PROPOSED TRAINING CENTRE WITH LIVING ENVIRONMENT

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Nurrabiatul Adawiyah Jalaludin1 & Asiah Abdul Rahim2

Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design,
International Islamic University Malaysia,
Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
e-mail: nuradajz@gmail.com 1, ar_asiah@yahoo.com 2

ABSTRACT

People with disability needs environment that is accessible to them. They seek for a place where they
can live, work and play without any barriers. The main purpose of this research is to study on the
facilities and criteria of spaces required for disabled people‟s training centre at Bangi Industrial
Training and Rehabilitation centre. This research is the backbone for the proposed training centre. The
physical environment has created barrier to the disable people which effects their emotion and
psychology. Thus, study on training centre is essential in order to provide facilities that can help them
to acquire skills to survive on their own. The objectives of this research are to identify the problems
faced by the disabled people and to study the elements that needed for disable people‟s training centre.
Furthermore, this study will help to increase public awareness and public acceptance regarding people
with disabilities. Moreover, the aim is to initiate the idea of disable people to be treated and trained in
areas dedicated to and designed for their needs and minimizes physical and emotional pain and
distress to them. This study also will promote independent living for disable people through the
acquired skills and knowledge. The target community to do research subject definitely are disabled
community from varieties of disabilities. The data collection will be using multi-method approach
which consists of interview, observation, questionnaire, and plan analysis. Significantly, the findings
and recommendations from the study will give insight to the problems faced by people with
disabilities, thus enable the professionals in the building industry such as architects, engineers,
designers, developers and others to be aware and concern about independent living environment for
disabled community. The recommendation can also be used as guidelines for future training centre.

Keywords: Universal Design, People with disabilities, Bangi Industrial and Rehabilitation Training
Centre, Accessibility, Spaces and Facilities

INTRODUCTION

Persons with disabilities (PWD) are entitled to exercise their civil, political, social, economic and
cultural rights on an equal basis with others. Unfortunately, they are usually treated as a separate
entity, not as a visible part of the general community, where the existing environments become a
barrier for them. Analyzing the facilities needed by the disabled person and the criteria of spaces that
should be provided to suit with their activities is essential to ensure that all the facilities are accessible
especially to those who become disabled because of accident.
This paper studies the types of spaces and facilities needed by people with disability in order
to lead their daily life independently, including training and rehabilitation. This paper will guide the
proposed training centre in terms of spaces provided, facilities, design, types of training and
rehabilitation and other services.

1
A undergraduate student at the Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
2
A Professor and practicing architect, Department of Architecture, at the Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design, International Islamic
University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
RESEARCH BACKGROUND

Realizing that persons with disability could not compete in open job market yet their socio economy
level need to be improved without infringing on their welfare and rights, the Department of Social
Welfare has taken proactive actions by establishing Protected Workshops specifically to provide job
opportunities to persons with disability (those with physical disability and mild mental disability). The
Department has built 2 Protected Workshops known as Daya Workshops, which provide jobs
opportunities specifically for disabled persons, in Klang, Selangor and Sungai Petani, Kedah. The
objective of the Daya Workshops is to create jobs opportunities for persons with disability (OKU) who
are unable to compete in the open market whilst training them to be independent and eventually to be
integrated into the community.
Another initiative is to establish Bangi Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre for
disable people to train them physically and mentally. This rehabilitation and training centre are for
those who born with disability and those who became disable because of road accident or work
accident. The centres help them to improve daily living skills, to impart technical capabilities and
capacities, to develop entrepreneurial skills and to establish a network and strategic partnerships.
Some of the facilities provided are hostels, canteen, workshops, prayer room, and transportation. The
centre offer activities and programme such as tailoring, printing, handicraft, baking and others. This
research is conducted to study all the facilities and criteria of spaces needed for the training centre.

