What are the key elements that must be considered to ensure a building is accessible to everyone?

The common understanding is that creating an accessible building involves compliance with mandatory relevant access legislation, codes and standards. This includes standards that will have an impact on the accessibility of the premises for people with a range of disabilities including mobility, vision, hearing, intellectual ability, cognitive ability etc. There is also a variety of … Read More

Access and Public Transport

Public transport has always been a critically important mode of transport for many people in the community. This includes for people with a disability or other access challenges who rely on public transport to undertake their everyday activities. The Australian Bureau of Statistics writes, “When people with disabilities are restricted from accessing affordable and convenient … Read More

What is Universal Design?

Universal Design is the process of designing products and environments to be useable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. Universal Design incorporates the needs of women and men, people with disabilities, older adults, children and young people, people who are left handed or people who are … Read More

Architects and Access Responsibilities

Architects have a significant power in designing and creating spaces that everyone can use, every day. From the smallest cabin, to vast shopping centres and skyscrapers, architects are responsible for creating structures for all people to use and enjoy. With that significant power comes significant responsibility. Celebration of high quality architecture has traditionally always focused … Read More

Building Surveyors and Access Responsibilities

During the design and construction process, few roles require the vast knowledge base of the building surveyor. Their role, as described by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS), is ‘ensuring buildings are safe to occupy, energy efficient, accessible and are suitable for occupation.’ ‘As part of this responsibility, they review, analyse and assess plans … Read More

‘The course notes alone provide the value, let alone an insight into best practice.’ — Gary Finn, Sydney Access Consultants