Inclusive environments Flashcards
What is the definition of an inclusive environment?
An inclusive environment recognises and accommodates differences in the way people use the built environment.
What should an inclusive environment create?
Creates buildings, places and spaces that can be used easily, safely and with dignity, by all of us, regardless of age, disability or gender
What should inclusive environments facilitate?
It facilitates dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone.
What industry guidance are you aware of?
Approved Document M
How do you promote inclusive environments?
“1. Contribute to building an inclusive society now and in the future
- Apply professional and responsible judgement and take a leadership role
- Apply and integrate the principles of inclusive design from the outset of a project
- Do more than just comply with legislation and codes
- Seek multiple views to solve accessibility and inclusivity challenges
- Acquire the skills, knowledge, understanding and confidence to make inclusion the norm not the exception. “
What primary and secondary legislation are you aware of?
“Primary Legislation:
1. Equality Act 2010
2. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
3. Planning and Building Acts
Secondary Legislation:
1. National Planning Policy Framework
2. Building Regulations
3. Fire safety Regulations”
Tell me about the NPPF/Equality Act 2010/Building Regulations.
“NPPF = National Planning Policy Framework
- Sets out gobernment planning policy for England
- NPPF States that purpose of planning is to help achieve sustainabe development.
Equality Act 2010
- The Equality Act 2010 applies to a number of protected characteristics, including disability. It sets out forms of prohibited conduct against any person with one or more protected characteristics.
- The Act puts duty on service providers to persons with protected charachteristics. take reasonable steps to:
a. Avoid a provision or practice which puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage.
b. To avoid a physical feature which puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage.
c. To take reasonable steps to provide an auxillary aid where a disabled person would, without it be put at a substantial disadvantage.
Building Regulations
- The Building Regulations are intended to protect people’s safety, health and welfare in and around buildings. The regulations are also designed to improve conservation of fuel and power, protect and enhance the environment and promote sustainable development
“
What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?
“1. Gender reassignment
2. Sex
3. Sexual orientation
4. Age
5. Disability
6. Race
7. Religion or belief
8. Marriage and partnership
9. Pregnancy and maternity.”
What does the Equality Act 2010 provide?
The Act provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.
How does it relate to service providers or controllers of let premises?
There is a duty of care on service providers to make reasonable adjustments in relation to let premises and common parts.
What does it say in relation to reasonable adjustments?
A reasonable adjustment can be changes to policies, working practices, physical layouts or providing extra equipment.
How is it enforced?
“If someone doesn’t cooperate with their duty to make a reasonable adjustment the Equality Act says its unlawful discrimination.
If they refuse, you can make a discrimination claim under the Equality Act.”
What changes to physical features might be made?
“1. Providing Ramps and Stairway Lifts
2. Making doorways wider
3. Installing automatic doors
4. Providing more lighting and clearer signs “
What are examples of auxiliary aids and services?
“1. A portable induction hoop for people with hearing aids
2. BSL interpreters
3. Providing information in alternative formats such as braille or audio CD’s
4. Extra staff assistance”
How do the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations relate to each other?
“While there are specific Building Regulations which contractors must comply with when designing and altering buildings, compliance with these regulations does not necessarily mean that a building meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 – and critically the duty to make reasonable adjustments.
The Equality Act says that disabled individuals should not face barriers to access premises. If a disabled person does face a barrier to gain access then the service provider is under an obligation to make reasonable adjustments.”