ISSUES

There are a few prevailing issues that may be considered in the derivation of the concept of industrial
training and rehabilitation centre. Firstly, the issues could be observed from the physical environment
that limits PWD social interaction which affects their emotional and physiological well. This physical
barrier limits the accessibility of PWD. Another issue is regarding employment opportunity as
employer regards PWD as unproductive workers who are unable to adjust to the workplace and
produce low quality of works. This leads to untapped human resources and huge gap between the able
and disabled people in market. Lack of training center also contribute to the issues of PWD doesn‟t
have the opportunity to gain skills especially for those who become disabled because of road accident
or work accident. Thus, disable people continue to being a burden to themselves and the society
because of lack of ability and knowledge of independent living,

AIMS

The aims of this research is to initiate the idea of disable to be treated and trained in areas dedicated to
and designed for their needs and minimize physical and emotional pain and distress to them. This
study also will promote independent living for disable people through the acquired skills and
knowledge. Deep research in this study will lead to the establishment of design criteria for spaces and
facilities that required for PWD‟s training centre.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research begins from a general background, narrowing to more detail parameters in order to
achieve its goals. Methods of obtaining data for research also include secondary data, direct
observation, and analysis of layout and interviews. The profiles of person with disabled participating
in the research were mostly wheelchair bound, physically handicapped and vision impaired.
Followings are the methodology of research:

1. Literature Review.
Literature studies were done to collect data and understanding the detail information on people with
disabilities, types of disabilities, rules and guidelines for disable people, training centre and workshop
for disable as well as the facilities needed. The data collected from books and internet become the
reference for this research.
 2. Case study and observation
Case study will be the main method to get the general views and photos on the training centre and a
visit to the study building. Case study will be done to observe the spaces and facilities provided based
on the information gathered through the literature studies and the observer‟s point of views. It is also
to analyze either the facilities provided can be used easily, safely, accessible for disable person and
comply with Malaysian standards .Throughout the study, things will be observed not only by naked
eyes, but also by other senses like touch, taste, hearing and feel.

3. Plan analysis
Plan analysis is important in order to study the application of universal design in the training centre as
well as the criteria of spaces needed. Observation on the layout were carried out in order to determine

4. Interviews with the Authority and End User for Feedbacks.

Interviews will be conducted to know the detailed about the training centre and expert perception
regarding the needs of people with disabilities. The opinion of the end user is crucial in order to gather
information and tro find out on the children‟s assessment of the floor finishing in the existing
facilities.

5. Questionnaire
The questionnaire will get the general information and response due to lack of self-awareness among
public about disable people in terms of human perception, economic, social life and others. This
questionnaire is conducted to support the case study.

6. Review of existing building standards for accessibility for disabled people.

Available building requirement and Malaysian Standards in Malaysia such as Building Requirement
for Disabled, MS 1184:1990, Code Of Practice For Access For Disabled Persons To Public Building,
MS 1331:1993, Code Of Practice For Access For Disabled Persons To Outside Building, MS 1183:
1991; Code Of Practice Of Mean Of Escape For Disabled Persons To Public Building and its
application consideration will be the basis of the research investigation.

SIGNIFICANT OF RESEARCH

This research can generate awareness not only among the public but also among the professionals in
the building industry such as architects, engineers, designers, developers and others towards a better
independent living environment for disabled community. The significant of this research is to be as
one of the references for the establishment of disable training centre in Malaysia and to improve the
existing training centre based on the guidelines. This research will help in analyzing spaces that is
needed by the disable people to acquire skills and knowledge in order to live independently. Through
this research, it is also hoped that the disable people will get more comfortable and guaranteed life
with their own capabilities.

SCOPE OF RESEARCH

The scope of research will cover on the types of facilities and spaces provided at the centre. The
outcome will be in the basis of;
• Literature reviews on people with disability, types of disabilities and facilities provided.
• Able bodied person, disable person and staff perception and experiences in using the
facilities
• Feedback of the case studies
• Data from field measurement
• Researcher observation

Sample will be taken from a few training and rehabilitation centre as well as protected workshop for
the disable people in Kuala Lumpur. The research will also cover the analysis on the constraints of
public building for disable people. The target groups are the trained Disabled Persons (Physically and
Mentally),the able bodied person which includes professional, students, trainers and caretakers,
government bodies, families and social support. This limitation also applies to the range of age for the
disable people which are from 14 years old and above.

