Don’t be DDA compliance is a commonly used but somewhat meaningless term. The DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) was always non-prescriptive in terms of building access but in any case it was replaced by the Equality Act in 2010.
The term usually means only basic access, broadly meeting most of the standards outlined in the Approved Document to Part M of the Building Regulations; these should be seen as a starting point and not a destination.
Inclusive environments go much further, observing best practice in design to cater for people with physical, sensory and/or cognitive impairments, people with different cultural needs, and ages – from babies to senior years. The well-known British Standard BS8300 2010 is just one source of general best practice guidance and there are regional and industry-specific guides to supplement these as well as ongoing research in this area. Almost all businesses have duties under the Equality Act, either as an employer, landlord, education or goods and services provider. Discrimination occurs in a number of ways, not just through barriers in the built environment, so it is essential to also consider how customers or service users are treated and access goods and services, the use of assistive technology and the way information is provided (even via a website).
There is no mandatory duty to audit buildings or services, but it is a cost effective way to identify barriers in buildings, particularly at design stage. A comprehensive audit can also assess procedures and information, individual workspace assessments and evacuation plans. Jean Hewitt is a London-based specialist and an accredited access consultant with the National Register of Access Consultants. Services include auditing, design appraisals, evacuation and management advice and training to the public, commercial and voluntary sectors throughout the UK to help clients achieve truly inclusive environments.
Contact: [email protected], www.jean-hewitt.co.uk Tel 01707 251246
