Accessibility for Physically Challenged Persons in Heritage Buildings

Abstract

Enforcement of amendment to the Uniform Building By-Law in Section 34A and Persons with Disability Act 2008 has elevated accessibility needs for physically challenged persons to mainstream development in Malaysia especially tourism industry. It is parallel to regional resolution and convention reiterating accessible tourism in the industry whilst achieve ‘Inclusive, barrier free and right based’ society. Accessibility has been further intensified within heritage buildings to benchmark high quality of tourism industry and importantly promotes social equality. In fact heritage tourism has been another gateway to elaborate fundamental accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in all aspects. Legislative framework has yet encapsulated both approaches comprehensively especially deficiency in provision of statutory requirements. There is lack of supportive guideline to address gaps between National Heritage Act and Persons with Disabilities Act. In this regards, current practice has shown professionals and consultants not well comprehend to weight balance between conservation principle and barrier free environment approach in restoring heritage buildings. However, the importance of accessibility needs is notably shown in the case studies to engage social inclusion in current practice. Access auditing reported the selected heritage sites including St. George Church, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi and Suffolk House have potential to include the accessibility needs without diminishing its heritage significance. As long access strategy and accessible mapping are identified during the initial stage to connect the core elements depending on its unique original fabric. Certainly never a fixed standard appending to current building regulations is applicable to all heritage sites. The research concluded barrier free environment approach is possible to reconcile with conservation principle within reasonable accommodation from case to cases basis.