DPTAC Charter on training and education in accessibility

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) is the Government's independent advisor on the transport and built environment needs of disabled people.

The DPTAC Charter is based on the European Charter on Access to Transport Services and Infrastructure^[i] which recognised the need for accessibility principles to be followed in all projects and the Council of Europe Resolution^[ii] which advocated the inclusion of universal design principles in education of professionals.

This underlines the need for inclusive design principles to be included within training for all transport and built environment occupations to secure an inclusive environment. Without this, access for disabled people will continue to focus on rectifying needless problems.

1. Everyone must have an opportunity for independent access.

Everyone, irrespective of disability or age, should as a right be able to access, use and understand the built environment and transport options as independently and as equal to others as possible. This is fundamental to the inclusion of disabled people fully as active participants in society.

2. Inclusive design promotes opportunities for everyone.

"Inclusive design" is an evolving concept making design and composition of different environments accessible, understandable and usable by everyone, to the greatest extent in the most independent and natural manner possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design solutions. The intent is to simplify life for everyone by focusing on the user.

3. It is the responsibility and duty of society to make the built environment and transport inclusive.

Policy-makers and other stakeholders whose decisions at all levels, affect the quality of life of disabled people need to understand and apply the principles of inclusive design in policy, procedure and practice. This can only happen if people understand what they are seeking to achieve.

4. Training in inclusive design should be integral to all training.

Training in the concept of inclusive design should be an integral and compulsory element underpinning the mainstream initial training for all occupations, at all levels and in all sectors. It applies equally to builders, project managers or company directors.

Training, education and awareness raising should provide recipients with the necessary values, understanding and skills to facilitate inclusive environments. Basic skills will include:

• The ability to understand the relationship between people and their environment and the need for inclusive design to accommodate diverse needs.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving to provide solutions which meet the needs of all users not simply rigid application of minimum standards.
• An appreciation of their role as one of many stakeholders influencing the ultimate accessibility to users.

5. Teaching methods and techniques should apply the principles of good practice set out in the DPTAC charter.

Training should:

• take an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging links between professions;
• complement theory with practice;
• foster positive attitudes towards disabled people to overcome stereotypes and prejudices;
• be delivered by people with an understanding of the concepts of inclusive design. Training staff themselves may need training;
• develop a curricula with the co-operation of users across the age span, including people with disabilities, drawing on their expertise.

6. Inclusive design is an evolving concept so continuing development is essential to ensure skills remain current.

• Access for all

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