The presence of a ramp at the entrance does not in itself mean that a building or space is accessible. A person may be able to get inside without difficulty, but may still be unable to open a door, use a lift, find the right room, obtain information or access the toilet facilities.
To assess accessibility comprehensively, an accessibility audit must be carried out.
What is an accessibility audit?
An accessibility audit is an assessment of a building, site or specific route that helps to determine whether people with different needs can use the space and services safely and independently.
This applies not only to people who use a wheelchair. Barriers can affect people with visual or hearing impairments, older people, parents with pushchairs, people with temporary injuries and other groups with reduced mobility.
Therefore, during an audit, it is important to assess not just individual elements, but the person’s entire route: from the approach to the building and the entrance to the ability to access the required service.
An accessibility audit can be carried out for:
- administrative buildings and centres providing administrative services;
- educational, healthcare, cultural and social welfare institutions;
- offices, shops, bank branches and other commercial premises;
- residential buildings;
- streets, squares, parks and public spaces;
- transport infrastructure;
- specific routes.
The scope of the audit depends on the objective. Sometimes it is necessary to inspect the entire building, whilst at other times a specific route needs to be assessed – for example, from a public transport stop to the office where a person receives a service.
What is checked during an audit
The list of criteria depends on the type of premises, but an audit typically covers:
- the surrounding area and access routes to the building;
- the presence of changes in level and obstacles;
- parking spaces;
- stairs, ramps, lifts and handrails;
- entrance doors, thresholds and the width of passageways;
- corridors, waiting areas and service areas;
- lifts;
- toilets;
- the layout of furniture and equipment;
- wayfinding, information signs and markings;
- lighting and the contrast of elements;
- the availability of information in accessible formats.
During an inspection, it is important to consider not only whether a particular feature is present, but also whether it can actually be used. For example, a ramp may be installed but have too steep a gradient, a slippery surface or lack proper handrails.
How an accessibility audit is carried out
1. Defining the scope of the audit
Firstly, it is necessary to determine which facility or route is to be audited, who uses it, and what services are provided there. This helps to establish the logic of the audit and to focus not only on the physical characteristics of the space, but also on the actual experience of visitors and staff.
2. Analysis of requirements
Before the site visit, specialists review the design documentation, where available, as well as the requirements of national building regulations and the principles of universal design.
3. Site survey
During the site visit, the specialists follow the visitor’s route step by step, take the necessary measurements, photograph barriers and assess the possibility of independent use of the space.
4. Involving people with different types of disability
Where possible, people with different user experiences should be involved in the audit. They may draw attention to barriers that are not immediately obvious.
At the same time, it is important to remember that user participation does not replace a technical survey or an analysis of regulatory requirements. The best results are achieved through a combination of professional expertise and people’s practical experience.
5. Preparing the report
A report is drawn up based on the audit findings, which must include:
The recommendations must be specific and clear to those who will subsequently be responsible for their implementation: the management of the organisation, the local authority, designers or contractors.
What happens after the audit
The report itself does not remove the barriers. The audit is the first step, after which it is necessary to move on to planning and implementing changes.
To do this, you need to:
- identify the most critical barriers;
- categorise recommendations into short-, medium- and long-term ones;
- draw up an action plan;
- calculate the necessary costs;
- assign responsibilities and set deadlines;
- secure funding.
Some barriers can be removed without major refurbishment. For example, rearranging furniture, removing obstacles from walkways, improving lighting, installing clear information signs or training staff to interact appropriately with visitors.
Other solutions will require design, funding and construction work. This is why it is important to set priorities and develop a realistic plan for change.
An audit is not about looking for faults for the sake of criticism
The aim of an audit is not to compile the longest possible list of breaches. Its purpose is to identify the specific barriers that prevent people from using the space on an equal footing, and to suggest ways of removing them.
A well-conducted audit helps to:
- make informed management decisions;
- plan the budget;
- identify priority measures;
- avoid mistakes during repairs and refurbishments;
- create more comfortable and safer spaces;
- ensure equal access to services.
Accessibility is not an optional extra, nor is it a separate solution for a small group of people. It is the opportunity for every person to learn, work, get around, access services and participate in community life.
As part of the “Model Local Accessibility Programme” project, “The League of the Strong” will carry out accessibility audits in five communities that demonstrate the greatest potential during the training.
This publication was produced as part of a project implemented by “The League of the Strong” with the support of the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” Programme, which is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Estonia, Canada, Norway, Finland, Switzerland and Sweden.