The 2024 Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, also known as the Accessibility Law, updates and strengthens the standards for accessible design in the Philippines to ensure that buildings, facilities, streets, and public utilities are truly barrier-free and inclusive for persons with disabilities (PWDs). It introduces clearer technical specifications for ramps, handrails, parking spaces, signage, tactile and visual cues, and other accessibility features in both public and private developments. The amended IRR emphasizes universal design principles, improved wayfinding, and safer circulation, requiring compliance as a prerequisite for building permits and occupancy. Overall, it aligns accessibility requirements with modern design practices and international standards to promote equal access and participation for all.
DROPPED SIDEWALK
B. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS
1. Dropped Sidewalks
1.1. Dropped sidewalks shall be provided at pedestrian crossings and at the end of walkways of a private street or access road.
1.2. Dropped sidewalks at crossings shall have a width corresponding to the width of the crossing.
1.3. For crossings and walkways less than 1500 mm in width, the base/level surface at the bottom of the ramp shall have a minimum depth of 1500 mm with a width corresponding to the width of the crossing.
1.4. For crossings and walkways less than 1500 mm in width, the base/level surface at the bottom of the ramp shall have a minimum width corresponding to the width of the crossing (4000 mm minimum for national roads and as mandated by Local Ordinances for local roads).
1.5. Dropped sidewalks shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum cross gradient of 1:100 (1%) to prevent water from collecting.
1.6. The difference in elevation between the base/level area of a dropped sidewalk from the road or gutter shall not exceed 19 mm.
1.7. Provide the following signage:
a. Pole mounted signage, 600 mm x 600 mm in size and mounted at a minimum clear height of 2200 mm from the sidewalk floor. Pole mounted signs (planted) shall not obstruct the path of pedestrians. {Refer to DPWH Guidelines (Road Signs and Pavement Marking Manual) for installing pole mounted signs on sidewalks.} Pole mounted signs shall incorporate the International Symbol of Access (Please refer to 5.1).
b. Pavement sign painted or marked on the ramp complying with the following:
i. a square with dimensions of at least 600 mm (for ramps less than 1200 mm wide) but not more than 800 mm (for ramps 1200 mm and wider);
ii. be located at the center of each ramp;
iii. Pavement signs shall incorporate the International Symbol of Access (Please refer to 5.1).
CURB RAMP
2. Curb Ramps
2.1. Curb ramps shall only be allowed when it will not obstruct a sidewalk/walkway or in any way lessen the width of a sidewalk/walkway or lessen the level/turning area of 1500 mm x 1500 mm. Curb ramps shall only be allowed if the width of sidewalks/walkways are more than 3300 mm with a corresponding curb height of 150 mm, otherwise dropped sidewalks shall be used.
2.2. For drop off points for persons with disabilities at loading bays, the minimum width of a curb ramp shall be 900 mm.2.2. For drop off points for persons with disabilities at loading bays, the minimum width of a curb ramp shall be 900 mm.
2.3. Curb ramps shall have a gradient not steeper than 1:15. Provide the following signage:
a. Pole mounted signage, 600 mm x 600 mm in size and mounted at a minimum clear height of 2200 mm from the sidewalk floor. Pole mounted signs (planted) shall not obstruct the path of pedestrian. (Refer to DPWH guidelines for installing pole mounted signs on sidewalks.) Pole mounted signs shall incorporate the International Symbol of Access (Please refer to 5.1).
b. Pavement sign painted or marked on the ramp complying with the following:
i. a square with dimensions of at least 600 mm (for ramps less than 1200 mm wide) but not more than 800 mm (for ramps 1200 mm and wider);
ii. be located at the center of the ramp;
2.4. Pavement signs shall incorporate the International Symbol of Access.
WALKWAYS, SIDEWALKS, STREET CROSSINGS
3. Pathways, Sidewalks and Walkways
3.1. The gradient along the length of pathways, sidewalks, and walkways shall be kept as level as possible and shall be slip resistant in both wet and dry conditions.
3.2. Whenever and wherever possible, sidewalks/walkways shall have a gradient not steeper than 1:20 or 5%.
3.3. Sidewalks/walkways shall have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100 or 1%.
3.4. Sidewalks, walkways, and pathways shall have a minimum width of 1500 millimeters. Where space is required for two (2) wheelchairs to pass, the minimum width shall be 1800 mm.
