A study on architectural accessibility of Dasmariñas National High School in Dasmariñas, Cavite

Date of Completion

1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Architectural Accessibility, Wheelchairs

Abstract

One of the many plights that the physically disabled faces today is the lack of opportunity to continue their education in an institution. One of the major limitations for such is the presence of architectural barriers in most educational institutions making it inaccessible to disabled students, particularly those who are wheelchair-bound. In additional , the law which provides for accessibility of physically disabled persons to certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities was only strictly implemented in 1992. By then , many schools have already been established. This encouraged and inspired the authors to conduct a study on the accessibility of a certain public high school based on Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 (Accessibility Law). The general objectives of the study was to determine the architectural accessibility of the Dasmariñas National High School based on the Accessibility Law, and if there is any access barrier, recommend easily implemented and inexpensive architectural modifications to improve access for functionally independent, motivated wheel-chair-bound students in school. The public high school was visited , observed , and assessed according to the minimum requirements for an accessible educational institutions of the different design element were measured, described , and recorded based on the observation and assessment that was done. Results showed that the selected building, classroom, walkways, corridor, entrance(gate), and toilets of the Dasmariñas National High School were found out to be inaccessible to the physically handicapped specifically the wheelchair-bound students due to the presence of various access barriers. These barriers are the uneven floor surfaces of walkways, absence of handrails and ramps on inclines and short-step stairs, too crowded classrooms. Small classroom to accommodate a capacity of 70-80 students, narrow entrance door to toilets and cubicles, and too small cubicles. The design elements /features that complied to the requirements of the Accessibility Law are the width of walkways and corridors, and floor surfaces of classroom. the researchers made practical guidelines to improve access in the Dasmariñas National high School. These guidelines were recommended to the school administrators which they can adapt. The group recommend that the DLSU-HSC College of PT follow-up on the implementation of these guidelines. The practical guidelines can also be used by other public schools and even private ones for adaptation since these guidelines are affordable and can easily be implemented. These guidelines can also serve as an instruments to encourage the physically disabled to continue their education in an institutions that provides architectural accessibility.

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