martin affleck consultancy

A registered access consultant working with disabled people, service providers, developers and designers to improve access and heed the spirit of the Disability Discrimination and Equality Acts.


EXPERIENCE		FREE LUNCH	OTHER SERVICES

what's in the audits

WHAT CAN BE IN AN AUDIT

What you need from an audit can be established from a short telephone call.

A typical audit can include:

Information on the Disability Discrimination and Equality Acts and Regulations
Overview of the main audit findings
Clients with multiple buildings can have a percentage indication of the accessibility of the premises (This is a personal assessment but it gives a measure to monitor improvements against over a range of several buildings)
Full details of the audit findings and suggested improvements
Overview of current standards
Recommendations are categorised as
Information on Employment Issues
Guidance on different disabilities
Factors to consider in developning policies and procedures

The last items are to help in complying with the spirit of the service delivery aspects of the Disability Discrimination and Equality Acts. An extra loose leaf copy of the report is provided in addition to three bound copies, so that the information can be shared with staff, including those dealing directly with the public and customers.

Testing the accessibility of gym equipment.

Consultation between developers and disabled people on a major new shoping development.

Picture of consultation on new cybercafe.
Consultation with disabled people on furniture for a new cybercafe in a leisure centre.

Picture of testing accessibility in a car park.
Trying out an inaccessible barrier in a multi storey car park.

Picture of wheelchair user moving in space taped out on floor.
Trying out a non standard lift size taped out on the floor.

HOW AN AUDIT IS DONE

Plans
I first need an idea of what is to be audited. Often, a brief description over the phone is enough. If you don't have plans or other drawings (eg. plans of areas for cleaning or fire plans) I can get a general overview during an initial walk round the areas involved.

Briefing and Familiarisation
On first arrival at the premises or site, I usually try to have a brief meeting to check the details and any particular areas of interest. I then have a general walk around to become familiarised and to form an idea of the accessibility for people with vision, hearing or cognitative impairments.

Service Delivery
During the audit, I will check on processes, procedures and information which may affect accessibility. This might include chatting to staff on current experiences.

Getting Out
As well as access to premises, the audit will give outline consideration of the means of escape for disabled people in an emergency.

Producing the Audit
After the site visit comes the process of comparing the findings with current Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice. The results are then compiled into a detailed but easy to follow report.

Future Use
The audit report is categorised and indexed so that it can easily be referred to at any time. In this way it can form the basis for a rolling programme of improvements when other works are being carried out, at the present time or in the future.