Translating Legislation Into Practical Solutions
Access Audits
An Access Audit is an examination of a building, its facilities and services, against predetermined criteria to assess its ease of use by disabled people.
1 in 8 of the population are disabled. Of this group only 5% are in wheelchairs. Access audits therefore not only look at steps and ramps but also consider:
- Locaton of premises
- Signage, provision of information & formats
- Web Accessibility
- Car Parking
- External Access (Steps & Ramps)
- Doors & Entrances
- Reception & Waiting Areas
- Surfaces
- Paint Colours
- Circulation Space
- Lifts, Stairs & Corridors
- Alarms, Lighting & Acoustics
- Egress
Carrying out an access audit is one of the first steps towards meeting the obligations of the acts. It may also increase your cunstomer base and therefore your turnover.
An access audit is not only specifically recommended by the Disability Rights Commission as a fundamental step in complying with the DDA, but can also be used in court if a disabled person should sue.
Audit parameters can range from Access Audits, which asertain the service provider's compliance towards its customers and members of the public, to Employee Disability Audits, which monitor the employer's compliance towards its employees under the terms of the Act.