3.5. If possible, gratings shall never be located along sidewalks/walkways. When occurring along sidewalks/walkways, grills of grating openings shall:
a. be perpendicular to line of travel
b. have a maximum clear spacing of 13 mm between members (each way);
c. not be projected nor be recessed more than 6mm above or below level of the sidewalk/walkway.
3.6. Sidewalks/walkways shall have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in angle or interruptions by cracks or breaks creating edges above 6 mm.
3.7. In lengthy or busy pathways, sidewalks, and walkways, spaces shall be provided at some point along the route, so that a wheelchair may pass another or turn around. These spaces shall have a minimum clear dimension of 1800 mm and shall be spaced at a maximum distance of 12000 mm between rest stops. Turnabout spaces shall also be provided at or within 3500 mm of every dead-end corridor.
3.8. To guide the person with visual disabilities, sidewalks/walkways shall follow straightforward routes with right angle turns.
3.9. Directional Tactile Blocks shall be installed at free and unobstructed walkways/sidewalks/pathways.
3.10. Where planting is provided adjacent to the sidewalk/walkway, regular trimming is essential to ensure that branches of trees or shrubs do not extend beyond sidewalks/walkways or paths, as not only do these present a particular danger to the person with visual disabilities, but they also reduce the effective sidewalk/walkway width available to pedestrians in general.
3.11. Sidewalk/walkway headroom shall not be less than 2200 mm and preferably higher.
3.12. Sidewalks/walkways shall not be obstructed by street furniture, bollards, signposts or columns electrical utility poles, or telecommunications utility poles along the defined route as they can be hazardous to persons with disabilities. In the presence of support pillars, columns, or other barriers, a minimum clearance of at least 900mm shall be maintained for unobstructed passage.
3.13. For pathways, walkways, and sidewalks using paver blocks provide a minimum 1200 mm wide concrete wheelchair lane.
3.14. Full weather protection shall be provided at entrances and exits, including approaching pathways, sidewalks, and walkways.
4. Open Spaces
4.1. Where open spaces are provided, persons with visual disabilities can become particularly disoriented. Therefore, it is extremely helpful if sidewalks/walkways or paths shall be provided with defined edges either through the use of planters with edge protection, or a grass verge (Fig. B.3.4 & Fig. B.3.5), or similar, which provides a texture different from the path.
4.2. Tactile floor surfaces and markings shall be provided and installed in Open Spaces in accordance to the Signage and Wayfinding section of this IRR
4.3. Where there is a direct drop of 200 mm or more along the access route, an edge protection at least 100 mm in height and 100 mm in width shall be provided;
4.4. Pedestrian-Centric Priority Zones shall be provided in commercial establishments to create a feeling of safety particularly for persons with disabilities.
5. Crossings
In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all crossings at grade shall:
5.1 Be as perpendicular as possible to the carriageway.
5.2 Be located at the narrowest, most convenient part of the carriageway for mid-block crossings.
5.3 Have a median/island of at least 1500 mm in depth, preferably 2000 mm, provided as a pedestrian refuge, where the width of carriageway to be crossed exceeds 10000 mm or at least 4 lanes.
5.4 Pedestrian crossings shall not be located at street corners but at a minimum distance of 2000 mm from the corner.
5.5 Provide directional tactile strips in the immediate vicinity of crossings as aid to persons with visual disabilities.
5.6 Secondary national and local roads with pedestrian crossings shall be provided with light controlled pedestrian crossing signals with synchronized audible pedestrian traffic signals.
5.7 The audible pedestrian traffic signal used for crossings shall be easily distinguishable from other sounds in the environment, to prevent confusion to the blind. A prolonged sound shall be audible to warn persons with visual disabilities that the traffic signals are about to change.
5.8 The flashing green period required for persons with disabilities shall be determined on the basis of a walking speed of 900 mm/sec. rather than 1200 mm/sec., which is what is normally used. The minimum period for the steady green (for pedestrians) shall be the crossing distance times 900 mm/sec. (Refer to Traffic Engineering Center Guidelines for Pedestrians with Disabilities).
6. Bollards
6.1 Bollards along the accessible routes shall have a minimum clear distance of 900 mm between bollards. They shall not be linked with a chain or rope.
