Automatic Doors and Accessibility: Why ‘Wave to Open’ Isn’t Always Inclusive

Automatic doors are a staple in modern architecture, offering convenience, aesthetics, and seamless access in commercial, industrial, and residential spaces. But for people with disability, these doors are not just a matter of convenience, they are a gateway to independence, dignity, and safety.

Unfortunately, not all automatic door systems deliver true accessibility. As Bruce Bromley, Building Surveyor and Access Consultant at Disability Access Consultants, explains in his article “Why ‘Wave to Open’ and ‘Wave to Lock’ Discriminate Against People with Disability”, many designs, especially wave-activated sensors, unintentionally exclude the very users they aim to support.

This article explores the critical relationship between automatic doors and accessibility, the flaws in current approaches, and how to implement systems that truly serve everyone.

Why Automatic Doors Matter for Accessibility

For people living with disability, automatic doors are not a luxury, they are an essential feature that enables equal access to buildings and services.

These doors benefit users with:

• Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, scooters)
• Limited upper body strength
• Visual impairments
• Neurological or musculoskeletal conditions
• Temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs)

From hospitals and shopping centres to schools, offices, and apartment buildings, well-designed automatic doors provide:

• Independent and dignified entry
• Safer and faster movement during emergencies
• Reduced reliance on others or staff assistance

Compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and AS 1428.1: Design for Access and Mobility (PDF download).

The Inclusion Problem: “Wave to Open” and “Wave to Lock” Systems

Touchless “wave to open” sensors became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced as a way to reduce surface contact in shared spaces. However, as Bromley argues, these systems often fail to accommodate the needs of people with disability.

He highlights several groups particularly disadvantaged by wave-based door controls — including people with vision impairment, intellectual disability, and those who are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD).

“How do you explain what ‘wave’ means to a person with vision impairment? Is it a big wave, a little wave, a side-to-side wave or even a Queen Elizabeth type wave?”

He goes on to question how a person with low vision is meant to identify where and how long to wave — especially without tactile or auditory cues. These design gaps create uncertainty, reliance on others, and can reduce a user’s independence and dignity.

Bromley also notes serious privacy and safety risks, citing examples from educational facilities where wave sensors installed in accessible toilets were triggered accidentally during transfers:

“Imagine, as an organisation, the breach of privacy for the staff or students if the door opens whilst the user is partially naked within the facility.”

These examples illustrate how a system designed for hygiene and convenience may unintentionally create barriers — particularly when used without alternative options, such as tactile push buttons or accessible activation points.

Common Problems with Wave-Based Systems

• Require upper-limb movement: Users must raise, aim, and wave their hand in front of a sensor.
• Depend on visual cues: Visually impaired users may not locate or align with the sensor.
• Lack redundancy: If wave is the only method of activation, there’s no accessible alternative.
• Poor sensor placement: Often installed too high or in hard-to-reach areas.

These issues illustrate why “high-tech” isn’t always “inclusive”. Good accessibility comes from user-centered design, not just automation.

Inclusive Solutions for Automatic Doors

To deliver true accessibility, automatic door systems must be designed with diverse users in mind. Here’s how to get it right:

Accessible Push-Button Controls

• Large, easy-to-press, and placed at a height between 900 mm and 1200 mm, as outlined in AS 1428.1.
• Tactile or Braille labels help users with visual impairments.

Remote Access Options

• Use RFID cards, key fobs, or mobile apps for touch-free access.
• Ideal for residential complexes, aged care, and disability housing.

Adjusted Opening Times

• Automatic doors can remain open for longer durations or be programmed to respond to building use (e.g., timed entry periods in schools or offices).

Multiple Activation Methods

• Combine motion sensors, push buttons, and keypad/intercom access to suit different users.
• Ensure at least one method complies with Building Code of Australia (BCA) access provisions.

Visible and Audible Indicators

• Flashing lights or beeps can signal door movement for users with hearing or vision impairments.

Compliance and Standards to Know

When planning or retrofitting automatic doors in Australia, consider the following standards and codes:

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 – Federal legislation requiring equal access to premises.
• AS 1428.1: Design for Access and Mobility (PDF Download) – Prescribes access features like clear openings, button placement, and reach ranges.
• AS 5007: Powered Doors for Pedestrian Access and Egress – Covers performance and safety requirements for automatic doors.
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Mandates access requirements for new and altered buildings.

What an Accessibility Review Should Test

A site review should not assume that a touch-free sensor is accessible simply because it is automatic. The review should document how people with different mobility, reach, vision and dexterity can approach, activate and pass through the door. Common issues to test include:

• The wave sensor was mounted too high
• No alternative activation existed
• Dwell time was too short, risking entrapment

Potential Remediation Options

• Automatic sliding doors using radar and button access
• Accessible push plates positioned within the required reach range for the site and its users
• Appropriate dwell time with presence and safety sensing

The appropriate combination depends on the doorway, circulation space, user group and building requirements. Do not treat a product feature as proof of compliance: have the completed design checked against the applicable Australian Standards, NCC provisions and anti-discrimination obligations.

How We Help: Accessible Door Solutions in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & NSW

As specialists in automatic door installation, we help businesses, councils, and strata managers design and upgrade entry systems that:

• Meet all relevant access and safety standards
• Are easy to use for everyone
• Incorporate smart, compliant access control systems
• Enhance security, hygiene, and operational flow

Whether you’re managing a shopping centre in Sydney, a warehouse in Melbourne, or a residential building in Brisbane, we can recommend the right solution.

Explore our:

• Accessible Automatic Sliding Doors

Final Thoughts: Build for People, Not Just Performance

As Bruce Bromley reminds us, automatic doors must be part of a universal design strategy — not just a technical upgrade. True accessibility comes from listening to users, understanding diverse needs, and designing with dignity in mind.

Convenience should never come at the cost of inclusion.

FAQs: Automatic Doors & Accessibility

Do I have to install automatic doors to comply with accessibility laws?

Not in every case, but buildings open to the public — including shops, offices, health services, and apartments — must provide non-discriminatory access under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Are wave sensors considered accessible?

Not on their own. If wave-to-open is the only activation method, it may breach accessibility standards. Always provide at least one alternative method (e.g. push button or remote).

What are the key Australian Standards for automatic doors?

• AS 1428.1 (PDF Download) – Design for Access and Mobility
• AS 5007 – Powered doors for pedestrian access and egress
• National Construction Code – Construction and access compliance

Can automatic doors improve energy efficiency too?

Yes. When properly sealed and timed, automatic doors reduce energy loss and help maintain internal temperatures, especially when integrated into commercial access control systems.

Ready to Upgrade Your Entryways?

We supply and install accessible automatic door systems across:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Greater NSW

Contact us today for a consultation, or explore our automatic access solutions online.