Access Consultancy
We have been involved in providing access consultancy services since 2002, with accreditation to the NRAC as a consultant in 2006.
Winberry can provide you with disability access services to assist you in meeting the requirements imposed by the Equality Act. This could be with a design appraisal for a new build or alteration or an access audit of existing building or services.
The Act requires service providers and businesses to review their policies, procedures and service delivery in respect of persons with protected characteristics under the act including age, gender and disability.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) first came into effect in 1995 then was updated in 2005. This legislation was replaced by the Equality Act in 2010, however people still sometimes refer to the DDA when talking about access for disabled people.
New buildings have to comply with building regulations and the approved document part M as a minimum standard, The Equality Act also uses BS8300 2010 which gives additional guidance and detail for many areas. There is other specific guidance available that exceeds the basic building regulation requirements such as the Sign Design Guide and Sports England's accessible sports facilities to name but two.
Services offered from existing buildings also have to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 but there are exemptions subject to when the building was completed.