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.

It could be, for example, an environment could be a building or place, including homes, workplaces, shops, healthcare facilities, sporting and cultural venues, schools or open spaces

Question 2

What issues are important to have a good awareness on?

Answer 2

Different physical and mental health issues which may lead to varying accessibility requirements
Factors which can lead to social isolation
Policy and legal requirements relating to accessibility, including local planning policies, building regulations, equality act 2010 and H&S law
Best practices relating to inclusivity in the design and management of physical spaces
The value that inclusive environments can bring to building owners and occupiers

Question 3

What is the Equality Act 2010

Answer 3

Consolidates discrimination law and provides protection against a wide range of discrimination and inequality, including the use of property as well as when dealing with people.

It extends the obligations to all ‘controllers of let premises’
It is unlawful for those managing buildings to discriminate against or victimise an occupier

Lettings, sales, assignments and other forms of disposal must not be undertaken in a way which could discriminate, harass or victimise a person

The act extends the existing requirement to make reasonable adjustments to help disabled people if they would be placed at a substantial disadv if the work wasn’t carried out

Question 4

Per EA 2010, what are the four types of illegal discrimination?

Answer 4

Direct discrimination
Indirect discrimination
Harassment
Victimisation

Question 5

What are the tests for reasonableness

Answer 5

Effectiveness of the adjustment for the disabled person
The practically of the adjustment
Its financial cost and likely disruption
Financial and other resources available to the service provider

Question 6

What does the Act require people to do when faced with an obstacle to access for disabled persons

Answer 6

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