PROFESSIONAL institutions that represent architects, town planners, surveyors, engineers and facilities managers have committed to improving accessibility for the country’s 12 million disabled people.
The Royal Town Planning Institute, The Royal Institution of British Architects and The British Institution of Facilities Managers have signed up to the Built Environment Professional Education Project, which aims to ensure that inclusive design becomes a requirement of all built environment accredited courses at universities and colleges.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Institution of Civil Engineers have also signed up to the project.
It is hoped that nearly one third of all built environment professionals will be proficient in inclusive design within 10 years.
Disabled people have the most difficulties with access in shops (54%), hospitals (34%) and bars and restaurants (23%).
Mike Penning, Minister for Disabled People, said: “Disabled people should be able to have the same access to buildings and sporting stadiums as everyone else – which we saw with the award-winning Olympic Stadium.
“I want to see the architects and planners of the future to be able to put accessibility at the heart of their designs – and I’ll be working with professional bodies and academics to make that happen.”
Lord Seb Coe said: “The focus on training and education will mean a lasting Paralympic legacy which will inspire future generations of built environment professionals to achieve truly accessible and inclusive environments for everyone.”
Accessibility at the Olympic Park included accessible routes through and to the park, accessible public transport, the Games’ mobility scheme, the volunteers and the management that made the Games the most accessible ever.
Other features included viewing areas for wheelchair users, easily accessible spacious toilet facilities, including Changing Places toilets for people who need the extra space and changing bench and hoist.
