Inclusive Environments Flashcards
(39 cards)
What is the definition of an inclusive environment?
An inclusive environment recognises and accommodates differences in the way people use the built and natural environment. Could be a building or place such as homes, workplaces, shops, healthcare facilities, schools, sporting venues, open places.
What should an inclusive environment create?
● Creates places easily used by everyone
● Creates a sense of belonging, where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background or characteristics
What part of a project involves inclusive environments?
Should be considered throughout a project lifecycle:
● During design and construction accessibility should be considered from different users’ perspectives
● During occupation, owners and managers should ensure the building can be used by all
What primary and secondary legislation are you aware of?
Primary Legislation:
● The Equality Act 2010
● Health and Safety at Work Act
● Building Act 1984 / Building Regulations 2010
● Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Secondary legislation:
● National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
● Building Regulations (Part M)
● Fire Safety Regulations
What industry guidance are you aware of?
● Equality Act 2010
● National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
● Approved Document M
● British Standard BS 8300
● Changing Places campaign
Who is responsible for inclusive design?
Everyone is. Providing inclusive and accessible environments should be an integral part of everything we do.
Does inclusive environments go beyond meeting minimum standards or legislative requirements?
Inclusive environments should not just comply with minimum legislation and regulations, but to go one step further – satisfying our ethical, moral and professional duty to consider all user needs in our advice and decision making.
Minimum standards and legislative requirements are constantly changing and updating to promote inclusive environments.
What are the key principles of inclusive design?
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) set out five key principles for inclusive design:
1) Placing people at the heart of the design process
2) Acknowledging diversity and difference
3) Offering choice where a single solution cannot accommodate all users
4) Providing flexibility in use
5) Creating an environment that is convenient and enjoyable for all to use
What is inclusive design?
‘Making places everyone can use’. This removes barriers creating undue effort and separation, enabling all users to ‘participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday environments’.
How can inclusive design be achieved?
Comply with:
1) Equality Act 2010
2) National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
3) Approved Document M
4) British Standard BS 8300
5) Changing Places campaign
What does the Equality Act 2010 say about inclusive environments?
States that disabled individuals should not face barriers to access premises.
Service providers = controllers of let premises
● service provider is under an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to facilitate access.
● Not just physical access, e.g. ramps or lift access. It also relates to the way in which services are provided, which could include auxiliary aids such as hearing loops or visual aids.
Obstacles for disabled people must be:
● Removed, altered, means of avoidance / alternative access
● Must be reasonable to do so – effective, practical, cost effect
What does the NPPF say about inclusive environments?
Highlights the importance for inclusive design for all developments which should go beyond aesthetic and planning polices.
What is Approved Document M of the Building Regulations?
Approved Document M relates to 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’.
● It is split into Volume 1 Dwellings and Volume 2 Buildings other than Dwellings.
● Provides specific guidance on the safe degrees of pitch for ramps and steps, as well as building dimensions and facilities to facilitate wheelchair access.
What is BS 8300?
Released in 2018, BS 8300 goes beyond the minimum requirements set out in the Approved Document Part M.
1) Part 1 provides guidance relating to the accessible and inclusive design of new public spaces.
2) Part 2 relates to internal design to meet all user requirements. It does not apply to individual residential dwellings.
The guidance relates to issues such as
● lighting external areas
● ramp gradients and rises
● accessible viewing for audience seating
● sanitary facilities
● WC layout and baby change facilities
What is the Changing Places campaign?
The Changing Places campaign was launched in 2006 by the Changing Places Consortium. It aims to provide toilet facilities which are safe, comfortable and accessible for those who cannot use standard accessible toilets.
Changing Places toilets will have adequate space and facilities, e.g. height adjustable changing benches and hoists, to meet a variety of user requirements.
Research suggests that over 250,000 people in the UK would benefit from the provision of Changing Places toilets, including users living with motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
What are reasonable adjustments?
● Equality Act 2010 places duty on service providers and employers to make reasonable adjustments
● ‘reasonable adjustment’ = a change that must be made to remove or reduce a disadvantage e.g. handrails, changing steps, providing equipment
What are the types of illegal discrimination under the Equality Act 2010?
1) Direct discrimination
2) Indirect discrimination
3) Harassment
4) Victimisation
Why is it important to provide choice?
To enable those with different disabilities to chose the best option for them. Choice allows equal opportunities.
How do you promote diversity of user needs?
● Include in agenda for design / feasibility workshops.
● When I review designs prepared by designers I consider whether it accommodates to everyone’s needs e.g. Cardiff Airport.
How do you promote inclusive environments?
● Include in agenda for design / feasibility workshops.
● When I review designs prepared by designers I consider whether it accommodates to everyone’s needs e.g. Cardiff Airport.
Tell me about the diversity of user needs.
● Physical - ramps, doorways, refuge points, multi level furniture
● Hearing loops
● Clear signage and visual aids
What is cultural change? How can this be problematic? How can this be achieved?
Cultural change is the process in which an organization encourages employees to adopt behaviours and mindsets that are consistent with the organization’s values and goals. It can be problematic as some people are reluctant to change. It can be achieved by collaboration overtime.
What Building Regulations relate to inclusive environments?
● Part B - fire escape refuge points
● Part K - vision panels
● Part M - ease of access and passage
What is inclusive or universal design?
The design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability or other factors.
