Inclusive environments

Question 1

What is inclusive environment?

Answer 1

Inclusive design is about making places everyone can use. It aims to remove the barriers that create undue effort and separation and enables everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday activities. An inclusive approach to design offers new insights into the way we interact with the built environment. It creates new opportunities to deploy creative and problem-solving skills.

Question 2

What is the difference between accessible and inclusive design solution?

Answer 2

Inclusive design goes beyond just physical access – such as the inclusion of ramps or lifts – to remove the barriers that create undue effort and separation
It enables everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday activities. Improvements to accessibility can also improve usability and make an environment more inclusive overall.

Accessible Solution - A revolving door with a side entrance provides an accessible solution, but requires some users to take a different rout.

Inclusive solution-A highly visible entrance which provides a swing door and level access for all users, is an inclusive approach.

Question 3

What is the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 3

The Equality Act 2010 is an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom with primary purpose to legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society that formed the basis of anti-discrimination law in Great Britain.
It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations. It sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone.
Before the Act came into force there were several pieces of legislation to cover discrimination, including:
Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Race Relations Act 1976
Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Question 4

What is the impact of the Equality Act 2010 on construction projects?

Answer 4

• Whilst the accessible design of buildings is regulated by the Building Regulations Part M: Access to and use of buildings, the Equality Act does require “reasonable adjustments” to be made when providing access to goods, facilities, services and premises. The duty to make reasonable adjustments is set out in paragraph 2 of both Schedule 2 (in relation to public authorities and service providers); Schedule 8 (in relation to employers) and Schedule 15 (in relation to associations).
• The relationship between the Act and the Building Regulations is set out in CLG Divisional circular letter about the Building Regulations 2010: Equality Act clarification (9 December 2011) which states:
• ‘Part M sets out minimum requirements to ensure that a broad range of people are able to access and use facilities within buildings. The Equality Act 2010 brings together and replaces existing equalities legislation including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). The Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments to be made in relation to accessibility. In practice, this means that due regard must be given to any specific needs of likely building users that might be reasonably met. Compliance with the requirements of Part M does not therefore signify compliance with the much broader obligations and duties set out in the Equality Act. This is a source of frequent misunderstanding.’

• The Act requires public bodies to promote equality and allows the Government to set minimum standards so that people can use public services more easily.
• In addition, Under Section 149, planning authorities, through the execution of their functions, have a duty to have regard to the need to:
o Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
o Advance equality of opportunity.
o Foster good relations between communities.

Question 5

What are the protected characteristics?

Answer 5

• Age
• Disability
• Gender Reassignment
• Race
• Religion or Belief
• Sexual Orientation
• Sex
• Marriage and Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy and Maternity