RESEARCH STRUCTURE

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Figure 1.1: Research Structure

BACKGROUND STUDY

People with disabilities in Malaysia can be considered as one of the most vulnerable of the minority
group in the Malaysian population. According to WHO, 7% of the population in any country suffers
from the disability and around 2% would need some form of rehabilitation services. According to the
statistics from the Department of Social Welfare, the registered number of disables people stood at
197,519 where 18 258 people are vision impaired, 29 522 are suffered from hearing impaired, 66 250
people are handicapped, 887 are having cerebral palsy and 76 619 people have learning difficulties.
While 5 983 people have others types of disabilities (Department of Social Welfare, 2006). The
breakdown of disabilities according to ethnic groups is as follow;

Table 1: Number of People with Disabilities according to Ethnic Group 2003-2006

Ethnic group 2003 2004 2005 2006
Malays 79837 91162 105163 123245
Chinese 28956 32408 35104 39519
Indians 12396 14246 15995 18346
Pribumi Peninsular 246 283 317 354
Pribumi Sabah 7515 8266 9130 10240
Pribumi Sarawak 3226 3617 4037 4682
Others 479 635 709 1133
Total 132154 150617 170455 197519
Source: Department of Social Welfare 2006

However, the latest registered number of disables people in 2010 stood at 313 685 (Bernama, 2010),
showing the increase in Malaysia population. With the increasing number of disabled people, the
Malaysian government is concerned to provide the relevant and quality facilities and other amenities
for this disadvantaged group. It is the government‟s policy that education, public facilities, public
amenities, health and other aspects were taken into consideration for the well-being of the disable. For
example; “education for persons with disabilities should form an integral part of national educational
planning, curriculum development and school organization” (Person with Disabilities Act 2008),
In order to ensure that built environment is accessible to the disable people, the Malaysian government
has emphasizes on the use of Persons with Disabilities Act (PWDA) starting from 2008. This act
becomes part of Malaysia obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(UN Convention). According to the PWDA, those persons with disabilities shall have equal access to
the following in Malaysia: public facilities, amenities, services and buildings; public transport;
education; employment; information, communication and technology; cultural life; and recreation,
leisure and sport.
Malaysia also amended the Uniform Building Bylaws in 1990, making it compulsory for buildings to
provide access and facilities for disabled persons. Existing buildings were given three years to make
modifications to comply with the by-law. In addition, former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib
Razak said in September 2006 that all buildings and public amenities, including existing buildings,
must be disabled friendly ( Utusan Malaysia,2006).

A STUDY ON DISABLE

Department of Social Welfare defined disabled person as any person who is unable to obtain for
himself or herself, fully or partially, the normal requirements of an individual and / or is unable to
participate fully in the community due to shortcomings either physically or mentally and whether it
occurred since birth or later in life. Rehabilitation service is provided to help the disabled be
independent and subsequently enabling them to reach the maximum potential in all aspects of their
lives suitable with their abilities (Department of Social Welfare, 2009).

According to oxfords students‟ dictionary, disable is defined as “to make a person to unable to do
something, especially take away the power of using limbs, or of seeing and hearing. Disability refers
to the limitations or lack of ability in performing activities that are considered normal for particular
individual (WHO, 1980). Moreover, disable person is defined as people with a physical, hearing or
sight impairment which affect the mobility or their use of the building (MS standard 1184, 2002).
Disable person need special treatment for them to live in society.
CLASSIFICATION OF DISABLE

There are a few opinions on the classification of disable people. According to Asiah Abdul Rahim
(2011), disabilities can be classified into five major groups;

• Ambulant disable
Ambulant disable are those who are able either with or without assistance to walk without the aid of
devices such as crutches, sticks, braces or even walking frames.

• Cognitive disability
People with cognitive disabilities are generally those with a mental illness, a development or learning
disabilities. To assists them in function in their surroundings, the environment should incorporate a
combination such as those of sight, touch and sound as well as signs , colours, and texture.

• Wheelchair users
Wheelchair users are people who use wheelchair and unable to walk, either with or without assistance
and who, except the use of mechanical transport, depend solely on a wheelchair for mobility. They
may propel themselves independently, or might require pushing and maneuvering by an assistance of
others. While being unable to walk, the majority of people in this group are able to transfer to and
from a wheelchair.

• Sensory disability
Sensory disability people with sensory disability are those who as a consequences of visual or hearing
impairment may be restricted or inconvenienced in their use of a blunt environment and they are
divided into two subgroups;

Visually impaired person; who rely solely on their senses of hearing touch and smell. The built
environment must therefore incorporate certain aspects of sounds, texture and aroma to assist them in
their surroundings.

Hearing impaired persons, who rely solely on their sense of sight and touch and needs signs colour and
texture to be incorporated in the built environment to assist them in moving around their surroundings.