6.2 Bollards shall have smooth surfaces, free from protrusions or sharp edges.
6.3 Bollards shall have a minimum height of 800mm.
6.4 Bollards shall have a minimum luminance contrast of 30% from their surroundings. To enhance visibility, provide a reflective band around the neck of the bollard.6. Bollards
6.1 Bollards along the accessible routes shall have a minimum clear distance of 900 mm between bollards. They shall not be linked with a chain or rope.
6.2 Bollards shall have smooth surfaces, free from protrusions or sharp edges.
6.3 Bollards shall have a minimum height of 800mm.
6.4 Bollards shall have a minimum luminance contrast of 30% from their surroundings. To enhance visibility, provide a reflective band around the neck of the bollard.
D. SAFETY
1. Fencing for Excavations on Roads and Sidewalks
All excavations, whether on the road or footway shall be adequately protected or fenced-in to protect pedestrians in general and persons with disabilities in particular. Whatever the type of fencing used, it is important that the railings shall incorporate the following features;
1.1 The height of the top of the rail shall be at least 1000 mm above the adjacent surface;
1.2 The railings shall incorporate a tapping rail to assist the blind, this shall not be greater than 350 mm above the adjacent surface;
1.3 The fence shall be strong enough to offer resistance should a blind person walk into it;
1.4 Adjoining fence lengths shall be continuous without gaps.
2. Covers for Excavations
2.1 Excavations in the footway or carriageway where pedestrians may walk shall be covered temporarily with properly constructed and supported boards to provide a safe path for pedestrians;
2.2 If the footway width will be reduced to less than 1200 mm because of the excavation, the temporary covering shall extend across the whole footway;
2.3 Minimum dimensions at obstructions
a. If a service animal is not allowed to accompany its handler to a specific location, alternative accommodation shall be provided, such as providing a designated waiting area.
b. Effective width of footways adjacent to any obstruction shall not be less than 1200 mm.
c. If unavoidable, loose materials temporarily stored on footways shall be properly fenced and prevented from encroaching onto the main footway by the use of a kickboard at least 200 mm high which may also serve as tapping board for the blind;
3. Signage for Roadworks on the Carriageway
Temporary signs used to warn of roadworks shall be carefully located and shall not cause any inconvenience or obstruction to pedestrians with disabilities. (See Section on Signage and Wayfinding.)
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
6. Parking
6.1. Accessible Parking Slot Requirement. Where parking slots are required, the number of accessible parking slots shall be for vehicles driven by persons with disabilities or vehicles with passengers with disabilities and shall be in accordance with Table A.4.1. The passenger with disability shall be inside the vehicle to be allowed to use the accessible parking slots.
6.2. Parking slot for persons with disabilities shall allow enough space for a person to transfer from a vehicle to a wheelchair.
6.3. Accessible parking slot shall be located nearest to accessible main entrances.
6.4. Persons with disabilities shall be on board the vehicle to be able to use the reserved parking slot for persons with disabilities (for control use).
6.5. Access parking placards with the control number and PWD ID shall be conspicuously hung on the rear-view mirror of the vehicle.
6.6. Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking slots shall be perpendicular or to an angle to the road or circulation aisles.
6.7. Accessible parking slots shall have:
a. A minimum width of 4000 mm and a length of 5000 mm. The additional 1500 mm width, in comparison to the average parking slot, is intended to ensure that the adjacent pathway adequately accommodates wheelchair passage.
b. A walkway with a minimum clear width of 1200 mm provided between the front ends of parked cars.
c. Dropped sidewalks or curb ramps leading to the parking level where access walkways are raised.
d. Pavement markings and fixed pole mounted signage shall be provided between two (2) or more adjacent accessible parking slots.
e. Have a firm, level surface without aeration slabs.
6.8. Parking slots for persons with disabilities shall never be located in ramped or sloping areas.
6.9. For multi-story indoor parking structures, accessible parking slots shall be located right next to accessible elevators, or as close as possible to accessible pedestrian entrances.
6.10. In buildings with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible parking slots shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances.
6.11. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, accessible parking shall be located at the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility.
