To get you started it recommended you carry out an access audit. This will include:

1. Making a list of the full range of disabilities of people who may visit you or who are in your employment.

2. Follow the route that customers and staff take into and around your premises and consider what particular access needs a disabled person may have at each stage:

• From car park to the entrance point
• Entrance to the building
• Reception
• Customer toilets
• Doorways and corridors
• Lighting
• Any change of floor level

Who should carry out a Disability Access Audit?

You can of course do this yourself but sometimes it is best left to the professionals. Our DDA auditors have an in depth knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act and awareness of working with Disability issues. All our DDA auditors also have successfully passed the NCFE (Level 3) Access Auditing exam.

What does the DDA Access Audit do for our organisation?

1. Primarily, you will know what adjustments you need to make in order to provide accessibility to those who need it AND it allows you to comply with the law.

2. The results of your audit will help you provide the right information for management and staff so they are aware of their responsibilities to help disabled people e.g. communicating in the right way, keeping routes clear, setting up removable ramps, operating enhanced hearing facilities etc

3. Also by assessing access needs you will be in a strong position to provide written policies and practical procedures on how to approach disability requirements