Innovative Practice 2018 on Accessibility
Planning and building accessible cities, simplified
Name of Innovative Practice: | Planning and building accessible cities, simplified |
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Organisation: | Corporacion Ciudad Accesible |
Country of Implementation | Chile |
PROBLEMS TARGETED
Architects and designers, as well as users such as persons with disabilities and their families, do not have direct access to such tools as diagrams and illustrations that would enable them to adapt to or construct accessible environments. Further, available information on accessible building is often incomprehensible to the non-professional.
SOLUTION, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT
The Accessible Thematic Files are intended to bring current national standards and Universal Design topics for outdoor and built environments closer to everyone – both professionals and non-professionals – so that the accessibility measures in buildings and environments become more efficient. The files cover 13 topics, such as public places and parks, sports facilities, tourism facilities, pedestrians, etc. These guides simplify the existing and sometimes complicated building regulations, and work with pictures, pictograms, and illustrations to make information more accessible. CCA distributes the Accessible Thematic Files in the form of leaflets or they can be downloaded free of charge.

In Chile, the distribution of the Accessible Thematic Files have contributed to the introduction of specific laws on accessibility and the construction of better quality pavements and pedestrian crossings in municipalities, and have encouraged tourism companies to implement accessible tours and infrastructure.
OUTLOOK, TRANSFERABILITY AND FUNDING
To reach more people, in 2015 the Accessible Thematic Files were compiled in the form of an updated and simplified
version. They are available for downloading and reach around 5,000 visitors each month, some of which seek permission to redistribute them. The materials are also used in other Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
The practice is very cost-efficient, as the digital format does not generate any costs beyond the maintenance of the website. CCA is funded through consulting projects for privately owned companies or institutions that want to implement the accessibility guidelines. These companies/institutions pay for workshops, seminars, examination of infrastructure, consulting, and reports.

The practice is very cost-efficient, as the digital format does not generate any costs beyond the maintenance of the website. CCA is funded through consulting projects for privately owned companies or institutions that want to implement the accessibility guidelines. These companies/institutions pay for workshops, seminars, examination of infrastructure, consulting, and reports.