Inclusive Environments - Level 1

Question 1

What primary or secondary legislation impacts on inclusive environments?

Answer 1

The Equality Act 2010

Question 2

What disabilities might need special attention when designing or refurbishing premises?

Answer 2

• Cognitive impairment
• Sensory impairments

Question 3

How do you ensure that your projects meet high levels of inclusive design?

Answer 3

To achieve this, you should ensure that you involve as many people as possible on the design. This will help to promote personal well-being, social cohesion and enjoyment for all. Wheelchair access should be the base level, not an optional extra. The same goes for pushchair access.

Question 4

What standards and guidance might be relevant to your area of practice?

Answer 4

Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings

Question 5

What is Part M of the building regulations?

Answer 5

It provides information about the ease of access to, and use of, buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants, and the ability to move through a building easily including to toilets and bathrooms.

Question 6

What other budling regulations affect inclusive environments? Noise, Overheating, Electrical vehicle requirements?

Answer 6

• Approved Document E: resistance to the passage of sound
• Approved Document O: Overheating
• Approved Document S: Infrastructure relating to the charging of Electric Vehicles

Question 7

What is the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 7

The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination. It aims to promote diversity across all areas of society. Understanding the Act is essential to create a more inclusive workplace.

Question 8

Can you name any protected characteristics under the Equality Act?

Answer 8

• disability.
• race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin.
• religion or belief.
• sex.

Question 9

How does planning affect inclusive environments?

Answer 9

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. A large number of Planning Policy Statements and Planning Policy Guidance have been replaced by the framework (although unless specifically revoked by the framework, existing policies remain effective).

Question 10

How does, light, occupancy, air, welfare facilities affect inclusive environments?

Answer 10

• Light - Making lights easy to use creates a sense of independence and control and helps make an environment inclusive for all users. Being able to modify and adjust lighting can help to reduce stress levels for users while keeping people safe.
• Air - When we breathe in air pollutants, they can enter our bloodstream and contribute to coughing or itchy eyes and cause or worsen many breathing and lung diseases, leading to hospitalizations, cancer, or even premature death.
• Adequate welfare facilities - improves worker comfort and significantly decreases worker illness and work-related accidents.