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.