• Multiple disabilities
People with multiple disabilities are those with combinations of orthopedic, sensory or cognitive
disability. The built environment therefore must incorporate a combination visual, tactile and olfactory
cue to assist in their use of the surroundings.
In addition, according to the statistic of Department of Social Welfare there are about 197 519 people
in Malaysia, registered under the ministry until the end of the year 2006. Compared to the number of
person who is physically disabled in 2006, the statistic given by the Department of Social Welfare
stated that the number increased to 313 685 people during 2010. It shows that the number of disable
persons in Malaysia is increased from time to time. Thus, government is urged by the society to
prepare guidelines for the need of the disable community.

DISABLE PERSON IN SOCIETY

In conjunction with The United Nations Decade for Disabled Persons in Asia and Pacific Regions
1993-2002, our nation has signed a Proclamation of Full Participation and Equal Opportunity for
Persons with Disability in Asia and Pacific Regions on 16th of May 1994. This Decade of Action
Agenda stresses on raising the awareness of society and providing facilities towards enhancing the
well-being of persons with disability (Department Of Social Welfare, 2009)
As we know, disable persons are part of the society. They have the right to have the same
thing like the able bodied people. But, what can be seen until today, many people are still neglecting
the disable persons. The disable persons have been treated like they should not belong to the society.
There is a verse in the Quran, revealed by Allah to the prophet Muhammad in accordance to the
behavior of normal people towards the disable persons. It is connected to an a incident which reflects
the highest honour on the prophet sincerity in the revelations that were vouch to him even if they
seemed to reprove him for some natural and human zeal that lead him to a false step in his mission
according to his own high standards.
“The prophet frowned and turned away, because there came to him in the blind man. But,
what could tell thee, but that perchance he might grow (in spiritual understanding)?” (Surah „Abasa,
80: 1-3)
This incident shows us that even though the people who are disable, we must accept them as
one of the community in the society. The able bodied persons should understand and try to help them
by the knowing their needs as to ease their life. In Malaysia, the disable people‟s day is celebrated on
the 3rd December every year in observant of the international day of the disable persons proclaim by
united nation general assembly in 1992. There are few institutions under government that cater the
needs of disable people which are;
a. Taman Sinar Harapan
b. Pusat Latihan Perindustrian Dan Pemulihan (PLPP)
c. Bengkel Daya / Terlindung
d. Pusat Harian Bukit Tunku

ACCESSIBILITY

Asiah Abdul Rahim (2011) stated that, as a developing country, Malaysia has been actively providing
accessibility that is disabled friendly thus having the benefits of being user friendly to all ages in the
community. Accessibility is related to barrier-free design. Barrier-free is term which solely constitutes
of accessibility, usability and safety, which is useful to explain in many developing countries, but
since the advent of Universal Design in 1994, many countries have adopted the term Universal Design
including the PWD Act Malaysia 2008. (Holmes, 1996)
There are three aspects taken into account when consultants rate the accessibility of the
building which are Accessibility, Usability and Safety. A building will be rated a "passing" evaluation
if these three principles are fulfilled with scores 65%, based on the Universal Design Index (Asiah
Abdul Rahim, 2011).

Universal Design Index is based on following principles of;

i. Connectivity
ii. Accessibility
iii. Usability
iv. Safety
v. Integrated Design
vi. Operation and Maintenance

