Inclusive Environments Flashcards
What are inclusive environments?
- They accommodate for the different ways people use buildings, allowing equal and intuitive use for everyone.
- They do not physically or socially separate, isolate or discriminate.
What is discrimination?
The unjust treatment of different categories of people on the grounds of:
- Race
- Religion
- Age
- Disability
- Sex
Are there any Building Regulations associated with inclusive environments?
Yes, Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings.
Can you provide a summary of how this document applies to this competency?
It provides guidance on:
- ease of access to and use of buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants, and the ability to move through a building easily.
- the use of ramps, steps and minimum widths of corridors, stairs and doorways.
- the access and use of extensions made to buildings other than dwellings, and access to bathrooms in these structures.
Can you provide tangible examples of how a building can be inclusive?
- Physical access, e.g. ramps, lifts, accessible toilets for wheelchair users.
- Hearing loops
- Dedicated feeding areas for new parents
- Accessible parking bays near the building entrance
- Contrasting colours in key building elements to assist the partially sighted, e.g. stair nosings, door frames, plug sockets
- Clear signage
What is the key regulation which legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society?
Equality Act 2010.
What is the Equality Act 2010?
The Act legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.
What are protected characteristics under the Act?
It’s illegal to discriminate against someone based on any protected characteristics which are:
- Race
- Religion
- Age
- Disability
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
Name the key legislations relating to inclusive environments and define them
- Equality Act 2010
- Approved Document M of the Building Regulations
- National planning policy framework 2: planning officers ensure that inclusive design is considered and included before granting planning permission.
- Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED): duty on public authorities to consider how their policies or decisions affect those protected under the Equality Act.
How is alinea inclusive?
- alinea is an equal opportunities employer.
- alinea also celebrates different cultures, for example we had celebrations for Christmas, Chinese New Year and Persian New Year.