GUIDELINES FOR INCLUSIVE DESIGN - UNIVERSAL …

1 Classification: Public GUIDELINES FOR INCLUSIVE DESIGN UNIVERSAL washroom FACILITIES FOR ALBERTA INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES February 2019 - Version | P a g e February 2019 UNIVERSAL washroom Facilities Technical Services and Procurement Branch, Alberta Infrastructure Classification: Public GUIDELINES for INCLUSIVE DESIGN DESIGN Standards for UNIVERSAL washroom Facilities in Public Buildings Table of Contents Page Overview .. 3 3 INCLUSIVE DESIGN Why Does it Matter?

2 3 Rationale .. 4 Applicable Regulatory Issues .. 5 Proposed DESIGN Strategies .. 5 1. DESIGN Option UNIVERSAL Toilet Room .. 7 2. DESIGN Option Multi-user/Common sink area, separate Toilet Room .. 8 3. DESIGN Option Multi-user, Common sink area .. 9 4. DESIGN Option UNIVERSAL Toilet 10 5. DESIGN Option Improvements to Existing Facilities .. 11 Proposed Signage Strategies .. 12 General W ashroom Signage .. 12 Accessible/ barrier free W ashroom Signage .. 13 Risk Analysis/GBA+ .. 14 References and Source 15 3 | P a g e February 2019 UNIVERSAL washroom Facilities Technical Services and Procurement Branch, Alberta Infrastructure Classification.

3 Public GUIDELINES for INCLUSIVE DESIGN DESIGN Standards for UNIVERSAL washroom Facilities in Public Buildings Overview The Government of Alberta (GOA) and the Ministry of Infrastructure recognize the diversity of Albertans and strives for equality and inclusion in its policies, programs, and physical facilities. Building on the recently implemented Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) program, consideration is given not only to identity factors age, education, culture, language, income, and physical abilities but also to gender identity and expression.

4 These evolving best practices apply to all provincially owned buildings in order to meet the needs of Albertans now and in the future. The GUIDELINES for INCLUSIVE DESIGN UNIVERSAL W ashrooms is intended to support discussions around access and use of public spaces, and provide direction to consultants, facility managers, and client ministries. Context Public washrooms represent one area where binary gender conformity is actively observed and managed. The Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code were updated in June 2017 to affirm the rights of all people to use a washroom that corresponds to their gender identity.

5 Gender-designated facilities lack privacy and discourage accessibility for many users, including: those with mobility issues, the transgender and non-binary gender community, and those requiring assistance, such as the elderly or children. As well, current building codes support the distribution of washroom facilities by gender, resulting in a poor correlation between demand and availability, and the potential for over- or under-building capacity. In contrast, the prevalence of UNIVERSAL washrooms (alone or in combination with gender designed stalls) in Europe provides an alternate model, which is increasingly being adopted by many municipalities, private organizations, and governmental bodies in North America.

6 Gender-based advocacy has influenced DESIGN for inclusivity. There is a developing best practice to use UNIVERSAL instead of gender neutral or all gender labels. It is important to note that these best practices are not a response to any particular group, but a holistic strategy that supports the well-being and quality of life for all Albertans. Consideration has been given to a range of DESIGN factors including: access and circulation, physical security, operation and maintenance costs, capital construction costs, signage, and other DESIGN strategies.

7 The GOA is committed to being a leader in the advancement of gender equality and the development of best practices in UNIVERSAL DESIGN standards, policies, and procedures. INCLUSIVE DESIGN Why Does it Matter? The discussion of INCLUSIVE DESIGN is part of Infrastructure s development of best practices for all GOA facilities. The provision of UNIVERSAL washrooms in public facilities is an opportunity to 4 | P a g e February 2019 UNIVERSAL washroom Facilities Technical Services and Procurement Branch, Alberta Infrastructure Classification: Public address the evolving needs of Albertans and promote inclusivity and equality for all.

8 The DESIGN strategies in these GUIDELINES are intended to: address the needs of all users of public and GOA owned facilities; respond to input from users, planners, and facility managers; conform to all required building code standards; identify requirements for clear, INCLUSIVE , and function-based signage; ensure integrated DESIGN to address all aspects of the interior environment; and enhance safety, privacy, and comfort through best practices and forward thinking DESIGN . Benefits of a comprehensive strategy for UNIVERSAL Gender INCLUSIVE W ashrooms include: inclusivity for people with physical disabilities; inclusivity for families and caregivers; increased privacy for users; greater degree of personal choice in type of facility; increased efficiency in use of washroom facilities; and future flexibility in meeting needs.

9 Rationale Every Albertan has the right to live and work in an environment that is safe and supportive of their needs. Providing a greater range of washroom types, including gender INCLUSIVE options, promotes safety and ease of use by all users, including intuitive wayfinding, comfort through choice, privacy, and accessibility. The right of individuals to use a washroom corresponding to their gender identity is not only supported by decades of case law, but is also affirmed under both federal and provincial legislation.

10 Recently, Bill C-16 was passed to update the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Criminal Code; further enforcing the violation of discrimination based on gender identity or expression. The Province of Alberta has supported these measures with the Alberta Human Rights Act. In June 2018, Alberta passed legislation to create a third, non-binary gender marker, X , for all official government identification, such as driver s licences and birth certificates. Building codes are also evolving to better facilitate safe access to buildings and facilities for all people.