Inclusive environments (L1)

Question 1

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

One that accommodates differences in the way people use and interact with it regardless of age, ability and background.
It does not physically or socially segregate, isolate or discriminate people.

Question 2

What is Approved Document M of the Building Regulations?

Answer 2

Approved Document M provides information about the ease of access to, and use of, buildings, for disabled visitors or occupants.

For example, safe degrees of pitch for ramps.

Question 3

What does the Equality Act 2010 say about inclusive environments?

Answer 3

Section 20 states that disabled individuals should not face barriers to access premises. If a barrier is faced then the service provider must make reasonable adjustments to facilitate access.

Question 4

What is the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)?

Answer 4

It was created by the Equality Act 2010 and requires public bodies to eliminate discrimination, advance equal opportunities, and foster good relations between those with and without protected characteristics

Question 5

How can the built environment be made accessible for visually impaired users?

Answer 5

• Adequate lighting
• Non-slip floor coverings
• Audio alerts for lift and escalators

Question 6

What Part of the Building Regulations provides for wheelchair access?

Answer 6

Part M

Question 7

Under Part M of the Building Regulations, what are the three categories of dwellings?

Answer 7

• Visitable - accessible for those in wheelchairs
• Accessible and adaptable - higher level of accessibility, including older and disabled users
• Wheelchair user dwellings - suitable for occupation by wheelchair users.

Question 8

What is the ethical duty?

Answer 8

• Awareness and promotion of inclusive design is more than just a legal requirement, it is an ethical duty for surveyors to consider in all aspects of their work
• As surveyors we must go beyomd the minimum requirements and do what is right for all users accessing the built environment.

Question 9

What legislation are you aware of that can have an effect on an environments inclusivity?

Answer 9

• Approved Document M
• Equality Act 2010 (Section 20)
• Public Sector Equality Duty

Question 10

What type of inclusive systems are you aware of?

Answer 10

• Physical systems such as ramps, hand rails and tactile paving
• Service provision systems such as hearing loops and audio alerts for lifts and escalators

Question 11

What are the responsibilities you refer to for encouraging inclusive design?

Answer 11

Awareness and promotion of inclusive design is more than just a legal requirement, it is an ethical duty for surveyors to consider in all aspects of their work.

As surveyors, we need to go further than just minimum requirements and do what is right for all users accessing the built environment.

Question 12

Can you give me an example of how an environment can be adapted to create a fairer environment for all?

Answer 12

Given an inclusive environment is one that accommodates differences in the way people use and interact with it regardless of age, ability and background and does not physically or socially segregate, isolate or discriminate people.

The provision of ramps, handrails, prayer rooms, improved lighting, hearing loops and audio alerts can also be incorporated to adapt the environment such that it is fairer for all.