Accessibility by Design, not an Afterthought

Accessibility is often viewed as a checklist requirement to be ticked off at the end of a project. However, this approach can lead to compromised design solutions, costly changes and built environments that do not fully meet end-user needs.

Early Decisions Matter Most

The earliest stage of a project presents the greatest opportunity to influence outcomes. Setting a clear brief on accessibility and engaging with relevant stakeholders early ensures that the key requirements are embedded from the project outset rather than an add-on at later stages. Initial high-level consultations help establish clear objectives, making the design team aware of constraints from the beginning and supports a more realistic programme and cost planning.

Key considerations at this stage include:

• A clear, defined project brief on accessibility
• Early stakeholder engagement
• Consulting with disabled persons organisations

Staying on Track

As the project progresses, accessibility must remain a priority across all disciplines. What begins as a design principle must be carried through into coordinated layouts and detailed design. Maintaining a consistent focus ensures that accessibility is not unintentionally compromised as complexity increases or design changes occur. Effective coordination between the design team and other relevant stakeholders is critical to maintaining key design elements and minimising design conflicts.

Key items to consider at this stage:

• Integration of accessible facilities into overall design
• Maintaining clear widths and spatial requirements
• Coordinating layouts across architectural; civils; structural; and mechanical, electrical and plumbing design

Getting it Right 

Construction is where design intent becomes reality, and accessibility depends heavily on quality execution and consistent monitoring on site. Attention to detail is key, and regular site inspections during construction helps identify issues early and prevents costly corrections later. 

Critical elements to monitor on site include:

• Site work follows design proposal
• Confirming key dimensions
• Effective benchmarking
• Open communication on any deviations 

Beyond Construction 

Once the construction and handover of a project is completed, the commitment to accessibility should continue. Many times, post-handover accessible areas can become inaccessible due to wear and tear and building management causing issues such as:

• Damaged nosings on stairs
• Malfunctioning powered doors
• Damaged lighting
• Removed signage
• Accessible WCs used as storage

We need to ensure that the benefits of considering accessibility from the beginning are not hindered by our actions at the end. The key to ensuring areas remain accessible is proper maintenance, which includes:

• Routine replacement and repair
• Sticking to maintenance schedules
• Carrying out periodic audits
• Ensuring accessible facilities are not used as storage
• Training staff and building users

During the fitout of buildings, it is equally important that accessibility is integrated in the procurement stage to ensure that the installed products do not create barriers within the built environment.

Just as with any undertaking or project, “fail to plan, plan to fail” also applies to the construction industry. It is easier and more effective to have accessibility built into the design of a project from an early stage, rather than retroactively incorporating it once projects have made it to site.  Put simply, accessibility should be a key part of the design process, not an afterthought.