THE UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Nur Hanani (2003) in her research emphasized that, according to Dobkin and Peterson (1999), in
response to changing lifestyle and a growing appreciation for diversity in people, we are moving
towards environments that support and adapt to variety of people. Before, people are talking about
designing for wheelchair users and disabled people, thus, creating the concept of disabled friendly and
barrier-free environment. Nowadays, people are combining all design criteria of all kinds of people
into one universal design that suit with everybody.
Persons with Disabilities Act (2008) defined Universal Design as the design of products,
environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible
without the need for adaptation or specialized design and shall include assistive devices for particular
groups of persons with disabilities where this is needed.
According to Victoria Transport Policy (2010), universal design (also called Inclusive Design,
Accessible Design or just Accessibility) refers to facility designs that accommodate the widest range
of potential users, including people with mobility and visual impairment (disabilities) and other special
needs. It should be comprehensive, meaning that it result in seamless mobility options from origin to
destination for the greatest possible range of potential users. It should consider all possible obstacles
that may exist in buildings, transportation terminal, sidewalks, path, roads, and vehicles.
Furthermore, universal design takes into account the multigenerational needs such as children, elderly
people, pregnant ladies and needs of those who have sensory or mobility impairments and wheelchairs
user to move freely from one place to another place. Universal design is intended to be inclusive and
not exclusive.
Universal design is accompanied by a set of seven principles which have been applied to
evaluate existing designs, guide the design process and educate both designers and consumers about
the characteristics of more usable products and environments. There are several ways in achieving
universal design in the built environment which are legislation, policies, standards, guidelines,
implementation and enforcement, awareness training, access officers in local government, access
advisory group or technical committee, access inspectors(individuals/NGOs) and access consultants
(professional, training).
Universal design has two major components:
1. Designing products so that they are flexible enough that they can be directly used (without
requiring any assistive technologies or modifications) by people with the widest range of abilities and
circumstances as is commercially practical given current materials, technologies, and knowledge; and
2. Designing products so that they are compatible with the assistive technologies that might be
used by those who cannot efficiently access and use the products directly.

PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN

There are seven principles of universal design, developed under the direction of Center for Universal
Design of North California State University in 1999 (revised on September 2002) towards the goal of
making every space and product universal ( NC State University).

The principles are as follows;

a) Equitable use
The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. It provides the same means of use
for all users, avoiding segregating or stigmatizing any users. Besides the provisions for privacy,
security and safety should be equally available to all users.

b) Flexibility in use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities; choices in methods of
use, facilitates the user‟s accuracy and precisions and provide adaptability to the user‟s pace.

c) Simple and intuitive use

Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user‟s experience, knowledge, language
skills or current concentration level.

d) Perceptible information
The design communicates the necessary information effectively to the users, regardless of ambient
conditions or the user‟s sensory abilities.

e) Tolerance for error

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. It
can be done by the arrangement of elements, provide warnings of hazards and errors, provide fail safe
features and discourage unconscious actions in tasks that require vigilance.

f) Low physical effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with minimum fatigue. It allow user to
maintain a neutral body position, use reasonable operating force, minimize repetitive actions and
sustained physical efforts.

g) Size and space for approach and use

Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use regardless of user‟s
body size, posture or mobility.
TRAINING CENTRE

People with severe disabilities are mostly cared for at home by family members or by a domestic
helper employed by the family. Other options include staying in institutions for disabled people or
private nursing homes for the elderly. Many of the institutions double up as training centre to provide
vocational skills to residents for them to earn a living. Emphasis is placed on financial independence.
Clearly, without the necessary paper qualification and vocational skills training that a disabled worker
needs to secure meaningful employment, employers have little choice but to ignore this significant
pool of human resource due to their prejudice. Employers are biased when it comes to recruiting
disabled workers because they make unstudied assumptions and opinions. Many of them mistakenly
view wheelchairs as career inhibiting factors, thinking that they are not capable of doing a job well or
of handling new responsibilities. As a result, disabled workers are excluded from the workforce,
leaving behind an untapped human resource.
Taking from this cue, the Ministry of National Unity and Social Development has embarked
on an initiative to include training as an important area of concern in the self-development and welfare
of the disabled community (Ching, 2002).According to Macmillan dictionary (2006), training centre is
a place where people live temporarily and learn or develop their skills. Training centre provides care,
shelter and rehabilitation, looking after the health and safety of the residents, provides education,
guidance and vocational training, have the provision of facilities for physical, social and mental needs,
provide counseling and organize production activities related to the local community as a step of
reintroduction into society.

Case Study: Bangi Industrial Training And Rehabilitation Centre, Bangi.

Data analysis for case study.

The data analysis of the case study is synthesized in the findings sub-chapters by commenting the
advantages and disadvantages of the above criteria. All facilities and spaces are compared to the
guidelines for disabled people to ensure the compliance. The data analysis is classified based on the
criteria as follows:

i. The spaces inside the building

ii. The function of the space
iii. The space specification (the environment of the space or the material used)
iv. The equipment used inside the respective spaces.
v. The users and capacity of the respective spaces.

Introduction

Bangi Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre is a place where the physically challenged can
attain some sense of independence and self-worth. Bangi Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre
is located in the industrial town of Bangi, which is about 24 kilometers from the capital city of Kuala
Lumpur. Built on 25,967 acres of expansive land, the training institute provides vocational training
and rehabilitation to the physically handicapped people who are between the ages of 18 to 35 years.