6.12. For all accessible parking slots, provide the following signage:
a. Pole mounted parking signage, 600 mm x 600 mm in size and mounted at a minimum clear height of 2200 mm from the parking floor.
b. Pavement sign painted or marked on the designated lot shall comply with the following:
i. a square with dimensions of at least 1000 mm but not more than 1500 mm.
ii. located in the center of the accessible parking space.
iii. The International Symbol of Access shall be composed of a white symbolized figure of a person in a wheelchair with a square background in UN Blue Color. The symbolized figure shall always face to the right.
SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING
7. Signage and Wayfinding
7.1. International Symbol of Access
The International Symbol of Access (ISA) shall be composed of a white symbolized figure of a person in a wheelchair with a square background with United Nations Blue background color or Pantone 279 /#5b92E5.
The symbolized figure shall always face to the right. Provide directional arrows when the space/area/function being referred to is to the left.
7.2. Audio, Visual, and Tactile directional and information signage shall be located at points that can be conveniently seen, heard, and felt by all persons with disabilities.
7.3. Signage shall be kept simple and easy to understand. Signage shall use contrasting colors and a minimum luminance contrast of 30% from its surroundings to make detection and reading easy. Tactile maps shall be provided to guide persons with visual disabilities.
7.4. The International Symbol of Access shall be used to designate routes and facilities that are accessible in combination with pictographs. Directional signs incorporating the International Symbol of Access, as shown in Figure A.7.1, shall be installed at passageways, and at points where there are changes in direction to lead persons with disabilities to various facilities such as lifts/elevators, entrances, telephone booths, toilets, parking, and the like.
7.5. Shall a sign protrude into a sidewalk/walkway or route, a minimum vertical clearance of 2200m shall be provided. Obstacles, projections, or other protrusions shall be avoided in pedestrian areas such as sidewalks/walkways, halls, corridors, passageways or aisles. Pedestrians with visual disabilities often travel using the edge of the building line, hence, objects mounted on walls, posts, or sides of buildings, shall therefore not protrude more than 100 mm into sidewalks/walkways and corridors.
7.6. Graphic, text, and Braille signage on walls and doors shall be installed at a maximum height of 1500 mm from the finished floor to the center of the sign.
7.7. The size of door mounted signage for accessible toilets and showers shall be 200 mm x 200 mm.
General note that wall and door mounted signs shall be not less than 200mm x 200mm in size.
7.9. Signage labeling public rooms, areas, and places shall have tactile symbols, letters or numbers that shall be embossed with a minimum height of 1 mm; Braille symbols shall be incorporated in signs indicating public places and safety route.
7.11. Tactile Floor Surfaces
a. Tactile floor surfaces shall be provided to guide people with visual disabilities.
b. Tactile floor surfaces shall be situated at a minimum clear width of 600 mm away from tripping hazards, walls, columns, and other elements that may cause confusion.
c. The material shall be slip-resistant and have durable properties under both dry and wet weather conditions.
d. Appropriate tactile floor surfaces shall be provided in the following areas:
i. Stairways, other than fire exit stairs
ii. Escalators and elevators
iii. Passenger conveyors or walkalators
iv. Ramps other than fire-exit ramps, curb ramps, swimming pool ramps
v. In the absence of suitable protective barriers:
1. Overhead obstructions less than 2000 mm above floor level
2. Areas where pedestrian and vehicular traffic intersect.
vi. Open spaces
vii. At other important points and destinations that completes a user route (but not limited to):
1. Pathways, sidewalks, corridors
2. Entrances and exits
3. Security Screening Areas
4. Ticket and Information Counters
5. Ticket Gates
6. Toilets and Restrooms
7. Tactile Information Maps
8. Accessible Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Kiosks
9. Platform Screen Doors
10. Transit Platforms
e. Tactile floor surfaces shall have a minimum luminance contrast of 50% from adjacent floor finishes.
f. Tactile paths shall be provided on the primary pedestrian route within 500 meters of and inside the buildings. These paths, shall connect key destinations and can be centrally located to indicate suitability for two-way traffic.
i. Security Screening Equipment. At least 1 tactile path shall be provided from the drop-off to the entrance. The tactile path shall guide through the security screening equipment, with warning tactile blocks placed 300 mm before and after the equipment. The path shall be adapted according to the security procedure being implemented.
ii. Ticketing and Information Counters. At least 1 tactile path shall lead to a ticketing and/or information counter equipped with Braille fare tables and displays. The path branching off shall lead to the ticketing and information counters and be designed in a straightforward manner with minimal distance. Warning tactile blocks shall be installed approximately 300 mm in front of the ticketing and information counter.
iii. Ticket Gates. The tactile path shall lead to at least 1 ticket gate per direction of the passenger path or at least at one ticket gate which permits passing through all directions, i.e., bi-directional ticket gates. Warning tactile blocks shall also be installed 300 mm before and after the gate.
iv. Staircases. At least 1 tactile path shall lead to an accessible staircase.
