Inclusive Environments Flashcards
How could an existing building be modified to become more inclusive?
- Get community feedback / consult
- Be aware of own biases
- Focus on equality of experience
- Wide hallways for wheelchairs
- Ramps
- Handrails
- Automatic doors
- Large bathrooms
- Safe flooring
- Smart layout / wayfinding
- Not just acoustic fire alarms but also light up / vibrating ones
What is an inclusive environment?
One designed and managed to allow people with a diverse range of needs and abilities to access and use
Consider during design and occupancy
What do you need to be aware of to create inclusive environments?
- Mental health issues like depression can make people feel isolated / stigma can prevent people from enjoying their environment
- Health issues like hearing problems / walking issues
- Social isolation caused by mental or physical health, discrimination, or limited resources
What value do inclusive environments have to property owners / occupiers?
Office - Productive team
Retail / Leisure - Sense of community
Residential - Comfortable place to live, longer retention rates
What is the relevant legislation to Inclusive Environments?
- Equality Act (2010)
- Building Regulations (2015) Approved Document Part M
What does the Equality Act set out about inclusive environments?
Provides protection against discrimination and inequality.
- Unlawful for those managing a property to discriminate
- Lettings, sales, assignments and disposal must not discriminate, harass or victimise
- Reasonable adjustments for a disabled person (ramp/equipment/flexible hours/retraining/adjusting workplace layout)
- Landlord’s must ensure if dealing with tenant with protected characteristic it is within Act’s provisions
- Service providers have duty to alter building to avoid disability discrimination if reasonable in cost, extent and disruption
- Access statement / audit for all properties
What does Part M (2015) set out regarding inclusive environments?
Sets out the MINIMUM ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS which should be met under the Building Act
- Level approach from boundary to entrance
- On-site car parking
- Ramped access
- Handrails
- Hazards on access
- Powered entrance doors
- Lifts
- Sanitary accommodation
What does the NPPF and planning policy set out about inclusive environments?
The NPPF identified the need for planning policies and decisions to create places that are:
- Safe
- Inclusive
- Accessible
- Promote health and wellbeing
The NPPF states that inclusivity in design includes:
- Close to transport
- Parking near entrances
- Positioning / visual contrast
- Approach routes for wheelchairs
- Entrances identified for visually impaired people
What are four types of illegal discrimination under the Equality Act (2010)?
- Direct
- Indirect
- Harassment
- Victimisation
What does the Equality Act (2010) require when faced with an obstacle to access for disabled persons?
- Remove feature
- Alter feature
- Provide reasonable adjustment for avoiding obstacle / access
What is the test for reasonableness?
- Effectiveness of the adjustment for the disabled person
- Practicality of the adjustment
- Financial cost and likely disruption
- Financial and other resources available to the service provider
What did you learn from the CPD on creating urban spaces for women?
- Sports spaces are designed for men, this is intimidating
- Lighting
- Desire lines (no corners / walls / columns)
- Pedestrian priority
- Clear signage
- Maintenance so its clean and easy to navigate
- CCTV
- Separate bike lanes
- Spaces for kids / breastfeeding
What should environments not do?
Not present people with barriers to:
- Their enjoyment of the environment
- Participation of activities within in
What is an inclusive environment?
Enable everyone to access the opportunities an environment presents regardless of their:
- Age
- Disability
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Gender expression
- Faith
- Economic circumstance
Including when they are:
- Travelling with children
- Carrying luggage or shopping
What does the Public Sector Equality Duty require?
To consider how their facilities or services affect people who are protected under the Equality Act
