Inclusive Environments Flashcards
What is the definition of an inclusive environment?
One that can be accessed and used safely, easily and with dignity by everyone - Construction Industry Council definition
What should an inclusive environment create?
An environment which everyone can enjoy, well designed, functional, efficient and sustainable
Construction Industry Council definition
What industry guidance are you aware of?
British Standard BS 8300 - introduced in 2018, contains 2 parts. Does not apply to individual residential dwellings.
Does it go beyond meeting minimum standards or legislative requirements?
Yes, it goes beyond the minimum requirements set out in Approved Document Part M.
Why is it important to provide choice?
To accommodate more users, so more people can use the space
How do you promote diversity of user needs?
By placing people at the heart of the design process.
Being aware, promoting diversity
How do you promote inclusive environments?
By removing barriers creating undue effort and separation
How can this create a safe working environment?
Enabling individual needs to be met and reasonable adjustments applied creates a safer working environment
Tell me about the diversity of user needs
People interact with the world differently and their needs and circumstances vary
What is cultural change?
An organisation’s commitment to change
How can this be problematic?
It can be difficult to embed change and to measure cultural change.
How can this be achieved?
Through a top level, public commitment with sufficient resources, collaboration over time
In relation to end users and potential needs, explain the principles of direct and indirect discrimination and unconscious bias
Direct discrimination is intentional whilst indirect discrimination is unintentional, unconscious bias is where we are unaware of biases that affect our decisions or judgements. All have the effect of not meeting users needs.
What legislation contributes to creating inclusive environments?
Equality Act 2010
Building Regulations - approved document M
What primary and secondary legislation are you aware of?
Primary - Equality Act
Secondary - Part M of Building Regulations
Tell me about the National Planning Policy Framework
The NPPF sets out the Government’s economic, environmental, and social planning policies for England. Section 8 provides guidance on the provision of healthy, inclusive and safe spaces
Tell me about Building Regulations
They provide minimum standards for design, construction and alterations in the UK
Tell me about the Equality Act
It combines previous legislation and makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the grounds of protected characteristics.
What are key requirements for inclusive environments?
To be able to be accessed and used safely, easily and with dignity by everyone
On what scales might you advise on inclusive environments?
If I was a property manager I would advise the landlord on the needs of tenants
What is inclusive or universal design?
Making places that everyone can use
What is economic inequality?
The unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society
What is social cohesion?
The strength of relationships and sense of solidarity among members of a community
What is gentrification? What issues might it cause?
The process of changing the character of a neighbourhood through the influx of more affluent residents and businesses. It can displace low income families.
What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and Civil Partnership
- Pregnany and Maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
What does the Equality Act 2010 provide?
Prohibits discrimination, harassment and victimisation relating to the protected characteristics.
What is a reasonable adjustment?
A change made to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to one of the protected characteristics
How is the Equality Act enforced?
The Equality and Human Rights Commission enforces the Equality Act
What changes to physical features might be made?
Ramps/ electric doors
What are examples of auxiliary aids and services
Hearing loops, special computer software
When would you require a change to a physical feature or an auxiliary aid/service?
When required to make reasonable adjustments
How do the Equality Act and Building Regulations relate to each other?
The Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments to be made when providing access to goods, facilities, services and premises.
What does Regulation 9 say?
Regulation 9 exempts some buildings used for specific purposes from the building regulations.
Eg
Ancient monuments
Plant rooms
Agricultural buildings
Temporary buildings not intended to remain in situ for more than 28 days
What are the requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty? Who does it apply to and how is it enforced?
Requires public bodies to have due regard for the need to climate discrimination. Applies to public authorities and is enforced under the Equality Act 2010
What is an access statement?
A document that is important for recording and sharing your plan for accessibility
What does Approved Document M relate to?
It provides minimum requirements for the ease of access to, and use of, buildings including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants.
Pitch for ramps and steps, building dimensions etc
How many parts is Part M split into? Does it guarantee inclusive design?
Two volumes
Volume 1 - dwellings
Volume 2 - buildings other than dwellings
No, but it is a starting point
What happens if you deviate from this and a user is subject to disadvantage?
You will be in breach of regulation and could be fined
What is BS 8300? What minimum standards does it provide?
It is a British Standard that sets out how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to create an accessible and inclusive environment for disabled people
What does NPPF say about inclusive design? How might this be incorporated into local planning policy?
Defines inclusive design as designing the built environment so that it can be used by everyone. The NPPF sets out guidance which is incorporated into local planning policy.
What key design principles can be used to achieve inclusive environments?
Placing people at the heart of the process
Offering a choice where a single solution cannot accommodate all users
Providing flexibility in use
Creating an environment that all can enjoy
Construction Industry Council
How can inclusive environments be incorporated into different stages of a buildings life cycle?
Production, construction and use.
How can you consult with key stakeholders?
Planning and meetings
Who might be key stake holders?
Designers, contractors, owners, users
What are the 5 stages of fire risk assessment?
Identify who is at risk
Identify fire hazards
Evaluate the risk
Record your findings
Review and revise
What is a FRA? Who must undertake them? How often must they be reviewed?
Fire Risk Assessment
The employer or owner/occupant is the ‘Responsible Person’
Every 4 years
What legislation relates to fire safety?
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
What requirements does the Fire Safety Order 2005 introduce?
Premises up to standard, employees provided with training, assessments done every 4 years including requirements for the safe evacuation of disabled people
What is a PEEP?
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan to document how people will be evacuated in the event of an emergency
What does visual clarity mean?
How effectively visual design prioritises and conveys information
What audibility systems are you aware of?
Hearing loops, headphones
What employment law relates to inclusive environments?
The Equality Act 2010
Explain your corporate policy relating to inclusive environments
Ensuring different communication styles are valued, inclusive language and communication style, awareness of unconscious bias
How do ethical considerations compare to legal requirements in relation to inclusive environments?
Ethical considerations may show respect but legal requirements are mandatory
Explain what the Changing Places campaign relates to
It is a campaign to provide toilet facilities that are accessible, with adequate space and facilities
What is Fitwell?
It is a healthy building certification system that focuses on improving the lives of occupants
Explain your understanding of the UK government’s Disability Strategy
The National Disability Strategy aims to improve disabled people’s everyday lives and lay the foundations for longer term change
What are the 3 categories of dwelling in volume 1 of Part M
Category 1 - visible dwellings
Category 2 - accessible and adaptable dwellings
Category 3 - wheelchair user dwellings