The centre comprises a student hostel, rehabilitation ward, recreational area, physiotherapy and
occupational therapy unit, classrooms, training workshops, staff quarter and others.
 Figure 1.2: Master Planning of Bangi Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre

1. Environment and landscape

Figure 1.3: Landscape elements

The training centre incorporates a lot of landscapes and natural environment as to integrate
healing environment to the centre. Landscape as one of the elements for healing environment
helps in rehabilitation process of the occupants and enhances the views. The landscape
elements allow the occupants to feel calm and enjoy their surroundings.
 2. External environment

Elements Description of facilities Remarks

2.1 Pathways and curbs Alongside the road at the Malaysian Standard, MS1331 (2003
complex, pathways with curb
• To enable various types of users
ramps are provided for
utilize the pathways, the width
wheelchair users to wheel
need to be widen to allow at least
around as well as for the
two wheelchairs to move side by
safety and easy access of
side.
other disabled people such as
vision impaired and person
with crutches from the
complex to the nearby shop
lot area. The width of the
pathway is around 1200m.
• Provide tactile warning block at the
Figure 2.1.1: Pathways
pathways for directions.
along the road.

Figure 2.1.2: Curb ramp

2.2 Guard House Located at the centre between • From the observation at the guard
egress and ingress, the guard house, ramp is provided at the
house is a standalone building guard house to allow wheelchair
and equipped with facilities user to utilize the guard house.
for disabled people such as The ramp gradient is gentle and
ramps and railings. Function with railings. There are two
to provide security for the different heights of the counter
complex, guest need to which are suitable for both
register at the guard house wheelchair users as well as able
before entering the complex. odied person
Figure 2.2.2 : View of • Provide facilities for vision
Space Specifications
guard house impaired such as tactile guiding
Naturally ventilated with and warning block.
windows and fans
•Fluorescent lighting
•Homogenous tiles as floor
finish
Facilities
•Counter
•Ramp
Figure 2.2.3: Ramp with
railings at the guardhouse •Railings
•Tables and chairs
•Toilet
3. Internal environment.
Elements Description of facilities Remarks
3.1 Parking There is no special parking • The centre need to indicate parking
space for the disabled person designated for disabled people or at
provided at this car park. least have the right measurement
for the parking size.
The parking measurement
doesn‟t comply with the
Refer to MS1331(2003)
standards for accessible
parking.
Two types of parking area
which are open parking area
Figure 3.1.1: Parking area and covered parking area.
inside the centre.

3.2 Walkway The walkway is wide enough • Refer to MS1331(2003),installation

to allow to wheelchair users of tactile block.
from passing side by side.
Railings are provided along
the walkway to aid disabled
people in moving around.
Tactile block is recently
added to guide vision
impaired.
Figure 3.2.1: Covered
walkway that connected
one building to another.

Figure 3.2.2: Installation

of tactile blocks.
3.3 Ramps • Refer to MS1184,2002
Ramps are provided at places
where there are changes of Gradient for ramp
levels at the centre.
Railings are provided at both
sides of the ramp to aid the
disabled people when moving
around.
Figure 3.3.1: Railing were
provided at all ramps
Elements Description of facilities Remarks
3.4 Wheelchair
washing area This area is provided to
enable wheelchair users to
clean up their wheelchair
before going to pray or other
places. The condition of the
area is quite bad with stain all
over the place.

Figure 3.4.1: Railing were

provided at all ramps
3.5 Railings and • Refer to MS1184,2002
handrails The railings are mounted on
the floor and at the wall. The
handrails size is suitable for
the users. The handrails is
mounted at the height of
900mm.

Figure 3.5.1: Railings

mounted at the wall.
3.6 Doors • Refer to MS1184,2002
Sliding doors were used for
certain spaces such as toilets.
The used of sliding door make
it easy for disabled people to
enter the area without
obstruction.

Figure 3.6.1: Sliding door

used for toilet.
3.7 Alarm Other additional features are
emergency alarm for help or
assistant. This alarm is
mounted at the wall where
disabled people just need to
press the button if they need
any helps.

