Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What are Inclusive Environments?

Answer 1

Inclusive environments are spaces that work for everybody. They do not exclude groups of people based on their characteristics. I.E.’s are flexible, accommodating, intuitive to use, convenient and welcoming.

Question 2

What does the UK Gov. define inclusive design as?

Answer 2

‘…a process that ensures that all buildings, places and spaces can be easily and comfortably accessed and used by everyone.’

Question 3

What are the legal obligations?

Answer 3

Equality Act 2010 - Legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

• “protected characteristics” – age, disability, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation
• Includes equal pay
• Expects people using public realm to be afforded reasonable provision to enable them access across and to each space.
• Obliges service providers and employers to consider barriers created by physical features in their buildings.

Question 4

Planning Policy for inclusive design?

Answer 4

Policy 7.2 Inclusive Environments

• Can be used safely, easily by all regardless of disability, age, gender, ethnicity or economic circumstances
• Are convenient and welcoming with no disabling barriers, so everyone can use them independently without undue effort, separation or special treatment
• Are flexible and responsive taking account of what different people say they need and want, so people can use them in different ways

Question 5

Building regulations for inclusive design?

Answer 5

Building Regulations – The Building Act 1984 (revised 2010)
Part M – Access to & use of buildings (Updated 2015)

• Split into two volumes – Dwellings and buildings other than dwellings
  o Dwellings must be visitable by most people, including wheelchair users
  o Buildings other than dwellings – reasonable provision made to ensure building can be used by all individuals regardless of age, gender, disability etc.
• Examples of requirements:
  o Minimum door widths
  o Level entrance threshold
  o Toilet on entrance level

Question 6

1. Why is inclusive environment important in development?

Answer 6

a. Project must recognise the differences in the way people react with building and ensure they are accessible to all.
b. As a developer you want to avoid discrimination.

Question 7

3. What is a DDA Access /Access Statement?

Answer 7

a. DDA defines disability as a ‘physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.
b. Statement which sets out the design philosophy and key design issued posed by a new development.
c. Should be undertaken during early design stage.
d. Sets out design standards for accessibility
e. Access statement is to evolve as the detailed design is developed

Question 8

5. Examples of Adjustments for DDA / general compliance?

Answer 8

a. Structure of a building such as the steps, changes of levels, emergency exists or narrow doorways.
b. Handrails for disabled people who may find it easier to negotiate
c. Avoiding heavy doors inaccessible toilets or inappropriate lighting
d. Installing suitable toilet facilities, either specially designed cubicles in separate-sex bathrooms or a self-contained unisex toilet.

Question 9

7. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Answer 9

a. British Standards
i. Design of Buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people.
ii. Safety signs; Code of practice for escape route signing, British Standards Institution, 2013.
iii. Focuses on public spaces, approaches to buildings, and interior buildings.

Question 10

8. International Standards

Answer 10

a. Wheelchairs – Requirements and test methods for stairclimbing devices, British Standards Institution, 2012