Often not-for-profit and commercial organisations unwittingly discriminate against people with disabilities and older people due to a lack of understanding and knowledge. With the full implementation of the Disabled Discrimination Act in October 2004, ignorance will not be a defence.
factsinternational.coms consultant on accessibility helps clients enhance their standing and business purpose by ensuring that all can access their services and offerings.
Open To All Access Audit Service
Our Senior Consultant Ursula Craig is a qualified Occupational Therapist. She has over 35 years experience of working with people with disabilities in the community and adapting environments to meet their needs. Ursula has designed and run workshops on Barrier free environments for older and disabled people at the Asia Institute of Technology in Thailand, and in Singapore and China.
While holding senior positions for local authorities both in Scotland and London, Ursula briefed architects and housing departments on access solutions. She has been part of a team developing the design for special needs housing. Ursula has also advised post offices, churches and public halls on how to overcome access issues, being mindful of cost implications.
What is an Access Audit?
It is an examination of a building, facilities and services against pre-determined criteria to assess its ease of use by a wide range of potential users, in particular, people with physical mobility and sensory impairments. Meeting the Disabled Discrimination Act 1995 requirements does not necessarily incur high costs.
Why undertake an access audit? There are several positive reasons for carrying out an access audit:
What does an Access Audit cover?
Getting to the premises - access from road or car park, lighting, signage, surfaces and street furniture
Getting into the premises entrance, steps, thresholds, doors, lobby/reception area, seating, and lighting
Getting around the premises corridors, doors, stairs, lifts, signage, floor surfaces, tonal contrasts and lighting
Using the services in the premises toilets, washrooms, changing and bathrooms, bedrooms, eating areas, bar, room layout, lighting, heating, switches, handles, seating, furniture, telephone, alarm, health and safety issues, management and staff attitudes
Exploring alternative ways of providing access to services where a physical feature makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for a service to be accessed. For example, offering a home service, installing a call bell for help at an approved height, providing a piece of equipment or offering extra assistance from trained staff
Getting out of the building in an emergency fire exits, emergency routes, lighting and warning systems and safe refuge
Marketing and communication materials publicity materials both printed and websites, menus, training materials and manuals, instruction sheets, suggestion forms etc.
What form will the Access Report take?
The information, in the easy to follow Report, will be listed under six headings: Feature, Observations, Photograph, Recommendations, Cost Guidance and Priority Action.
You will also be provided with information on colour and contrast, product information and where it can be accessed.
Cost of an Access Audit
The cost of an Access Audit will vary depending on the size of the premises and the nature of the business or undertaking. factsinternational.coms Open To All service is charged on an hourly fee basis, plus travel costs.
To carry out an audit we shall examine the premises and the service provided; hold discussions with the proprietor and/or staff; provide a written Report of options and actions to be considered; and provide telephone follow up to discuss the Reports findings.
For example an Access Audit Report for a small hotel, guesthouse, church or village hall could cost as little as £350.
We can also provide rough outline drawings; product literature and carry out additional site visits to brief an architect/builder/product manufacturer, if appropriate.
If you would like to know more about our Open To All service and have an access audit carried out we should be happy to discuss your needs.
Please contact Ursula Craig at 01436 842530 or
E-mail: info@factsinternational.com
