Inclusive Environments

Question 1

How could an existing building be modified to become more inclusive?

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 2

One designed and managed to allow people with a diverse range of needs and abilities to access and use

Consider during design and occupancy

Question 3

What do you need to be aware of to create inclusive environments?

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

What value do inclusive environments have to property owners / occupiers?

Answer 4

Office - Productive team
Retail / Leisure - Sense of community
Residential - Comfortable place to live, longer retention rates

Question 5

What is the relevant legislation to Inclusive Environments?

Answer 5

• Equality Act (2010)
• Building Regulations (2015) Approved Document Part M

Question 6

What does the Equality Act set out about inclusive environments?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What does Part M (2015) set out regarding inclusive environments?

Answer 7

• Level approach from boundary to entrance
• On-site car parking
• Ramped access
• Handrails
• Hazards on access
• Powered entrance doors
• Lifts
• Sanitary accommodation

Question 8

What does the NPPF and planning policy set out about inclusive environments?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What are four types of illegal discrimination under the Equality Act (2010)?

Answer 9

• Direct
• Indirect
• Harassment
• Victimisation

Question 10

What does the Equality Act (2010) require when faced with an obstacle to access for disabled persons?

Answer 10

• Remove feature
• Alter feature
• Provide reasonable adjustment for avoiding obstacle / access

Question 11

What is the test for reasonableness?

Answer 11

1. Effectiveness of the adjustment for the disabled person
2. Practicality of the adjustment
3. Financial cost and likely disruption
4. Financial and other resources available to the service provider

Question 12

What did you learn from the CPD on creating urban spaces for women?

Answer 12

• 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