1 Amusement Halls and Parlor
M, N and O.
4.2.2 Massage and Sauna Parlors
and M.
4.3 Group E-1

4.3.1 Train Stations and Terminals
M, N and O.
4.3.2 Bus depots and terminals
M, N and O.
4.3.3 Transportation Office
M, N and O.
4.3.4 Airport terminal buildings, heliports
M, N and O.
4.3.5 Ports and harbor facilities, landing piers, sheds, ferry landing stations
M, N and O.
4.4 Group E-2

4.4.1 General wholesale and retail stores
and N.
4.4.2 Shopping centers and supermarkets and public markets
M and N.
4.4.3 Restaurants, dining and drinking establishments
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M
and N.
4.4.4 Office Buildings
M and N.
4.4.5 Financial Institutions
M and N.
4.4.6 Funeral parlors, morgues and crematories
N, and O.
4.4.7 Memorial and Mortuary Chapels
N, and O.
4.5 Group H-1, Group H-4, and Group I

4.5.1 Theaters, Auditoriums and Convention Halls
N, and O.
4.5.2 Concert Halls and Opera Houses
N, and O.
4.5.3 Collisea and Sports Complexes and Stadiums
N, and O.
4.6 Group F
4.6.1 Dairies and Creameries
and M.
4.6.2 Factories and workshops using incombustible or non-explosive
materials
and M.
4.6.3 Breweries bottling plants, canneries and tanneries
and M.
4.7 Groups G-3

4.7.1 Wood working establishments, lumber and timber yards.
and M.
4.7.2 Pulp, paper and paper board factories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, L, and M.
4.7.3 Textile and fiber spinning mills
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, L, and
M.
4.7.4 Garment and undergarment factories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, L, and
M.
5. CATEGORY III
5.1 Group C
5.1.1 Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities, vocational
schools, seminaries and novitiates), including school auditoriums, gymnasia,
reviewing stands, little theaters and concert halls.
M, N, and O.
5.1.2 Libraries, museums, exhibition halls and art galleries
M, N, and O.
5.1.3 Civil Centers
M, and N.
5.1.4 Clubhouses lodges
N, and O.
5.2 Group D-1
5.2.1 Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, mental asylums
M and N.
5.2.2 Jails, prisons, reformatories, correctional institutions
and N.
5.2.3 Rehabilitation Centers
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M
and N.
5.2.4 Leprosaria
and N.
5.3 Group D-2

5.3.1 Homes for the Aged
and N.
5.3.2 Hospitals and Sanitaria
M, and N.
5.4 Group D-3

5.4.1 Nursing Homes for ambulatory patients
and N.
5.4.2 Orphanages
and N.
5.5 Group E-7

5.5.1 Police and fire stations
and N.
5.6 Group H
5.6.1 Churches, temples, chapels and similar places of worship
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, G, H, J, K, L, M, and
O.
6. CATEGORY IV
6.1.1 Agricultural buildings
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
7. STANDARD OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR SPECIAL TYPE OF FACILITIES
7.1 The provision of this section shall apply to the specified type of facilities and
identified specific requirements for accessibility and usability which shall be
provided for each of the listed occupancy uses.
7.1.1 Auditoriums, assembly halls, theaters, and related facilities:
a. Seating for the disabled shall be accessible from the main lobby to
primary entrances, together with related toilet facilities.
b. In all assembly places where seating accommodation is provided,
there shall be spaces for the disabled persons as provided.
Wheelchair
Seating Capacity
Seating Space
4 - 50 2
51 - 300 4
301 - 500 6
c. When the seating capacity exceeds 500 an additional wheelchair
seating space shall be provided for each total seating capacity
increase of 100 seats.
d. Readily removable seats may be installed in these spaces when such
spaces are not required to accommodate wheelchair users.
8. COMPUTATION OF ACCESSIBLE UNITS
In the computation for the allocation of accessible units and seating capacity
decimal greater than 0.5 shall be considered as one unit. In all cases a minimum
of one (1) accessible unit shall be provided.
9. APPLICATION OF BARRIER-FREE FACILITIES AND FEATURES
9.1 Graphic signs shall be bold and conspicuously installed in every access from
point of entry to connecting destination.
9.2 Walkways shall be provided with adequate passageway in accordance with
the provision illustrated in Rule II.
9.3 Width of corridors and circulation system integrating both and vertical access
to ingress/egress level of the building shall be provided.
9.4 Doors and entrances provided herein used as entry points at entrance
lobbies as local points of congregation shall be designed to open easily or
accessible from floor to floor or to any point of destination.
9.5 Washroom and toilets shall be accessible and provided with adequate turning
space. (See sec. 2.5 of Rule II).
9.6 Whenever elevator/s is required it should meet the requirements provided in
Section 2.6 of Rule II.
9.7 Ramps shall be provided as means of access to level of change going to
entry points and entrances, lobbies influenced by condition of location or use.
9.8 Parking areas shall be provided with sufficient space for the disabled persons
to allow easy transfer from carpark to ingress/egress levels.
9.9 Height above the floor of switches and controls shall be in accordance with
the provisions of Sec. 2,9, Rule II.
9.10 Handrails shall be provided at both sides of ramps in accordance with Sec.
2.10 of Rule II.
9.11 Floors provided for every route of the wheelchair shall be made of non-skid
material.
9.12 Water fountains shall be installed as required and as provided in Sec. 2.13
of Rule II.
RULE IV - REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

