Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa Bilang 344) and Its Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations - Philippines
Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa Bilang 344) and Its Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations - Philippines
Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa Bilang 344) and Its Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations - 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.
Source: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Foreword
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.
Approved.
QUERUBE C. MAKALINTAL
Speaker
ANTONIO M. DE GUZMAN
Secretary General
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."
In coordination with:
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:
1. Public and private buildings and related structures for public use and which shall be constructed, repaired or
renovated
2. Streets and highways and public utilities
1. Streets and highways
2. Public transport vehicles which shall include:
1. Passenger buses and jeepneys
2. Passenger trains, including those of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA)
3. Domestic inter-island vessels
4. Domestic aircraft of air carriers
3. Public Telephones
4. Public transport terminals including those of LRTA
4. Application:
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:
1. Building and related structures to be constructed -
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Ingress/egress from the street to the building or structure shall be made accessible.
4. Accessible slots in parking areas shall be located as near as possible to ingress/egress spaces
of the building or structure.
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:
1. When the repair or renovation work is to be done in the space where the primary function is
served;
2. 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;
3. When the space alloted for the primary function will not be diminished by more than ten
percent (10%) of its original area;
4. 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;
5. 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";
6. 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.
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;
1. Cut-out curbs and accessible ramps at the sidewalks.
2. Audio-visual aids for crossing
EXCEPTION: Requirements for accessibility at pedestrian grade separations or overpasses
and underpasses may be waived.
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.
3. Transport vehicles for public use
1. 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
2. Government instrumentalities operating passenger trains including the Light Rail Transit
Authority shall have provided the number of seats for disabled persons
3. Government instrumentalities operating passenger airplanes shall provide and designate the
number of seats for disabled persons and shall likewise place the audio-visual aids
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.
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.
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.
2. 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.
Rule III: Specific Requirements for Buildings and Related Structures for Public Use
1. CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING BY USE OF OCCUPANCY:
1. Occupancy classified by categories enumerated in Section 701 of the National Building Code (PD 1096) are
hereby adapted
1. Category I - Residential -This shall comprise Group A and partly Group B Buildings
2. Category II - Commercial and Industrial -This shall comprise partly Groups B, C, E, F, G, H, and I
Buildings
3. Category III - Educational and Industrial - This shall comprise partly Group C, D, E, and H Buildings
4. Category IV - Agricultural - This shall comprise partly Group J Buildings.
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.
1. Architectural facilities and features:
A. Stairs
B. Walkways
C. Corridors
D. Doors and Entrances
E. Washrooms and Toilets
F. Lifts/Elevators
G. Ramps
H. Parking Areas
I. Switches, Controls, Buzzers
J. Handrails
K. Thresholds
L. Floor Finishes
M. M Drinking Fountains
N. N Public Telephones
O. O Seating Accommodations
2. CATEGORY I
The following requirements shall only apply to government-owned buildings.
1. Group A
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.
2. Duplexes: 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. 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.
2. Group B
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.
2. CATEGORY II
The following requirements shall apply to both government and privately-owned buildings.
1. Group B
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.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
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.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
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.
2. Group C
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.
2. Massage and Sauna Parlors
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
3. Group E-1
1. Train Stations and Terminals
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
2. Bus depots and terminals
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
3. Transportation Office
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
4. Airport terminal buildings, heliports
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
5. Ports and harbor facilities, landing piers, sheds, ferry landing stations
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
4. Group E-2
1. General wholesale and retail stores
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
2. Shopping centers and supermarkets and public markets
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
3. Restaurants, dining and drinking establishments
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
4. Office Buildings
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
5. Financial Institutions
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
6. Funeral parlors, morgues and crematories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
7. Memorial and Mortuary Chapels
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
5. Group H-1, Group H-4, and Group I
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.
2. Concert Halls and Opera Houses
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
3. Colisea and Sports Complexes and Stadiums
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
6. Group F
1. Dairies and Creameries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
2. Factories and workshops using incombustible or non-explosive materials
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
3. Breweries bottling plants, canneries and tanneries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
7. Groups G-3
1. Wood working establishments, lumber and timber yards.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
2. Pulp, paper and paper board factories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
3. Textile and fiber spinning mills
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
4. Garment and undergarment factories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
3. CATEGORY III
1. Group C
1. Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities, vocational schools, seminaries and
novitiates), including school auditoriums, gymnasia, reviewing stands, little theaters and concert
halls.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
2. Libraries, museums, exhibition halls and art galleries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
3. Civil Centers
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
4. Clubhouses lodges
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
2. Group D-1
1. Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, mental asylums
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
2. Jails, prisons, reformatories, correctional institutions
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
3. Rehabilitation Centers
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
4. Leprosaria
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
3. Group D-2
1. Homes for the Aged
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
2. Hospitals and Sanitaria
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
4. Group D-3
1. Nursing Homes for ambulatory patients
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
2. Orphanages
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
5. Group E-7
1. Police and fire stations
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
6. Group H
1. Churches, temples, chapels and similar places of worship
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and O.
4. CATEGORY IV
1. Agricultural buildings
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
5. STANDARD OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR SPECIAL TYPE OF FACILITIES
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.
1. Auditoriums, assembly halls, theaters, and related facilities:
1. Seating for the disabled shall be accessible from the main lobby to primary entrances, together
with related toilet facilities.
2. 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
3. When the seating capacity exceeds 500 an additional wheelchair seating space shall be
provided for each total seating capacity increase of 100 seats
4. Readily removable seats may be installed in these spaces when such spaces are not required to
accommodate wheelchair users.
6. 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.
