Physical barriers

prevent access for persons with disabilities to the physical environment, such as buildings, roads, transportation.

Examples of barriers in the built environment include:

1. Lack of elevators in multi-storey buildings
2. Lack of ramps for wheelchairs
3. Narrow or blocked hallways
4. Non-adjustable work stations
5. Door knobs that can’t be turned by a person with limited mobility or strength

Examples of transportation barriers include:

1. Lack of vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs
2. Lack of parking close to entrances
3. Lack of snow clearing in parking lots and entrances

Many people are now aware of the importance of ramps for wheelchair access to buildings or the need for curbcuts in side-walks to facilitate street-level access. Other physical barriers may be less obvious, however. For example, people may not be aware of the need for tactile or high colour-contrast surfaces to assist persons with visual impairments as they navigate streets and buildings.