Accessibility and universal design should be considered in building codes, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster when building back better, to ensure that new resilient construction does not create barriers for persons with disabilities or older persons.
Building standards should contribute to lower everyone’s exposure to risk in the event of a disaster (e.g., creating wide evacuation routes, covering open manholes, removing tripping hazards on roads and footpaths, and posting written and pictorial routes to assembly points).
For example, earthquake resilient schools should be designed in such a way that evacuation is easy for all children and teachers, including those who are blind (good signage and tactile routes) or have a physical disability (quick evacuation on ground level or via ramps [hyperlink to ‘ramp’]). Safe spaces inside the building should be designed to be accessible and large enough to move around in for children using a wheelchair.