Inclusive design is sometimes referred to as Universal Design and Design for All.

In the built environment, inclusive design is important to provide barrier free access for as many people as possible without the need for additional special adaptations. Well considered inclusive design helps to provide a positive experience for all users.

An architectural plan design review is a desk top study of the design proposals prior to construction. The design proposals are reviewed against the Building Regulations Part M to help ensure that access for disabled people is carefully considered.

Architectural design reviews can avoid costly and time consuming modifications post occupancy.

It is good practice to establish an inclusive design strategy at the start of a project to embed inclusive design and accessibility principles during the design stages.

Where disabled access has not been properly considered under Part M, this can lead to problems gaining Building Regulations approval towards the end of the project.

An access audit (sometimes referred to as a DDA audit or DDA survey) assesses the current accessibility status of a building or environment and the way services are provided against current standards.

The access audit will highlight any barriers to access which may compromise a disabled persons ability to use the environment and services.

Approved Document M provides design guidance on how to comply with Part M of the Building Regulations. It is divided into two separate publications; Volume 1 covers dwellings and Volume 2 covers buildings other than dwellings. Both volumes deal with ‘Access to and use of buildings’. Volume 2 is used as the minimum benchmark when carrying out an access audit of a building which is used by staff and the public.

There are two separate parts to BS 8300. Both parts deal with the design of an accessible and inclusive built environment. Part 1 deals with the external environment and Part 2 deals with buildings. BS 8300 provides a higher level of detail and design guidance than is generally provided in Approved Document M or Approved Document K, however there is no statutory requirement to follow it.

LRV stands for light reflectance value and is important for designers to consider when assessing suitable levels of visual contrast in buildings and environments which are used by staff, visitors and service users. In order to provide access for partially sighted people, elements within buildings and the exterior built environment need to be clearly differentiated by tonal contrast t.

The Equality Act 2010 brought together nine main pieces of discrimination legislation including what is still often referred to as the DDA or the Disability Discrimination Act. The Equality Act legally protects people against discrimination in the workplace and also when accessing services.

Detailed information can be found at the Equality and Human Rights Commission