Access audits identify barriers and hazards to mobility within an environment for disabled people, and to make recommendations as to how they may be overcome.
Our access audits are carried out with reference to existing legislation, regulations and best practice guidance relating to the specific needs of disabled people and the overall development of inclusive environments.
We adopt a pragmatic approach when compiling audit reports in order to produce practical, real-life solutions to barriers and hazards identified during the access audit.
Our access audits follow a journey sequence through a building from the street, car park or drop off point through to the most extreme facility within the building, identifying physical, sensory, intellectual or organisational barriers and hazards in each section of the sequence.
Recommendations are made on how each barrier or hazard can be addressed and solutions are prioritised. For example, those measures which need to be carried out immediately are distinguished from those which can be addressed as part of an ongoing routine maintenance schedule.
Our audit reports highlight areas of good practice and also identify situations where existing practice can be improved.
A report's recommendations may include suggestions regarding the management of the building as physical alterations are not always sufficient to fully address a barrier to access and in some situations may not be feasible.
We offer a range of audit types, based on the level of detail required and budget of the client.
Overview audit
We undertake a brief tour of the site to identify the main disability access issues. This is followed up by a 1-2 page report listing the main issues. We also include technical fact sheets to provide supporting information but recommendations are not provided.
Bullet-point audit
We undertake a survey of the site to identify the main disability access issues. This is followed by a report which includes legislative background, supporting information and a bulleted list of the observations and corresponding recommendations for improving the main access issues. We also include technical fact sheets to provide supporting information.
Detailed audit
We undertake a survey of the entire site covering all disability access issues. This is followed up by a detailed audit report which includes legislative background, supporting information and photographs. All observations and recommendations are contained in a detailed spreadsheet with information on their location and photographic reference. Recommendations are also categorised to assist with developing a strategy for improvements. We also include technical fact sheets to provide supporting information.
Contact us
RNIB Access Consultancy Services
PO Box 173
Peterborough
PE2 6WS
Phone: 01733 375370
Email: businesslink@rnib.org.uk