A recent assessment of earthquake risk to Quito, Ecuador, concluded that many of its public schools are vulnerable to collapse during major earthquakes. A subsequent examination of 60 buildings identified 15 high-risk buildings. These schools were retrofitted to meet standards that would prevent injury even during Quito's largest earthquakes. US…

Research suggests that there is a positive relationship between low socioeconomic status and the occurrence of physical disabilities. Therefore, designing educational buildings that are accessible to the handicapped is one way to promote social equity. This handbook identifies design guidelines for creating equal access to schools and school…