Inclusive Environments Flashcards
1
Q
What are inclusive environments?
A
- An inclusive environment recognizes and accommodates differences in the way people use the built and natural environment.
- It facilitates dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone. It does not physically or socially separate, discriminate or isolate. Inclusive environments readily accommodate and welcomes diverse user needs.
2
Q
What is discrimination?
A
The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, religion, age, sex or disability.
3
Q
What regulations govern inclusive environments?
A
Equality Act 2010
4
Q
Can you explain how the Equality Act 2010 influences inclusive environments?
A
- Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, religion or belief etc.
- Discrimination on these grounds is known as protected characteristics.
5
Q
Are there any building regulations associated with inclusive environments?
A
Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings.
6
Q
Can you provide a summary how Approved Document M applies to this competency?
A
- 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.
- Guidance on the use of ramps and steps is covered to provide ease of access, with information including safe degrees of pitch and dimensions when building a wheelchair accessible facility. The construction of accessible stairs and corridors is also addressed, including the safe height of stairs and the accessible width of both corridors and stairs.
7
Q
Can you give tangible examples how a building can be inclusive?
A
- Physical access, e.g. ramps or lifts for wheelchair users.
- Hearing loops
- Dedicated feeding areas for new parents
- Accessible parking bays adjacent to the building entrance
- Contrasting colours in key elements of the building such as stair nosings, door frames and plug sockets (to assist the partially sighted).