ITF

15 FACILITIES GUIDE | JUNE 2020 • Reduce the strength of door closers. Lighter doors also benefit young children and the elderly. • Public telephones should be accessible to people with disabilities/in wheelchairs. • Consideration should be given to access onto the indoor and outdoor courts. This should incorporate suitable access from the clubhouse and for wheelchairs. On-court player accessibility Secure area for the storage of wheelchairs (both day and sports). • Is there adequate space between court net posts for sports wheelchair access? • Is there enough room between courts for a sports wheelchair? • Is there enough access around the court to allow players to change ends easily? • Do floodlighting columns cause additional restrictions on movement? Wheelchair spectators (indoor centres) • Spectator seating should incorporate a slightly higher main handrail with a clear viewing panel below. Emergency exit routes and procedures • The incorporation of suitable emergency exits/routes including lifts and stairs is advised. Note that wheelchair stair lifts are not suitable as a means of escape in an emergency situation. • Alarm systems tend to be audible and rarely incorporate a visual system. Consideration should therefore be given when incorporating an alarm to whether or not it is suitable for the visually and/or hearing impaired. Mobility Problems that may be encountered by wheelchair and semi-ambulant users are: • Inaccessible toilet and changing facilities; • Corridors and doorways that are too narrow or obstructed; • Changes in level i.e. steep ramps, kerbs.

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