martin affleck consultancy

EXPERIENCE AND
RANGE OF AUDITS.

FREE LUNCH.

OTHER SERVICES.

what's in the audits

WHAT CAN BE IN AN AUDIT

What you need from an audit can be established from a short telephone call.

A typical audit can include:

  • Information on the Disability Discrimination Act and Regulations
  • Overview of the main audit findings
  • A percentage indication of the accessibility of the premises (This is a personal assessment but it gives a measure to monitor improvements against - this is useful where there is a range of several buildings)
  • Full details of the audit findings and suggested improvements
  • Overview of current standards
  • Recommendations are categorised as
    1. Items with a high priority or big impact on accessibility
    2. Items which are easy to implement
    3. Items which could be considered in future developments, refurbishments or redecorations
  • Information on DDA Employment issues, which changed in October 2004
  • Guidance on different disabilities
  • Factors to consider in developing policies and procedures

The last items are to help in complying with the spirit of the service delivery aspects of the DDA. The extra loose leaf copy of the audit that is provided, in addition to the three bound copies, enables the information to be shared with staff, including those dealing direct with the public and customers.

Picture of trying out gym equipment.
Testing the accessibility of gym equipment.

Picture of consultation on a new major shopping development.
Consultation between developers and disabled people on a new major shopping development.

Picture of consultation on new cybercafe.
Consultation with disabled people on furniture for a new cybercafe in a leisure centre.

Picture of testing accessibility in a car park.
Trying out an inaccessible barrier in a multi storey car park.

Picture of wheelchair user moving in space taped out on floor.
Trying out a non standard lift size taped out on the floor.

HOW AN AUDIT IS DONE

Plans
I first need an idea of what is to be audited. Often, a brief description over the phone is enough. If you don't have plans or other drawings, I can produce a diagramatic sketch plan during an initial walk round the areas involved.

Briefing and Familiarisation
On first arrival, I usually try to have a brief meeting to check the details and any particular areas of interest. I will then have a general walk around to get familiarised and to form a first impression of the accessibility for people with visual, hearing or cognitative impairments.

Measure
The next stage is to carry out a detail survey, measuring heights, widths, gradients and making notes of how doors, furniture and fitings can be used by disabled people.

Service Delivery
During the audit, I will check on processes, procedures and information which may affect accessibility. This might include chatting to staff on current experiences.

Getting Out
As well as access to premises, the audit will consider means of escape for disabled people in an emergency.

Producing the Audit
After the on site audit comes the process of comparing the findings against the current Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice and compiling it all into a reasonably detailed but easy to follow report.

Future Use
The audit report is categorised and indexed so that it can be readily referred to at any time. In this way it can form the basis for a rolling programme of improvements when other works are being carried out, at the present or in the future.

martin affleck consultancy

Answerphone: (023) 9279 1171
Mobile Phone: 079 3908 7679
Email: martin.affleck@ntlworld.com
Address: 142, Francis Avenue, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 0ER

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