Access News

A new direction for inclusive design in Australia Across Australia, the conversation around access in the built environment continues to evolve. For decades, design has largely focused on minimum compliance, meeting the technical requirements of legislation including the National Construction Code, the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010, and referenced Australian Standards such … Read More

The New South Wales Parliament recently completed an inquiry into the provision, design, accessibility and maintenance of public toilets, recognising the critical role toilets play in enabling participation, dignity and inclusion across communities. The inquiry examined gaps in current regulation, funding responsibilities, planning frameworks and operational practices, particularly for people with disability, older adults, families, … Read More

Access Institute is pleased to confirm that we have developed and lodged a comprehensive submission to the current Review of the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standard. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in access consulting education, assessor training, industry leadership and SDA practitioner support, our submission highlights the importance of: Our … Read More

Inclusive environments don’t happen by chance – they are created through knowledge, expertise, and a commitment to best practice design. For more than 30 years, Access Institute has been the leader in access consulting education, helping professionals build the skills and credibility needed to make a difference. The Diploma of Access Consulting is Australia’s highest … Read More

Access Institute is proud to introduce a new mark of distinction for leaders in accessibility and universal design – the 5-Star Credentialed Access Professional Program. This prestigious credential recognises access professionals who have achieved the highest benchmark of training, capability, and commitment in the sector. It represents not just professional achievement, but also a dedication … Read More

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) has long been the cornerstone of disability rights in Australia. For access consultants, it is more than just legislation – it is the framework that guides how we advise, assess, and help organisations create inclusive environments. With the DDA currently under review, changes on the horizon could reshape the … Read More

By Ms. Joe Manton – Director, Access Institute – [email protected] June 2025 Is the use of MLAK on public facilities a form of discrimination, or does it offer essential security for facilities and benefits for people with disabilities? As communities evolve and access expectations change, it’s time to explore whether the MLAK system supports or hinders … Read More

Ms. Joe Manton, Director Access Institute, ACA Fellow, Williamson Fellow. E: [email protected] July 2024 Update to Article – All-Gender Toilets – We just want to go to the Toilet – May 2021 Go to https://accessinstitute.com.au/all-gender-toilets-we-just-want-to-go-to-the-toilet/  for original article. In 2021, I wrote about the provision of All-Gender Toilets and referenced an ABC Opinion piece by … Read More

– A lucrative Career path with plenty of opportunities – SDA Assessors can indeed pursue a lucrative career path with abundant opportunities. As the demand for accessible housing continues to grow, the need for qualified SDA Assessors to assess designs and final as built dwellings against the SDA Design Standard has exploded. There are not … Read More

From (Ms) Joe Manton – Director, Access Institute In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme provides support to eligible individuals in various types of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). New residential accommodation buildings must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and adhere to the SDA Design Standard. However, there are concerns regarding the application of … Read More

From (Ms) Joe Manton – Director, Access Institute The Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Pricing Review results have just been released and are available on the NDIS website at the link below. There are a number of reports that relate to this review that incorporate extensive technical data and detail. The majority of SDA configurations have … Read More