Access consultancy

An access audit can help clients meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. It will assess all the facets of the venue, externally and internally in relation to inclusive design/disability access. The procedure will help to identify aspects of provision that can be reasonably changed/removed that prove to be a barrier to disabled people. It will also include how the building is mananged and the use of appropriate equipment such as auxiliary aids and hearing enhancements systems. Many proprietors and managers are afraid of what an access audit will reveal in how accessible their service is to disabled people or not. However, many of the recommendations made are often inexpensive, and easy to implement.

We can advise on what level of access audit is needed, standards and legislation that should be adhered to, and how to deal with the outcomes of the audit.

Most organisations will offer three level of audits as follows:

Level 1: Walk and Talk Access Audit may provide an overview of the accessibility of your environment. The auditor will walk the public route around your premises to experience the service provided, pointing out and discussing access issues that arise.

Level 2: Walk and Talk Access Audit with a written summary is the same as Level 1, with provision of a short written summary of any access discussions

Level 3: Detailed Access Audit Report Full assessment of external route and inside the building to identify any barriers to the service provision. A detailed written report with digital imagery should be included. Audits will need to be carried out in line current legislation of Part M of the Building regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act, and incorporate specifications as contained within BS: 8300; 2001. Successful access audits will help and encourage Proprietors to exceed these regulations when implementing improvements, include recommendations for good practice: use guidance from DETR and Joint Mobility Unit Publications, Rainbow Project and also information from the Centre of Accessible Environments and as a result, Proprietors should be able to make immediate adjustments deemed necessary and plan more long-term adjustments as part of on-going maintenance schedules.