1. Classification of public conveyances by mode of transport shall be as follows:
1.1 Land Transportation This shall refer to buses having a minimum seating
capacity of 50 persons for regular buses and 40 persons for air-conditioned
buses. This shall include regular city buses, regular provincial buses, air-
conditioned city buses (Love Bus and Pag-ibig Bus) and air-conditioned tourist
and provincial buses.
1.2 Rail Transportation This shall refer to the three railways systems in the
country, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) operating in Luzon, the Panay
Railways Corporation (PRC) operating in the island of Panay and the Light Rail
Transit Authority (LRTA) operating in Metro Manila.
1.3 Water Transportation This shall refer to domestic passenger ships, ferry
boats and other passenger-carrying water transportation.
1.4 Air Transportation This shall refer to the domestic passenger airplanes.
2. No franchise or permit to operate public transportation units shall be granted,
issued or renewed unless such units are constructed or renovated in accordance
with the requirements.
3. If feasible, all owners or operators of existing public transport utilities shall modify
or renovate their units to accommodate disabled persons.
4. The construction or renovation of public transport utilities covered by these rules
shall be subject to compliance with the body designs and specifications as
provided under existing rules and regulations.
5. Posters or stickers shall be conspicuously displayed inside the units. (See Annex
C-1 Figure 1).
6. Public transportation shall have designated seats for disabled persons.
6.1 Regular buses shall have at least five (5) designated seats for disabled
persons near exit/entrance doors (see Annex C-2, Figure 2 and 3 and Annex C-
3, Figure 4).
6.2 Air-conditioned buses shall have at least four (4) designated seats for
disabled persons near the door (see Annex C-3, Figure 5).
6.3 Passenger trains shall have at least six (6) designated seats for disabled
persons (see Annex C-4, Figure 7).
6.4 Passenger airplanes shall have at least two (2) designated seats for disabled
persons near the front exit/entrance door (see Annex C-4, Figure 6).
6.5 For regular city buses, other passengers may use these designated seats if
not occupied and yield them to incoming disabled persons whenever the
occasion arises
6.6 For provincial buses, air-conditioned buses, passenger trains and airplanes,
the designated seats for disabled persons may be occupied by other passengers
only if no disabled persons shall occupy these seats at the start of the trip.
7. The designated seats shall be identified by the International Symbol of Access
(see Annex C-5, Figure 8).
8. Owners or operators of city buses operating in highly urbanized cities shall install
in their units audiovisual aids such as buzzer, bell, flashing light to inform the
driver of any alighting passenger.
9. At least one deck in passenger ships shall be provided with accessible ramps,
passageways, access to gangways, galleys, safety equipment and berths/cabins
with dimensions conforming with the requirements as provided in Rule II.
RULE V - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

1. Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement
The administration and enforcement of the provision of these Rules and
Regulations shall be vested in the Minister of Public Works and Highways and
the Minister of Transportation and Communications, in accordance with the
functions and jurisdiction of their respective Ministries as provided for by laws as
follows.
1.1 The Minister through the Heads of attached agencies of the Ministry of Public
Works and Highways, with the technical assistance of the Building Research
Development Staff, shall administer and enforce the provisions of these Rules
and Regulations through the Building Official as designated in Section 205 of
P.D. 1096, the National Building Code of the Philippines, and as applied to the
following:
1.1.1 Buildings and related structures including public transport terminals
1.1.2 Streets and Highways
1.2 The Minister of Transportation and Communications shall administer and

