Buildings

Overview
Role of the working group
What we have done
What we are doing
Top Tips
Inclusive Projects

With effect from 1 April 2005, DPTAC lost its non-statutory remit for the built environment. In future the work of DPTAC's former Built Environment Group will be carried out by the Inclusive Environment Group, sponsored by the Commission on Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). For further information please contact Anna Hamilos in CABE on 020 7070 6763. We have amended the DPTAC Strategy and Work Programme to reflect this change in remit, though we will continue to advise the Government on accessible transport infrastructure and buildings. Documents relating to the work of the Built Environment Group will remain on the DPTAC website for the time being as a record of past work.

Overview

Everyone should be able to get to, and use, buildings and the open spaces between them. For many people this is not currently possible due to barriers created by the design, management and operation of buildings, streets and open space.

The Government has asked DPTAC to advise on why this is the case and recommend strategic actions to address problems facing disabled people when using buildings and open space. Much is already being done.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aims to prevent the discrimination of disabled people and provide equality of access to goods, facilities and services. By 2004 those providing goods, services and facilities will have to ensure they have addressed barriers to disabled people.

There are other requirements requiring access for disabled people, like Building Regulations, already in force. Planning authorities are advised to consider the needs of disabled people. Disabled people provide advice and make recommendations themselves, often in local access groups.

But even in new buildings disabled people experience barriers to access.

Role of the working group

The Built Environment Group (BEG) was re-established in 2003.

Our main objective is to advise on improving access to the built environment for disabled people, taking into account complementary advice from other DPTAC Working Groups. We define the built environment as buildings, plus their relationship with other buildings and the public realm - or open space - between them.

Our membership includes representatives from disability interests, those concerned with the planning, design, construction and use of the built environment, housing services providers and regulators of the industry. We also have observers from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and other Government agencies.

Our role is to focus on the strategic issues. This enables DPTAC to be more effective in influencing the process and outcome in all areas rather than specific schemes. Our work helps to inform those seeking to improve access at a local level. Local people will be aware of how this guidance can be applied to local circumstances.

We advocate an inclusive design approach with regard to buildings and open space, and in the advice we give to Government.

Inclusive design is an approach that sets out to include as many people as possible. It does not attempt to meet every single need. Rather, by considering people's diversity, inclusive design tries to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusion. In doing so it will often achieve superior solutions that benefit everyone.

It is not only about design, it is also about how places are planned, managed and operated that affects access for disabled people.

Built Environment Group membership

What we have done

• Developed a model inclusion policy for architects to assist them, their clients and other colleagues in the industry to deliver inclusive design: Commitment to Inclusive Design

• Helped review Building Regulations covering access for disabled people, Part M of the Regulations "Access to and use of buildings" and BS8300 "Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people - code of practice".
• Helped ODPM develop guidance on planning and access "Planning and access for disabled people - A good practice guide".
• Developed guidance on development briefs "Inclusive Projects: A guide to best practice on preparing and delivering project briefs to secure access".
• Developed and updated our web based Access Directory - a "knowledge map" drawing together current guidance and good practice in planning and inclusive design.

What we are doing

• Developing a position paper on housing.

We welcome your comments and views on any priorities not considered here. Click here to e-mail us ideas.

Top Tips

• Commitment to Inclusive Design

• Inclusive Projects

If you are a developer;

• Ensure your project team can demonstrate qualifications and competencies in access issues. Training courses are available;
• That access is included from the start of a project;
• Consider using access consultants and auditors with appropriate experience. See the National Register of Access Consultants (www.nrac.org.uk);
• The Access Association is a networking organisation for professionals concerned with the inclusive and accessible environments. Further details can be found at: www.access-association.org.uk
• Include access in the project brief.
• Review access at the end of the project.

If you are a disabled person;

• Provide feedback - positive and negative - on access provision to the building occupier.
• If access makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for you to enter a building from which services are being provided you may have a case under the Disability Discrimination Act. Changes to physical features may be required by 2004.
• Consider joining or forming a local access group - RADAR provides advice.

• Publications & other resources
• Links

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