Access Audits (DDA Assessments)
We can provide you with a comprehensive disability Access Audit (often referred to as a DDA Assessment) of your premises and the services you provide to the public.
Our Access Audits are clearly written in plain English and can be tailored to your exact requirements.
Our Level 1 Access Audits are a low cost, text only option and will cover all the key areas required of an Access Audit.
Our Level 2 Access Audits are detailed photographic reports which will include plans and informative diagrams. Any recommendations for improvements will be prioritised and will include cost bands.
Do you require something else? No problem, let us know and we will do what we can to help.
How does it work?
We will visit your building at a suitable time and carry out an inspection starting from the outside and then working through the interior. The pan disability Access Audit will assess how inclusive and accessible the environment is for disabled people, older people and people with young children, the emergency means of escape, communication systems, management policies / practices and staff awareness.
The Access Audit will provide comments on any barriers to access which may prevent a disabled person from being able to use the environment and services. We will provide practical recommendations to improve access including any ‘reasonable adjustments’ you may need to consider in relation to the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). A ‘reasonable adjustment’ can be something as simple as changing a policy and does not necessarily require you to make expensive physical changes.
The Access Audit will be comprehensive and will include the following key areas;
- The external environment
- Any on site car parking
- Entrance doors
- Lobby areas
- Reception points
- Toilet facilities
- Corridors
- Internal doors
- Stairs
- Lifts
- Communication systems
- Controls / switches
- Colour / tonal contrast
- Lighting
- Acoustics
- Wayfinding signage
- Emergency means of escape
- Maintenance
Please find further information below, but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.
Level 1: Walk and Talk Access Audit with a short written summary
This cost effective service will provide you with an overview of the accessibility of the environment and services provided. We will walk around your premises with you, talking through any access issues which may arise. A short written summary of our discussions will then be prepared. This summary is usually in the region of 10-15 pages depending on the complexity of the environment. You are very welcome to take your own detailed notes during the audit.
Level 2: Detailed Photographic Access Audit Report
This service will provide you with a detailed access audit report and will be presented with colour photographs in wire bound A3 format. We will also provide you with a Word and PDF copy on CD so that you can incorporate the Access Audit into an Access Plan for the future.
All recommendations will be cross referenced against relevant criteria, including Approved Document M of the Building Regulations (2004), BS 8300: 2009+A1: 2010 and any other relevant guidance. Category or priority ratings and cost bandings will also be provided if required.