7. APPLICATION OF BARRIER-FREE FACILITIES AND FEATURES
1. Graphic signs shall be bold and conspicuously installed in every access from point of entry to connecting
destination.
2. Walkways shall be provided with adequate passageway in accordance with the provision.
3. Width of corridors and circulation system integrating both and vertical access to ingress/egress level of the
building shall be provided.
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.
5. Washroom and toilets shall be accessible and provided with adequate turning space.
6. Whenever elevator/s is required it should meet the requirements provided.
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.
8. Parking areas shall be provided with sufficient space for the disabled persons to allow easy transfer from
carpark to ingress/egress levels.
9. Height above the floor of switches and controls shall be in accordance with the provisions.
10. Handrails shall be provided at both sides of ramps.
11. Floors provided for every route of the wheelchair shall be made of non-skid material.
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).
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
In coordination with:
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. Changes in level walkways should be by a dropped curb.
2. Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian crossings and at the end of walkways of a private
street or access road.
3. Dropped curbs at crossings have a width corresponding to the width of the crossing; otherwise, the
minimum width is 0.90 m.
4. Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining curbs with a gradient not more than 1:12.
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.
6. The lowest point of a dropped curb should not exceed 25 mm from the road or gutter.
2. CURB CUT-OUTS
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. The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be 0.90 M.
3. Curb cut-outs should have a gradient not more than 1:12.
3. WALKWAYS AND PASSAGEWAYS
1. Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided with slip-resistant material.
2. Whenever and wherever possible, walkways should have a gradient no more than 1:20 or 5%.
3. Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100.
4. Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.
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.
6. Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in angle or interruptions by cracks
or breaks creating edges above 6.50 mm.
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.
8. To guide the blind, walkways should as much as possible follow straightforward routes with right
angle turns.
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.
10. Walkway headroom should not be less than 2.0 m and preferably higher.
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
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.
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.
3. A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be provided at the start and end of ramps and stairs.
4. Handrails that require full grip should have a dimension of 30 mm to 50 mm.
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
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
1. Directional and informational sign should be located at points conveniently seen even by a person on
a wheelchair and those with visual impairments;
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;
3. The international symbol for access should be used to designate routes and facilities that are
accessible;
4. Should a sign protrude into a walkway or route, a minimum headroom of 2.0 meters should be
provided;
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. 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
1. In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all at grade crossing should
1. Be as near perpendicular to the carriageway as possible.
2. Be located at the narrowest, most convenient part of the carriageway.
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.
2. All crossings should be located close if not contiguous with the normal pedestrian desire line.
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.
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.
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.)
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. Parking spaces for the disabled should allow enough space for a person to transfer to a wheelchair
from a vehicle;
2. Accessible parking spaces should be located as close as possible to building entrances or to accessible
entrances;
3. Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking spaces should be perpendicular or to an angle to
the road or circulation aisles;
4. Accessible parking slots should have a minimum width of 3.70 m.;
5. A walkway from accessible spaces of 1.20 m. clear width shall be provided between the front ends of
parked cars;
6. Provide dropped curbs or curb cut-outs to the parking level where access walkways are raised;
7. Pavement markings, signs or other means shall be provided to delineate parking spaces for the
handicapped;
8. Parking spaces for the disabled should never be located at ramped or sloping areas;
C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
1. ENTRANCES
1. Entrances should be accessible from arrival and departure points to the interior lobby;
2. One (1) entrance level should be provided where elevators are accessible;
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;
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
1. Changes in level require a ramp except when served by a dropped curb, an elevator or other
mechanical device;
2. Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m;
3. The maximum gradient shall be 1:12;
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.;
5. A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be provided at the top and bottom of any ramp;
6. Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at 0.70 m. and 0.90 m. from the ramp level;
7. Ramps shall be equipped with curbs on both sides with a minimum height of 0.10 m.;
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
1. All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80 m;
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. 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.;
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;
5. Protection should be provided from doors that swing into corridors;
6. Outswinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets and accessible restroom stalls;
7. Latching or non-latching hardware should not require wrist action or fine finger manipulation;
8. Doorknobs and other hardware should be located between 0.82 m. and 1.06 m. above the floor; 0.90
is preferred;
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;
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
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
1. Manual switches shall be positioned within 1.20 m to 1.30 m above the floor;
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
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;
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.;
3. Turnabout spaces should also be provided at or within 3.50 m. of every dead end;
4. As in walkways, corridors should be maintained level and provided with a slipresistant surface;
8. WASHROOMS & TOILETS
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
7. The maximum height of water closets should be 0.45 m.; flush control should have a maximum
height of 1.20 mts.
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.
9. Urinals should have an elongated lip or through type; the maximum height of the lip should be 0.48
m.
9. STAIRS
1. Tread surfaces should be a slip-resistant material; nosings may be provided with slip-resistant strips
to further minimize slipping:
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.
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;
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
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;
2. Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of 1.10 m. x 1.40 m.;
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;
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;
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. The height of the top of the rail should be at least 1.00 M. above the adjacent surface.
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.
3. The fence should be strong enough to offer resistance should a blind person walk into it.
4. Gaps should not occur between adjoining fence lengths.
2. COVERS FOR EXCAVATIONS
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. 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.
3. Minimum dimensions at obstructions
1. Effective width of footways past any obstruction should not be less than 1.20 M.
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
1. Temporary signs used to warn of roadworks should be carefully located and should not cause any
inconveniences to pedestrians, particularly the disabled.
1. Signs should be located on verges or similar whenever these are available.
2. Signs should not reduce the available footway width to less than 1.20 M.
4. LOCATION OF EMERGENCY EXIT
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.
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
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.
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.