Figure 3.7.1: Alarm

mounted on the wall
 4. Buildings and facilities

Elements Description of facilities Remarks

4.1 Sport facilities
The building consists of one There is ramp provided up until the
basketball court, badminton drop off of the buildings. The ramp is
court, netball and others. The very gentle. The materials used can
stage is equipped with ramps slow down the movement of the
to enable the disabled people vehicles. The drop off area is wide and
especially wheelchair user to shaded.
get on stage.
The court is basically almost the same
Figure 4.1.1: View of the Space Specifications with other typical indoor court except
sports hall. modification at the stage and seating
•Naturally ventilated with
area.
windows and fans
The stage is equipped with ramp to
•Parquet for the internal floor
allow the wheelchair users to ramp up
finishes and cement render for
the stage. However, the material used
external.
for the stage and ramp is quite
•Long span structure for hall slippery. Inadequate amount of
lighting for the area.
Figure 4.1.2: View of the Facilities
sports hall.
•Sports facilities such as
basketball, table tennis and
others.
•Ramp
•Railings
•Tables and chairs
•Toilet
Figure 4.1.3: View of the
sports hall.

Figure 4.1.4: View of the

sports hall.
Elements Description of facilities Remarks
4.2 Musolla
(female) Entrance Provide tactile block at the required
area as to avoid vision impaired from
The entrance is accessible to
being hurt.
the disabled even though it is
higher than ground level as Provide seat at the ablution area.
ramp is provided at the area.
Provide tactile block at the required
The use of sliding door makes area as to avoid vision impaired from
it easy for wheelchair users to being hurt.
come in but very dangerous to
The height for the wash basin was
Figure 4.2.1: View the vision impaired.
adjusted according to the Malaysian
towards the musolla standard which requires 750mm high
entrance. for wheelchair users.
Ablution area
Toilets :
The ablution area is designed
properly for the disabled
people. Different level of sink
height is provided for
different type of disability.

Figure 4.2.2: View of the

female ablution area. Toilet area
Corridor in front of the toilets
is wide enough for two
wheelchairs to move side by
side.All the cubical is design
for disabled people.
Provide area for wheelchair user to
pray at female musolla.
Provide ramp at the area as well as
tactile block.

Figure 4.2.3: View of the

toilets. Praying area
There are steps to go to the
praying area.The height of the
switch is accessible by the
wheelchair user.

Figure 4.2.4: View

towards the praying area.
Elements Description of facilities Remarks
4.3 Musolla (male)
Ablutions area The height for the wash basin was
adjusted according to the Malaysian
Male ablution area is
standard which requires 750mm high
accessible and has seating
for wheelchair users.
area.
The height of the sink and
mirror is different for normal
and wheelchair users.
Figure 4.3.1: Male
ablutions area.
Praying area
There is special place
provided for wheelchair users
to pray at the side of the
praying hall.

Figure 4.3.2: Praying area

for wheelchair user.
4.4 Hostel
The hostels are located in The corridor is wide enough to enable
front of the indoor court and two wheelchair users to move side by
near to the main facilities side.Protruding column is dangerous to
such as workshop, musolla, the vision impaired.
dining area and others. This
Provide guiding and warning block to
four stories hostel equipped
guide vision impaired to move along
with lifts and ramps inside for
the corridor.
accessibility of the occupants.
Space Specifications
Figure 4.4.1: View
towards hostel. •Naturally ventilated with
windows and fans
•Cement render floor for
rooms and walkway while
ceramic floor for toilets and
washing area.
Facilities
• Reading area
Figure 4.4.2: Views of • Washing area
corridor in front of the
dorm. • Ramp and railings
• Lifts
• Toilet
• Musolla
• Drying area
• Store
Elements Description of facilities Remarks

Reading area The height of the screen needs to be

adjusted to be suitable with the
The reading area is equipped
audience views.
with audio visual aid for
learning purpose.

Figure 4.4.3: Views of the

Audio Visual Room

Drying area
The drying panel is provided Need to provide drying panel that can
for wheelchair users only. Not be adjusted according to the height of
suitable as the area is quite the users.Relocate the area or allow
dark for drying area as there is more natural day lighting at the area.
not enough day lighting.

Figure 4.4.4: View of the

dying yard
Washing area.
Washing machine with
different height is provided
for different type of users.

Figure 4.4.5: View of the

washing area.

