Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

An environment which is designed and managed to allow people with a diverse range of needs and abilities to access and use it.

Question 2

What is the Equality Act?

Answer 2

It gives legal protection from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society

Protects against race, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, and gender reassignment.

Covers discrimination / harassment / victimisation

Includes at work, in education, as a consumer, using public services, buying / renting a property / member or guest of a private club or association

Question 3

What is discrimination?

Answer 3

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, religion, age, sex, or disability.

Question 4

When may buildings require reasonable adjustments?

Answer 4

The Equality Act 2010 requires reasonable adjustments to be made so that disabled people are not excluded from workplaces, public buildings, and places that serve the public.

Question 5

What does Building Regulations Part M include?

Answer 5

Approved document M provides information about the ease of access to and use of buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants, and the ability to move through a building easily, including to toilets and bathrooms.

Question 6

What are the volumes of building regulations part M?

Answer 6

Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings (e.g. public dwellings)
e.g. accessible parking bays, ramps, contrasting colours such as stairs and door frames)
e.g. guidance on ramps and stairs

Question 7

Why create inclusive environments?

Answer 7

To help tackling social disadvantages

To help economic inequality – reduces segregation and can be used by all.

Social cohesion

An ageing population - Housing needs to change to meet the needs.

Question 8

What are building regulations?

Answer 8

Ensures work is carried out to a high standard and is safe for use

Regulations apply to new buildings, extensions and alterations, services, or fittings in a building

Most notify building control, who appoint a building control officer for the works