Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

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

e.g. environment is a building or place (workplace, shops)

Question 2

When would you consider it important in your field to implement an inclusive environment?

Answer 2

• During design or refurbishment - accessibility is considered from various users
• During a building’s occupancy - must ensure potential users of the space can reasonably do so despite any disabilities (i.e. ramps)

Question 3

In order to consider different users needs what should be taken into consideration?

Answer 3

• Physical and mental issues which may lead to access requirements
• Factors which can lead to social isolation
• Policy and legal requirements (e.g. local planning policies, equality act 2010, health and safety law)
• Best practices relating to inclusivity in design and management of physical space (i.e. collab space)
• Value that inclusive environments can bring to building owners and occupiers

Question 4

What is the equality act 2010?

Answer 4

The act provides protection against a wide range of discrimination and inequality including the use of property as well as dealing with people

It extends the obligations of services providers to all ‘controllers of let premises’

Question 5

What is the definition of an inclusive environment?

Answer 5

An inclusive environment recognises and accommodates differences in the way people use the built and natural environment. It facilitates dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone.

Question 6

What should inclusive environments facilitate?

Answer 6

Welcoming to everyone
* Responsive to people’s needs
* Flexible
* Offer choice when a single design solution cannot meet all user needs
* Convenient so they can be used without undue effort or special separation and so that they maximise independence

Question 7

What legislation contributes to creating inclusive environments?

Answer 7

The Equality Act 2010.

Question 8

Under the Equality Act 2010, in respect of inclusive environments it is unlawful…

Answer 8

• For those managing buildings, letting, disposing or assigning a property to discriminate, harass or victimise an occupier

Question 9

The Equality Act 2010 extends the existing requirement to…

Answer 9

Make reasonable adjustments to help disabled people if they would be placed at a substantial disadvantage if the work was not carried out.

Question 10

The Act sets out that service providers / landlords must…

Answer 10

• Landlords need to act in accordance with the Acts provisions when dealing with a tenant / occupier who could have a protected characteristic
• Make alterations to building so to avoid disability discrimination or make an alternative provision for the service (must be at reasonable cost, extent and disruption)

Question 11

When faced with an obstacle for access for disabled persons what does the act provide?

Answer 11

The act gives the service provider the ability to:
- remove or alter the feature
- provide reasonable means of avoiding obstacle or reasonable alternative access to the service

The test of reasonableness is…
- effectiveness of the adjustment for the disabled person
- Practicality
- Financial cost and likely disruption
- Financial and other resources available to service provider