Beyond Wheelchair Provision: The Inadequate Access Design in Malls of the city

Did you ever notice the wheelchairs kept at the mall entrances? If you think having a few wheelchairs and separate washrooms for people with special needs is adequate, you must think again. Here’s why…

Missing ramps:

How can going to the upper floors be possible when there is a need to call for assistance every time there is a stair instead of a ramp?

Inclusivity also means never undermining someone’s effort to move through small everyday tasks without assistance.

Narrow Walkways:

What purpose can a wheelchair serve when walkways alone are not wide enough?

Many malls prioritize maximizing retail space, leading to narrow passages that are difficult for wheelchairs to navigate.

Lack of awareness:

What purpose can a ramp serve if it has no handrails or is not adequately designed?

From steeply angled ramps to missing railings and inaccessible doorways, there are flaws in the basic constructions most of the time.

Limitation in seating space:

Shopping can be a physically demanding activity for anyone, and wheelchair users often require periodic breaks. Unfortunately, malls often lack sufficient seating and rest areas that are easily accessible to individuals in wheelchairs.

Mall designers and administrators must prioritize accessibility as integral to their planning and implementation processes. By embracing universal design principles and incorporating the needs of wheelchair users from the outset, malls can create genuinely inclusive spaces, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of shopping without unnecessary obstacles.