1. Follow Accessibility Guidelines: Designers and architects should follow accessibility guidelines such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the International Building Code (IBC) to ensure that their designs meet minimum accessibility standards.
2. Consider the Range of Disabilities: When designing accessible buildings, designers and architects should consider the full range of disabilities - physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional - and ensure that their designs accommodate the needs of all individuals.
3. User-Centered Design: The key to designing accessible buildings is to keep the user in mind. Designers should consult with individuals with disabilities and user groups to ensure that the building's design meets their specific needs.
4. Tactile and Sensory Wayfinding: Providing tactile and sensory wayfinding cues within buildings can aid individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
5. Universal Design: Universal design means designing products, buildings, and environments to be usable by people of all ages and abilities without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Designing for universal usability can be a great way to improve access to buildings for everyone.
6. Consider Emergency Evacuation: Designers should ensure that their buildings are equipped with accessible emergency evacuation routes and features to ensure that individuals with disabilities can evacuate safely in case of an emergency.
7. Use Accessible Technology: Incorporating accessible technology, such as assistive listening systems or captioned video, into the design of accessible buildings can greatly facilitate access to information and communication for individuals with disabilities.
8. Educate All Staff: Staff members, including security, maintenance and management should be educated on the particular needs of the individuals whom the building is intended to serve, so they can provide adequate assistance and support on-site.
9. On-site Accessible Parking: Designers should ensure that there is enough on-site accessible parking in close proximity to the building to properly accommodate individuals with disabilities.
10. Continual Review and Revision: Designers and architects should continually review the design of accessible buildings to ensure that any new construction or renovations maintain the accessibility features previously established, and make improvements where needed to increase accessibility.
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