Introducing Access Institute’s Five-Star Credentialing Program: The New Benchmark in Accessibility Excellence

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

Understanding Performance Solutions for Access: A Practical Guide

Creating built environments that are both inclusive and functional is essential, but not always straightforward. While the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions of Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) provide a defined path to accessibility, they aren’t always practical for every project. Complex refurbishments, heritage buildings, and unique spatial constraints can all present challenges that DTS pathways can’t … Read More

Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK)

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

It’s a Right to go to the Toilet – Not a Privilege

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

Participants are Paramount: Ensuring Safety in Specialist Disability Accommodation

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

SDA Pricing Review Released –
News for SDA Assessors

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

Why you need to use an Access Consultant on your next Project

Ms. Joe Manton, Director Access Institute, ACAA & Williamson Fellow Access Consultants have been operating in the marketplace for more than thirty years. The profession began with a few interested people, some with disabilities, who were working in the design and development of the built environment and recognised the need to ensure buildings were accessible … Read More

All Gender Toilets – We just want to go to the toilet!

Ms. Joe Manton, Director Access Institute, ACAA & Williamson Fellow In an ABC Opinion piece by Rory Blundell posted on Tuesday 4 April 2017, Rory states: ‘Like most people who consume almost a litre of soft drink while seeing a movie at the cinema, I really need to pee. A familiar, prickly feeling of anxiety … Read More

‘I found the workshop to be extremely useful, thoroughly enjoyed an informative two days, in particular I liked the practical and effective ways of conducting an access audit.’ — Naomi Thompson, City of Canterbury Bankstown