Making Buildings Inclusive and Accessible: Special Report

Workplace Law has launched the new "Making Buildings Inclusive and Accessible 2009: Special Report" to bring together the latest information and guidance for anyone involved in the commissioning, design and management of the built environment. Written by the UK's leading experts in this field, including Keith Bright - Emeritus Professor of Inclusive Environments at the University of Reading and Consultant member of the National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC) and the RICS Inclusive Environment Consultants Scheme (IEC) - the report offers new guidance on: home zones and accessible spaces in accommodation; your duties under the DED and Single Equality Bill; analysis of case law for service providers; and, a detailed examination of the changes to the BS 3800 Standard. This edition's focus is on designing buildings suitable for all - not just disabled people, but older members of the population, those with limited mobility, pregnant mothers, etc. As the UK workforce ages, more measures must be implemented to make sure our infrastructure can cope - without being discriminatory. This Special Report identifies the legal, design and management drivers underpinning many of the issues related to inclusive and accessible environments. It provides practical guidance for those involved in the provision and management of environments and spaces and identifies some of the complex issues experienced in the design and management of transport environments and in external areas such as Home Zones and shared spaces. For designers, the report explains: recent changes in planning legislation and the introduction of the concept of the Design and Access statement; guidance on the Approved Document to Part M and BS8300:2001 and how this guidance can inform the design and management process; and, guidance that is available for the design of health, education and leisure facilities - all of which have their own particular accessibility issues to address. For developers and owners of buildings the report identifies: the duties placed on employers, educators and service providers by anti-discrimination legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act; and, describes how proposed changes in legislation such as the new Equality Bill will broaden such duties. For those involved in the management of environments and spaces the report offers: practical guidance on developing strategies to ensure that the opportunities and services available to users are appropriate and, importantly, how they can be maintained in the everyday use of the environment; the complex management issues associated with emergency egress; and, how general signage, wayfinding, colour and lighting can be used to enhance everyone's experience and safe enjoyment of an environment. If you are involved with the commissioning, design and management of the built environment or you are responsible for the delivery of employment or educational opportunities or services to the public, this Report offers you clear and comprehensive guidance on what you need to do and how you can do it effectively.