Inclusive environments

Question 1

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

How can you ensure an environment is inclusive throughout the properties lifecycle?

Answer 2

• During design or refurbishment
• During a buildings occupancy (make sure users of the space can use it)

Question 3

What issues might you need to be aware of when considering inclusive environments?

Answer 3

Physical / mental health issues leading to different access requirements

Social isolation

Question 4

What is the legal framework around inclusive environments?

Answer 4

Equality Act 2010

Building Regulations: Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings 2015 (inclusive design standards)

Planning policy (found in National Planning Policy Framework)

Question 5

What are the four illegal types of discrimination?

Answer 5

1. Direct discrimination
2. Indirect discrimination
3. Harassment
4. Victimisation

Question 6

What is the difference between direct and indirect discrimination?

Answer 6

Direct discrimination involves treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic, while indirect discrimination occurs when a seemingly neutral policy or practice disproportionately disadvantages people with a protected characteristic.

Question 7

When faced with an obstable to access for disabled persons, what does the Equality Act require the service provider to do?

Answer 7

• Remove or alter the feature
• Provide reasonable means of avoiding the obstacle or reasonable alternative access to the service

Question 8

How do you test if something is reasonable and not an absolute obligation?

Answer 8

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