1. If stairs lead to different spaces, i.e., stairs leading to different platforms, then each accessible destination shall be provided with a tactile path.
2. Warning tactile blocks with a depth of 600 mm shall be installed 300mm from the start and end of the staircase and across the entire width.
a) If there is a landing over 3.00 m, warning tactile blocks shall be installed 300 mm from the staircase steps.
b) On a landing with a change of direction, warning tactile blocks shall be installed at the start and finish of the landing. If the distance from the turn to the stairs is insufficient,, alternative arrangements shall be made to mitigate the risk of accidents.
v. Elevators. The tactile path shall prioritize leading to elevators, which are the preferred means of vertical access for Persons with Disabilities. The path shall terminate in front of the Braille-equipped control panel at the waiting lobby, with warning tactile blocks installed 300 mm before the control panel.
vi. Escalators. Warning tactile blocks shall be installed on the terminating floor finish preceding the escalator's metal landing plate. The warning tactile blocks shall have a depth of 600 mm and span the width of the escalator.
vii. Ramps. Warning tactile blocks with a depth of 600 mm shall be installed 300 mm from the start and end of the ramp and across the entire width.
1. On a landing where the ramp changes direction, tactile warning tiles shall also be installed. If the route consists entirely of a ramp, tactile directional tiles shall be installed.
viii. Accessible Toilets. All tactile paths shall be provided with a path leading to the accessible toilets located along the accessible route.
1. The tactile path to the accessible toilets shall lead to the tactile information map, etc., on the wall at the accessible toilet’s entrance/exit. Warning tactile blocks shall be installed 300 mm in front of the tactile information map.
ix. Tactile information maps, etc. Tactile warning tiles shall lead to a tactile information map near the entrance/exit or ticket gate and be placed 300 mm in front of it.
7.12. Tactile Maps
a. Character Proportion
Tactile letters and numbers on signages shall have a width to height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke width to height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10
b. Raised and Braille Characters and Pictorial Symbol Signages (Pictograms)
Letters and numerals shall be raised 0.75 mm, upper case, sans serif or simple serif type and shall be accompanied with Grade 2 Braille. Raised characters shall be at least 16 mm high, but no higher than 50 mm. Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 150 mm minimum in height.
c. Finish and Contrast
The characters and background of signs shall be eggshell, matt or other non-glare finish. Signage shall use light characters on a dark background.
8. Bluetooth Beacons or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Beacons (Talking Signages)
Bluetooth Beacons are navigational aids for the visually impaired in large indoor spaces. Bluetooth Beacons assist those with visual disabilities in navigating between any two points within indoor environments by allowing users equipped with smartphones to interact with low-energy Bluetooth-based beacons deployed strategically within the indoor space to navigate their surroundings.
9. Hearing Enhancement Systems
9.1. Hearing Enhancement Systems, or assistive listening device, enhance the listening experience of individuals with hard of hearing. These shall be provided in:
a. In rooms used for meetings and lectures, function rooms, halls, and auditoriums used for meetings, lectures, performances, or films;
b. At least one (1) public information/service counters for cinemas, theaters, concert halls, stadiums, museums, theme parks, purpose-built family amusement centers, sports complexes, public swimming pools, hospitals, clinics, transport stations, interchanges, and passenger terminals.
9.2. Experts shall be consulted when choosing the most suitable hearing enhancement system for specific situations and purposes.
9.3. When hearing enhancement systems are provided to aid individuals who have hearing disabilities, the international symbol of access for hearing loss, as shown in the figure below, shall be conspicuously displayed.
INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES (ENTRANCES, DOORS, CORRIDORS)
C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
1. Accessible Entrances
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