Inclusive environments

Question 1

What are inclusive environments?

Answer 1

• An inclusive environment recognises and accommodates differences in the way people use the built and natural environment
• It facilitates dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone. It does not physically or socially separate, discriminate, or isolate. Inclusive environments readily accommodate and welcomes diverse user needs

Question 2

What is discrimination?

Answer 2

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, religion, age, sex, or disability.

Question 3

What regulations govern inclusive environments?

Answer 3

Equality Act 2010

Question 4

Can you explain how the Equality Act 2010 influences inclusive environments?

Answer 4

• Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to discriminate on grounds of disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, religion, or belief etc.
• Discrimination on these grounds is known as protected characteristics

Question 5

Are there any Building Regulations associated with inclusive environments?

Answer 5

Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings.

Question 6

Can you provide a summary how Approved Document M applies to this competency?

Answer 6

Approved Document M provides information about the ease of access to and use of, buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants and the ability to move through a building easily including to toilets and bathrooms.

Guidance on the use of ramps and steps is covered to provide ease of access, with information including safe degrees of pitch and dimensions when building a wheelchair accessible facility. The construction of accessible stairs and corridors is also addressed, including the safe height of stairs and the accessible width of both corridors and stairs.

The document also provides guidance on the access and use of extensions made to buildings other than dwellings and access to toilets, bathrooms and sinks within these structures.

Question 7

Can you give tangible examples how a building can be inclusive?

Answer 7

• Physical access, e.g. ramps or lifts for wheelchair users
• Hearing loops
• Dedicated feedings areas for new parents
• Accessible parking bays adjacent to the building entrance
• Contrasting colours in key elements of the building such as stairs, door frames and plug sockets (to assist partially sighted).