enforce the provisions of these Rules and Regulations through the Heads of
Bureaus and Attached Agencies of the Ministry as follows:
1.2.1 Board of Transportation In respect to the issuance of Certificate of
Public Convenience (CPC) and Provisional Authority (PA) for the operation of
public land and water transportation utilities or services.
1.2.2 Bureau of Land Transportation In respect to the registration of
passenger buses and enforcement of regulations, standards and
specifications related to the issuance of CPC.
1.2.3 Philippine National Railways and the Light Rail Transit Authority For the
operation of passenger trains and including stations and terminals.
1.2.4 Bureau of Air Transportation In respect to regulations of civil aviation
activities and issuance of certificates and licenses to aircrafts.
2. Criminal Liability
Any person violating any provisions of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 or any
provision of these Rules and Regulations shall, upon conviction by a court of
competent jurisdiction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one
month but not more than one year or a fine of P2,000 to P5,000 or both, at the
discretion of the court; Provided, that in the case of corporations, partnerships,
cooperatives or associations, the president, manager or administrator, or the
person who has charge of the construction, repair or renovation of the building,
space or utilities shall be criminally responsible for any violation of this Act and/or
rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
EFFECTIVITY
These Rules shall take effect thirty (30) days after the date of publication in the Official
Gazette. Promulgated by:
(Sgd.) JOSE P. (Sgd.) JESUS S.
DANS, JR. HIPOLITO
Minister Minister
Ministry of Ministry of Public
Transportation Works
and Communications and Highways
The NATIONAL COMMISSION CONCERNING DISABLED PERSONS
By:
(Sgd.) JULITA C. BENEDICTO
Chairman
Go back to the Contents
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

Legislation on Equal Opportunities and Full Participation in Development for
Disabled Persons: Examples from the ESCAP region
- 7. Philippines(B) -
Printed in Thailand
December 1997 1,250
United Nations Publication
Sales No. E.98.II.F.21
Copyright © United Nations 1997
ISBN: 92-1-119789-9
ST/ESCAP/1651

Accessibility Law (BP 344)

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What is Batas Pambansa Bilang 344?

What is Batas Pambansa Bilang 344?

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What are the minimum requirements for accessibility outlined in the document?

VII.

Be it enacted by the Batasang Pambansa in session assembled

SECTION 1. In order to promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to

SECTION. 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

1.2 ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR

• The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10 m to 1.30 m.

• The width of wheelchairs is from 0.60 m to 0.75 m.

• A circle of 1.50 m in diameter is a suitable guide in the planning of

• The comfortable reach of persons confined to wheelchairs is from 0.70

• Counter height shall be placed at a level comfortable to disabled

1.3 BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

RULE III - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS AND RELATED STRUCTURES

4.3 Group E-1

4.4 Group E-2

4.5 Group H-1, Group H-4, and Group I

4.7 Groups G-3

5.3 Group D-2

5.4 Group D-3

5.5 Group E-7

Seating Capacity Wheelchair Seating Space

c. When the seating capacity exceeds 500 an additional wheelchair seating

1.2 The Secretary of Transportation and Communications shall administer and

PERSONS/INDIVIDUALS LIABLE FOR

C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

RULE I - SCOPE AND APPLICATION

RULE II - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY

1.2 ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR

• The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10 m to 1.30 m.

• The width of wheelchairs is from 0.60 m to 0.75 m.

• A circle of 1.50 m in diameter is a suitable guide in the planning of

• The comfortable reach of persons confined to wheelchairs is from 0.70

• Counter heights shall be placed at a level comfortable to disabled

• Refer to Annex B-2 to B-6, Figs. 2 to 8.

1.3 BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

Sign Size (cm) Usage

Signposts shall also identify rooms of importance to the handicapped such as in

2.2 WALKWAYS. The functional requirements of walkways is to provide a hard,

2.3 WIDTH OF CORRIDORS. Corridors shall have a minimum width of 1.20 m to

2.5 WASHROOMS AND TOILETS. Accessible public washrooms and toilets

2.6 ELEVATORS. Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of 1.10

2.9 HEIGHT ABOVE THE FLOOR OF SWITCHES AND CONTROLS. Control

2.11 THRESHOLDS. The use of thresholds shall be minimized throughout

2.12 FLOORS. Floor surfaces shall be of a non-skid material and of a texture to

2.14 PUBLIC TELEPHONES. Provide a clear unobstructed space of 1.50 m x

2.15 STAIRS. Tread surfaces shall be of a non-slip material. Carpets for

2.16 PLACES OF ASSEMBLY. Number of seating accommodations reserved for

RULE III - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS AND RELATED STRUCTURES

4.3 Group E-1

4.4 Group E-2

4.5 Group H-1, Group H-4, and Group I

4.7 Groups G-3

5.3 Group D-2

5.4 Group D-3

5.5 Group E-7

RULE IV - REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

RULE V - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT