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There are several accessibility guidelines in India that provide slightly differing anthropometric standards and design recommendations. Persons with disabilities act (1995) is a landmark legislation that recognizes the rights of Indians with disabilities and creates opportunities for equal participation in all government run infrastructure and services. There are several access standards and guidelines published by the different departments of GOI but the act does not comment on them and does not endorse any particular publication.
Table – 1 Access standards and guidelines published by the different departments of Government of India
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Name
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Developed by
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Published
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Revised
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Enforcement
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I S 4963: Recommendations for Buildings and Facilities for the Physically Handicapped
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Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
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1968
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1992
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Standard
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National Building code
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BIS
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1970
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2005
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Standard
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I S 7454 Rehabilitation Equipment – Wheelchairs, Folding, Adult Size - Specifications
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BIS
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1974
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1997
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Standard
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Guidelines and space standards for barrier free built environment for disabled and elderly persons
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Central public works department (CPWD)
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1998
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1998
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Guideline
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Planning a barrier free environment
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Office of chief commissioner for people with disabilities (CCD)
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2001
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2001
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Guideline
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New Delhi Building byelaws
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Delhi municipal corporation
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2005
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----
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Standard
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Table – 2 Wheelchair anthropometric standards given by different departments of Government of India (In Cms)
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Standard
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BIS ( IS 7454 & IS 4963)
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CPWD
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CCD
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Wheelchair measurements
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Unoccupied width
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650 – 720
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750
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680
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Occupied width
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-
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800
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900
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Unoccupied length
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1000 - 1100
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1050
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1200
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Occupied length
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---
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1200
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1150 – 1250
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Handle height
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910 - 950
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--
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920
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Eye height
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--
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--
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1100 – 1300
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Arm rest height
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700 - 740
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--
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760
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Seat height
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480 - 510
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--
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480 – 500
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Knee height
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--
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--
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675
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Toe height
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--
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--
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200
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Combined knee + toe clearance depth
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400 - 450
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350
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480
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Reach ranges - forward
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Maximum forward reach
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1350 - 1600
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1200
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1200
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Minimum forward reach
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--
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400
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400
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Obstructed max height
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715 - 830
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1100
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1100
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Reach ranges - Lateral
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Maximum height
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1350 - 1770
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1300
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1300
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Minimum height
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--
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250
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250
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Obstructed height
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-
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1200
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1200
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Maneuvering Clearances
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Circular diameter - 360° turn
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1500
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1500 - 2000
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1800
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Obstructed height
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-
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1200
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1200
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Anthropometry, the measurement of physical characteristics and abilities of people, provides information that is essential for the appropriate design of occupational and non-occupational environments, as well as for the design of consumer products, clothing, tools and equipment.
Space requirements for accommodating wheeled mobility devices and their users in the built environment are key components of standards for accessible design. These requirements typically include dimensions for clear floor area, maneuvering clearances, seat and knee clearance heights, as well as some reference dimensions on wheeled mobility device sizes. In recent years increased emphasis has been placed on designing improved technical aids for physically disabled people.
The following figures give guidelines that should be followed while designing interiors for special needs.
Reach Ranges
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Participants