Inclusive Environments Flashcards
What is the definition of an inclusive environment?
An inclusive environment is one that is designed and managed to allow all people with diverse abilities to access and use it.
What should an inclusive environment create?
An inclusive environment should create a place where all forms of disabilities can use the space safely and easily.
We must ensure environments are inclusive throughout the property lifecycle, for example?
- design/construction: ensure accessibility, physically and socially
- buildings occupancy: building owners and managers ensure potential users can reasonability do so despite disability
- create environment that is accessible to all users
Examples of inclusive environments?
Ramps/automatic doors – ensure individuals with mobility impairments can access the building easily.
Prayer rooms – multi faiths of different religions and backgrounds to have quiet space for prayer dedication or reflection
Quiet areas – low stimulation environment to allow people with autism or mental health needs to feel relaxed.
Soft floor coverings – supporting individuals with Autism to improve concentration
What legal Frameworks are attached to inclusive environments?
Equality Act 2010
Building Regulations: Approved Document M: Access to and Use of buildings 2015
Planning requirements in NPPF
Building Regulations: Approved Document M: Access to and Use of buildings 2015
New buildings and buildings undergoing significant refurbishment. It includes guidance for both dwellings (homes) and non-domestic buildings (offices, schools,
Part M divides buildings into two primary categories for accessibility requirements:
Volume 1: Dwellings – focuses on access within homes and residential properties.
Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings – covers commercial, public, and non-residential buildings.
What are the 4 types of ilegal discrimination in Equality Act 2010?
- Direct discrimination
- indirect discrimination
- harassment
- victimization
- Extends to ‘controller of let premises’
- Unlawful for those managing a building to discriminate or victimize an occupier
- Act: must make reasonable adjustments to help disabled people to help disabled people, and they would be at a disadvantage if work was not carried out.
When faced with an obstacle for disabled person, the Act requires the service provider to?
- remove or alter the feature
- provide reasonable means of avoiding the obstacle
This above is a test of reasonableness, and not an obligation. Test of reasonableness includes?
- effectiveness
- practicality
- financial cost
- financial/other resources available to the service provider
What should inclusive environments facilitate?
Inclusive environments should facilitate everyone.
- It should people at the heart of the design process
- Acknowledge diversity
- Offer choice
- Provide flexibility in use
Why is it important to provide choice?
If a single solution cannot accommodate a user then they must be provided with other choices of means of access. They must not be penalised for their disability.
How do you promote diversity of user needs?
I am aware of unconscious bias and I ensure that I do not do it, I also promote equality
What is cultural change?
The reconstructing of the cultural concept of a society
How can this be problematic?
People don’t like change and it can make people feel anxious
How can change be achieved?
- Aligning culture with strategy and processes
- Don’t rush it
- Make people feel part of the process
What is economic inequality?
Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of income and opportunity in the world
What is social cohesion?
Social cohesion refers to the strength of relationships and the sense of unity amongst people.
What is gentrification?
Gentrification is the changing of something do to the influx of money and businesses
What issues might gentrification cause?
Gentrification is an issue because although the economic value of an area is improved it can result in demographic displacement
What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?
Nine protective characteristics of the Equality Act 2010:
* Age
* Sex
* Gender reassignment
* Sex
* Disability
* Race
* Religion or belief
* Marriage and partnership
* Sexual orientation
What does the Equality Act 2010 provide?
The Equality Act provides protection against a wide range of discrimination and inequality, including the sue of property as well as dealing with people.
How does it relate to service providers or controllers of let premises?
It applies to controllers / service providers by putting a duty on them to make alterations to buildings to avoid disability discrimination
How is equality enforced?
Through Part M of the building regulations
What changes to physical features might be made?
Changes to physical features include:
* Removing or altering the feature
* Provide a reasonable means of avoiding the obstacle or alternative access
What are examples of auxiliary aids and services?
- Notetakers
- Screen readers
- Qualified interpreters
How do the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations relate to each other?
Part M of the building regulations sets out minimum requirements, which incorporates the equality act 2010 and enables people to access and use facilities in buildings.
What are the requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)?
Public Sector Equality Duty
* A duty on public authorities to consider how their polices and decision affect people who are protected under the Equality Act.
Applicable to public authorities
How is Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) enforced?
The Equality and Human rights Commission is responsible for assessing compliance with and enforcing the PSED. It is enforced
What is an Access Statement?
An access statement is a document that illustrates that people are offered reasonable access to buildings and their facilities. Or if there is an alternative access to be provided.
What does Approved Document M relate to?
Approved document M relates to information about the ease of access to and sue of buildings for disabled people.
How many parts is Part M split into and what does each relate to?
3 parts – M4(1), (2) and (3)
Does it guarantee inclusive design?
Part M does not guarantee inclusive design. Instead it sets out minimum requirements to ensure that a broad range of people are able to access and use facilities.
What happens if you deviate from this and a user is subject to substantial disadvantage as a result of design?
You can be breaking building regulations and in breach of the Equality Act 2010. Making it unlawful.
What is BS 8300?
This is a British Code of Practice that sets out the requirements of how buildings should be designed and constructed to meet the needs of disabled people.
What minimum standards does BS 8300 provide?
The minimum standards are best practice for designing an accessible and inclusive environment. Including access routes and comprehensive layouts.
What does NPPF say about inclusive design?
The NPPF states:
Inclusive design is about designing the built environments and their surrounding spaces to ensure that they can be accessed and used by everyone.
What key design principles can be used to achieve inclusive environments?
Proportion – doors that have disabled access
Movement – ramps and ample space
How can inclusive environments be incorporated into the different stages of a building’s life cycle?
Inclusive environments can be incorporated into each part of the building life cycle.
Design/refurbishment – accessibility is considered from various users perspective
Occupancy – ensure potential users of the space can do so despite disability
What is a PEEP?
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans
What arrangements to evacuate might be in place?
Emergency escapes
Lit up walkways
What does visual clarity mean?
Visual clarity is the measure of how effectively visual design conveys information
What audibility systems are you aware of?
Hearing loo – a sound system for people with hearing aids
Explain your corporate policy relating to inclusive environments.
Promotes diversity and aims to create an environment that clients and colleagues feel comfortable to be themselves
How do ethical considerations compare to legal requirements in relation to inclusive environments?
Ethical considerations – are how you act or perceive things. For example, unconscious bias
Legal requirements – things that come under the equality act 2010 and the building regulations Part M
Explain what the Changing Places campaign relates to.
Changing places campaign relates to improving accessible toilet facilities
How do inclusion and inclusive environments differ?
Inclusion is an addition to a group
Inclusive is including all parties that would normally be required
