Inclusive Environments Flashcards
What are inclusive environments?
- They accommodate differences in the way people use built and natural environment
- They facilitates equal and intuitive use by everyone - no physical / social separation, discrimination, isolation
- People of all culturals can freely express who they are, their own opinions and points of view
Why are inclusive environments important?
Research indicates that diverse and inclusive teams outperform their peers. Companies with inclusive practices generate up to 30% higher revenue per employee than their competitors.
What is discrimination?
Unjust / prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on grounds of protected characteristics
Please explain your understanding of inclusion within the workplace?
- Creating an environment and culture where all employees feel they belong in the organisation
- Every employee comfortable voicing their opinions, no one person feels excluded because of their identity
Are there any Building Regulations relevant to inclusive environments?
Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings
How does Approved Document M apply to this competency?
- Provides guidance on access routes, ensures that entrances and routes within buildings are accessible, including the provision of ramps and lifts
- Provides guidance on use of ramps and steps to provide ease of access, safe degrees of pitch and dims when building wheelchair accessible facility
- Provides guidance on facilities such as toilets, bathrooms, and kitchens, madates accessible toilets, including Changing Places toilets in larger public building
- Covers other general requirements such as signage, lighting, parking, etc.
Give some examples of how a building can be inclusive?
- Physical access - i.e. ramps, lifts
- Hearing loops
- Dedicated feeding areas to new parents
- Prayer rooms
- Accessible parking bays
- Contrasting colours, i.e. to sockets, nosings, door frames
- Gender-neutral toilets
What is IEQM?
Inclusive Employer Quality Mark
An initiative by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to promote diversity and inclusion within the property and construction sectors. Launched in 2015.
Based on six key principles:
- Leadership and Vision: Commitment to increasing workforce diversity.
- Recruitment: Ensuring inclusive recruitment practices.
- Staff Retention: Creating an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.
- Staff Development: Providing opportunities for all employees to develop and progress.
- Staff Engagement: Encouraging open dialogue and engagement with all staff members.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and improving diversity and inclusion practices.
What legislation or regulations relate to inclusive environments?
- Equality Act 2010
- Human Rights Act 1998
What is the key regulation that legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society?
Equality Act 2010
What is the Equality Act 2010?
- Discrimination law protecting individuals from unfair treatment, promotes fair and equal society
- Provides legal framework to protect rights of individuals, advance equality of opportunity for all
What are the protected characteristics under the act?
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage / civil partnership
- Pregnancy, maternity
- Race
- Religion and belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
What is the difference between direct and indirect discrimination?
- Direct: someone is treated less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic. Intentional and explicit.
- Indirect: a policy, practice, or rule that applies to everyone puts people with a protected characteristic at a disadvantage. Unintentional and subtle.
What seemingly neutral arrangements can unfairly disadvantage individuals with protected characteristics?
- Dress Codes: A workplace policy that prohibits headwear might seem neutral but could disadvantage employees who wear head coverings for religious reasons1.
- Work Hours: Requiring all employees to work on weekends could indirectly discriminate against those who observe religious practices on those days2.
- Physical Requirements: A job that requires a certain level of physical fitness, which isn’t necessary for the role, could disadvantage older applicants or those with disabilities1.
Are workplaces and public buildings required by law to make reasonable adjustments to ensure inclusivity and accessibility?
Yes, this is primarily governed by the Equality Act 2010, which mandates that reasonable adjustments must be made to avoid disadvantaging people with disabilities.
What are the Principles of inclusive design?
- Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. An example is adjustable workstations that can be tailored to different users’ needs.
- Simple and Intuitive Use: The design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level. Clear signage and intuitive layouts help achieve this.
- Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. This can include visual, auditory, and tactile cues.
- Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably with minimal fatigue. Features like lever handles and automatic doors are examples.
- Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space are provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility. Wider doorways and corridors to accommodate wheelchairs are examples.
Can you tell me more about the Changing Places campaign?
The Changing Places campaign aims to provide fully accessible toilets for people with severe disabilities who cannot use standard accessible toilets. These facilities are equipped with additional features such as height-adjustable changing benches, ceiling hoists, and extra space to accommodate carers.
Can you provide some example of future-proof inclusive design?
- Ensuring ample space at a buildings entrance for future ramp installation
- Large toilets compatible with Doc M packs and turning space for wheelchairs
You are managing a project to refurbish an office building. How would you ensure that the refurbished building is accessible and inclusive for all users, including those with disabilities?
- Conduct an accessibility audit to identify existing barriers.
- Engage with stakeholders, including people with disabilities, to understand their needs.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and standards, such as the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations Part M.
- Incorporate inclusive design principles, such as step-free access, wide doorways, accessible restrooms, and clear signage.
- Provide training for staff on accessibility and inclusivity.
A client has asked for your advice on making their retail store more inclusive. What steps would you recommend?
- Conduct an accessibility assessment of the store layout and facilities.
- Ensure the entrance is accessible, with ramps or automatic doors if necessary.
- Arrange aisles and displays to allow easy navigation for wheelchair users.
- Provide accessible changing rooms and restrooms.
- Use clear, large-print signage and consider auditory announcements for visually impaired customers.
- Train staff on how to assist customers with different needs.
You are designing a new public park. How would you ensure it is inclusive for all members of the community?
- Engage with the community, including underrepresented groups, to gather input on their needs and preferences.
- Design pathways that are wide, smooth, and well-lit to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
- Include accessible play equipment for children with disabilities.
- Provide seating areas with a variety of seating options, including benches with armrests and backrests.
- Ensure restrooms are accessible and include baby-changing facilities.
- Install clear signage with information in multiple formats, such as braille and tactile maps.
- Create quiet areas for people who may need a break from sensory stimulation.
You are advising a local authority on their housing strategy. How would you ensure that new housing developments are inclusive and accessible?
- Advocate for the adoption of inclusive design principles from the outset of the planning process.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and standards, Building Regulations Part M.
- Promote the inclusion of a mix of housing types to cater to different needs, including accessible units for people with disabilities.
- Encourage the provision of communal spaces that are accessible and promote social interaction.
- Work with developers to incorporate features such as step-free access, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms.
- Engage with potential residents and local disability groups to gather input on their needs and preferences.
