Corporate Solutions
The Disability Access Service can provide your company with a complete consultancy package.
This means we can take responsibility of coordinating and implementing your DDA policies, liaising with your key user groups, monitoring progress and putting disability equality into practice, initiating reviews and evaluating outcomes.
Our ability to plan, co-ordinate and put into action your commitment to providing best disability practice throughout your business means you will be able to concentrate on other issues knowing that we are looking after your disability affairs.
Our access auditing department is headed by, Mark Jensen, BSc (Hons), MRICS, MaPS, NRAC Consultant, one of the leading names in access auditing in the North West.
Access Audits
An Access Audit is benchmarked against the requirements of BS8300:2001 (Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people), Part M of the Building Regulations and any local Council Policy. This is the most up to date guidance available and is used for reference points throughout the report.
There is however, no policing of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 or BS8300:2001 and strict compliance will not absolve service providers from taking other steps to meet the requirements of the Act, e.g. management issues.
The access audit is only the first step on the way to fulfilling the duties under the DDA. The audit will produce a report, benchmarked against 'best practice' which is to be used in preparation of an Access Action Plan. The report will cover the physical features of the building including approaches, steps, ramps, lighting, facilities, etc.
Prior to commencement of the audit, costs and time-frame for implementation of the works is discussed with the client and forms part of the report.
Project Management and Action Plan Implementation
Our access auditing department have a full range of design, financial control, health & safety and contract administrators experienced in the implementation of a wide range of projects.
We can act solely as Access Consultants identifying barriers to access and developing solutions with the client's own team or can deliver a 'one-stop-shop' service providing complete solutions through an integrated package of services which include product sourcing.
Development of In-House Design Standards and Manuals
This service provides support to your company on all aspects of disability matters. The Disability Access Service will provide on-going support to your business, working in partnership to achieve best disability practice in employment, accessible buildings, services and customer-service provision.
Our support programme is flexible and provides a personal contact to enable you to take a practical approach in identifying your strengths and areas of improvement.
Education and Training
Initial disability awareness training sessions can be given to provide background information, break down any barriers with disabled people and to leave staff with a process for recognising potential access improvements.
Bespoke training directed at the clients needs can also be provided in the following areas:
- Design and Disability
- The Legislative Framework
- Principles into Practice
- The Audit and Appraisal Process
- Case Studies
- Action Plan implementation
Research and Development Partnerships
The Disability access Service can undertake research into specific areas of accessibility both on physical access and service provision. This can benefit clients who are in a specialist field or where there is limited guidance available for reference and support.
Consultation with User Groups
The Disability access Service can provide your company with a 'one-stop-shop' consultancy. This means we can take the responsibility to drive your policies forward, liaising with your key user groups, monitoring progress and disability equality into practice, initiating reviews and evaluating outcomes.
Our ability to plan, co-ordinate and put into action your commitment to providing best disability practice throughout your business means you will be able to concentrate on other issues knowing that we are looking after your disability affairs.
Design Appraisals
A design appraisal considers the likely barriers of access to a building during the design phase of a new development rather than following the completion and occupation of a property.
We are able to work in conjunction with your existing architects through all phases of design and development including not only the structure of the properties themselves, but also to fit-out and display equipment to ensure that all aspects of new buildings comply with the legislation and best practice. This invaluable and extremely cost effective service tailors neatly with your existing design team and all communication can be carried out by e-mail including plans and facilities.
For further information regarding our access auditing and consultancy program, or for advice regarding any aspects of the Disability Discrimination Act and your companies obligations under it please contact one of our trained advisors on 0870 757 8487 9am to 5pm