Access Audits for DDA

How can you make sure that your organisation is ready to receive disabled learners?

The DDA is all about ensuring that you do not place a disabled learner at a disadvantage and doesn't talk about specifics such as ramps, doors, height of reception counters, hearing loop systems and the like.

However, an accessibility review can be a very useful way of identifying possible problem areas.

If you carry out an accessibility review, it should not only include the physical aspects of the building, but how learners will access ICT and the attitudes of staff who will come into contact with learners.

Such a review will help you identify how you will deliver your service to disabled people. It may also help you prioritise any changes to the building that should be carried out in the future.

There are different types of audits/reviews including buildings accessibility and usability, staff disability awareness and knowledge as well as knowledge of how ICT equipment can be adapted to enable disabled people's computer use.

Such audits can help you identify what services you already provide and how you can improve your service to disabled people to meet DDA requirements.

	Is the signage to your premises clear and easy for all users to see?

You may not be able to meet all disabled people's needs, and an audit may help you think about whose needs you can meet and what alternatives you need to offer.

Building audits

The purpose of a building audit is to ensure that disabled people can get into and move around your premises.

Some typical questions could include:

• Is the signage to your premises clear and easy for all users to see?
• can a wheelchair user gain access to the building?
• if not what alternative provision could be made?
• if an intercom system is used to enter your premises how would a profoundly deaf person gain entrance?

For useful further resources about building audits see the AbilityNet website.