|
|
Access
Access Auditors
What do they do?
Who are they?
Tony Crowhurst B.Sc. (Mathematics),
DBA. Cert Dip AF, MRICS - Tony is a Chartered Surveyor with over 35
years experience in the building industry. He has worked with and for
disabled people for over 6 years both as customer and client
Ailsa Pearce BA Hons (Leisure &
Tourism Facility Management), M.Sc (Occupational Health and Safety),
Nebosh general certificate – Ailsa has worked with disabled people for
over 20 years. She has worked on the access needs of disabled people
and Health and Safety for over 2 years.
What access auditing services are available?
-
Walk and talk audits – The
purpose of this type of audit is to enable you to walk in the shoes
of a disabled person. In the company of one of our auditors, you will
walk around your building. The auditor’s role will be to help you
to understand the various access issues that would be encountered
by a disabled person. On larger schemes, our auditors will be accompanied
by a group of disabled people. No formal written report is prepared
but key issues will be raised in a short letter.
-
Access guidance – The purpose
of this type of audit is to target key issues and assess your building
against these key criteria. A tick list is used. A report is prepared
which features the tick list, key comments and general advice on a
range of issues.
-
Drawing assessments
– The purpose of this type of audit is to consider access issues on
the basis of drawings alone. It is typically used as part of the design
process. A short report would be prepared.
-
Audits of external environments
– We have carried out audits of countryside paths, towns centres,
cemeteries, building access routes etc, In some cases we have used
drawings alone and in other cases have walked up to 6 miles along
countryside trails in the company of clients. The nature of the report
is dependent on the nature of the commission.
-
Full access audits
– These audits use the British Standard BS8300 to compare your buildings
against best practice. A comprehensive report is prepared which features
many photographs. An executive summary brings together the report’s
action points.
What is our experience of disability equality strategies?
- When the disability equality duty was first
introduced, the Disability Advice Project held a conference to explain
the details of the Duty. The conference was attended by in excess of
100 people, which included most local Councils, CADW, etc.
- We have helped governors of many schools to
prepare Disability Equality Strategies. Many have subsequently been
reviewed and given the highest grading in each instance by Estyn inspectors.
- What is our experience of access statements
and planning?
- We have commented on planning applications
submitted to Torfaen County Borough Council for over 2 years.
- We have made presentations to planners, building
control officers and agents associated with several local councils
- We have worked with access groups throughout
Wales to promote the needs of disabled people, including meeting with
the appropriate Welsh Assembly Minister.
What de we charge?
|
Member of DIAL UK
Charity No: 500000 |
|
