Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What are inclusive environments?

Answer 1

• An inclusive environment recognizes 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 the 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.

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 feeding areas for new parents
• Accessible parking bays adjacent to the building entrance
• Contrasting colours in key elements of the building such as stair nosings, door frames and plug sockets (to assist the partially sighted).