Toilet.
The sink height is only Provide different height of sink for
suitable for one type of user. different type of users.
The toilet bowl with flip top is
good for the disabled people
as they can seat on it without
fear to fall inside the bowl.
Figure 4.4.6: View inside
the toilet.
Elements Description of facilities Remarks

Figure 4.4.7: View of the

toilet area.
Seat is provided inside the
shower to help those who are
unable to stand. The height of
the tap is suitable for people
who is seating.

Figure 4.4.8: View of the Door

shower area.
Door Refer to Code on Accessibility (2007)
All the door size is wide
allowing the comfortable
movement of wheelchair
users.
The door is swing outside for
easy movement of the
wheelchair.
Figure 4.4.9: Types of
door used.
Ramp
The ramp that is provided at
the hostel area for means of Ramp
movement and escapes have
Provide handrails along the ramp as to
gentle gradient.
assists the disable people.

Figure 4.4.10: Ramp

provided at the hostel.
Elements Description of facilities Remarks
Musolla Allow more natural day lighting inside
the area.
The Musolla have different
height of sink for different
type of users.
Not enough day lighting at the
area
Figure 4.4.7: View of the
musolla area.

The drawers need to be adjusted at

Hostel
height that is accessible to the
The room is quite spacious wheelchair users.
with wide space to maneuver
around.
Adequate natural day lighting
Figure 4.4.8: View of the for the rooms.
ablution area.

Figure 4.4.9: View of the

dorm area.
4.5 Administration
building The administrative building is
equipped with automatic chair
which carry disabled person
or age people from downstairs
to upstairs. This system is the
best alternative to replace the
use of lift inside the buildings
if the building is only a few
stories.
Figure 4.5.1: View of the
chair.
Elements Description of facilities Remarks
4.6 Rehabilitation
Area Occupational therapy unit Occupational therapy unit
Occupational therapy offers
assessment, hand function
training, early intervention
programme, activity of daily
living training, cognitive &
attention training, fine &
gross motor training, sensory
Figure 4.6.1: View inside integration treatment, oral-
the occupational therapy facial muscle training, visual
unit. perception training, social
interaction skills training
(Group therapy), behavioural
modification, sensory
stimulations, stress
management and others .
Physiotherapy unit.
Physiotherapy treatment offer
Figure 4.6.2: View inside Electrotherapy, Rehabilitation
the physiotherapy unit. for sports injury patients.
Spinal cord injury
rehabilitation, Exercise
regimes for post operation
conditions. Physiotherapy
treatment will help people
with disability to regain and
improve physical functions, to
enhance patient's quality of
Figure 4.6.3: View inside life, provide pain management
the rehabilitation ward. and offer education.
Some of the facilities inside
the unit are hydrotheraphy
room, electrotheraphy and
physical training room.
4.7 Prosthethic Unit
Prosthetic unit offers hand on Enhance the circulation of users for the
job training based on request unit to smoothen the work flow.
from client.
Consists of a few rooms from
consultation rooms with client
to the manufacturing area.

Figure 4.7.1: View inside

the rehabilitation ward.
Elements Description of facilities Remarks
4.8 Workshop and
classroom

There are two sewing

classroom at the centre

Figure 4.8.1: View inside

the sewing classroom.

Art and batik classroom is

located inside the same
workshop area. This
vocational course is the
easiest courses offered for low
IQ people.
Figure 4.8.2: View inside
art classroom.

Figure 4.8.4: View inside

electronik workshop.
4.9 Canteen The canteen is located near
the musolla, at the focal point
of the centre as to minimize
the walking distance for
people to walk from the main
administration building,
hostels, workshop, classroom
and other places.

Figure 4.6.3: View inside

the rehabilitation ward.
CONCLUSION

This paper describes the criteria of design for spaces and facilities for PWD‟s training centre. After
analyzing and synthesizing the literature review and the case studies, it can be concluded that the
existing training centre needs to upgrade certain facilities that they have. They also need to renovate
and provide facilities needed for vision impaired such as tactile guiding and warning block. It is highly
recommended that the training centre should have all the facilities under one roof which will decrease
the need to travel from one place to another place and decrease the transportations cost. The
management of the centre could become more systematic and manageable.

The research carried out in Bangi Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre will be the basis for
future Training Centre with Living Environment for people with disabilities that integrate training,
therapy and rehabilitation,residential area as well as commercial area.

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