10 Things People Often Miss in Accessibility Compliance When Drawing Up Plans
From a quick survey of architects, designers, and accessibility users / disabled persons (including one property developer) — here are the most common oversights shared:
1. Ramp Design & Gradient
Many underestimate the space needed for a proper 1:12 ratio ramp (including landings). Steeper ramps are common, but tiring and unsafe for wheelchair users — arms fatigue quickly, and there’s real risk of sliding backward.
2. Level Access & Gentle Transitions
Raising lobbies or adding tiny kerbs/ramp-ups are problematic, instead of designing driveways that gently ramp up to entrance level.
The best designs keep everything at the same level with smart rainwater management.
3. Accessible Toilets
Not enough space inside cubicles for wheelchair turning and a carer/assistant.
Many are only sized for solo use.
Sink design (long spouts, easy lever taps) and reachable grab bars are frequently overlooked.
4. Switch, Socket & Handle Heights
Light switches, power sockets, window levers, and thumb turns placed too high or too low — or too small for elderly hands. This affects wheelchair users and many others.
5. Door Design & Widths
Swing doors (direction matters), narrow effective widths on double-leaf doors (measuring from outer frame instead of clear opening), and kerbs/bollards at entrances that block wheelchairs and strollers.
6. Tactile Guidance & Visual Cues
Missing or incorrectly placed tactile paving (guiding + warning blocks), poor colour contrast, and lack of visual warning strips on stair edges for low-vision users.
7. Wheelchair Circulation & Turning Radius
Forgetting turning space in bathrooms, around tables (legs often block access), and in key areas. Many designs don’t truly accommodate real movement.
8. Elevators & Emergency Systems
Missing Braille, audio announcements, screen readers, visual fire alarms, and inclusive evacuation features/refuge areas.
Inconsistent floor layouts also make navigation hard for blind users.
9. Inclusive Planning from the Start
Treating accessibility as an afterthought or only adding it when reminded.
Not considering disabled/elderly users as default users, relying on outdated standards, and assuming certain facilities (e.g., gym) aren’t for wheelchair users.
Note: 36.4% of the population of Malaysia need this compliance on standards.
10. Small but Critical Details
Artificial turf that’s hard to wheel over, poorly placed parking (next to walls), lack of railings for elderly users / pregnant users, and underestimating how much a helpful staff member could compensate for design gaps – thus the importance of orienting and training service personnel on accessibility services.
Accessibility isn’t just about meeting minimum standards — it’s about understanding how real people experience the space.
Designing with empathy from Day One saves costly retrofits and creates better buildings for everyone.
Naziaty Mohd Yaacob (Ph.D)
Director, Xiron Engineering Sdn Bhd Accessibility Solutions
