Definitions
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Inclusive Access* All environments should be accessible, regardless of ability. Everybody is different and there is no ‘average’ person. As a result encouraging an accessible environment will benefit you, because people with disabilities, people of small or tall stature, parents with prams, delivery persons and so forth will have greater access to the built environment. Creating built environments and facilities that are accessible to all is a right protected by law under the mandate of the United Nations, to which Malaysia is a signatory. It is an indispensable pre-requisite for social inclusion, focusing on equal opportunity and diversity. Accessibility to the built environment affects a large number of people within society in their day-to-day normal life, concerning their safety and physical, mental and social well being. Even a single step can deny entry to a person pulling a suitcase on wheels, or a person using a wheelchair or pose a safety hazard to anyone with impaired vision.
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Business and Human Rights* The business and human rights agenda is expanding rapidly into view. There is now global recognition that business can be a vehicle for the promotion and realisation of human rights. The United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). These principles provide a global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse human impacts linked to business activity. Businesses can also play a key role in advancing human rights within their organisations and the wider community. For example, businesses that seek to accelerate gender equality through setting targets or adopting special measures, or promote human rights within the community through education and awareness raising activities.
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Built environments* are those that have been created or modified, such as buildings, streetscapes, sports grounds, parks and gardens, transport facilities and the like. The term also includes fixtures, equipment, services, communications and other facilities.
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Accessibility* Environments with greater accessibility are those that are easier, safer and more enjoyable to reach, use, experience and move around in.
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Access Consultants* are experts who offer advisory or other services in relation to accessible environments. Services include accessibility appraisals, audits, design, research, training, information on codes, and advice on good practice in accessibility.