A seminar focusing on accessibility for the physically challenged, disabled or mobility-impaired is to look at the newly adopted Bermuda Building Code 2014, which incorporates new provisions for accessibility.

The Ministry of Health, Seniors and the Environment is hosting the event, which will be presented by a specialist.

Richard Duncan, the executive director of the RL Mace Universal Design Institute, will look at access to marinas and docks, along with accessible restrooms, and will explain how to avoid a range of common compliance problems.

This is Mr Duncan’s second visit to present a seminar. He was in Bermuda last year to talk about attractive and fashionable options for accessible design.

Gordon Ness, of the Department of Planning, will introduce the new Building Code.

Keith Simmons, Bermuda’s accessibility officer, explained that because the Island had just adopted the new standards, it made this seminar an important one. In the long term, he said, the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged was aiming to have a “barrier-free Bermuda — accessible from birth to death”.

He said that the new code moved along that path, addressing recreational facilities for the first time, with docks, marinas, park lands and mini golf addressed.

“These are the areas we really want to address because of the questions we have received, and people want to know how to address them,” he added.

Mr Simmons reflected on the introduction of ramps from roads to pavements in the City of Hamilton more than a decade ago. As well as benefiting those who are physically challenged, the Corporation of Hamilton received feedback from others.

“We got a lot of thank yous from movers, and from new mothers with strollers. That one step makes that difference,” he said.

The National Office is also raising awareness of people with hidden disabilities, such as those who suffer from heart disease and COPD, who may not be able to manage a set of stairs.

The Accessibility Seminar will be held tomorrow at the Bermuda Public Services Union on Angle Street, Hamilton. Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment Jean Atherden will give opening remarks. To attend, visit the BPSU headquarters tomorrow and sign up between 8.30am and 9am. It will run until 3pm, and breakfast and lunch will be served.