Access and Inclusive design

There are two main approaches to accessibility for disabled people.

The first approach is to find out where the designed-in barriers are and how to remove them. It could be said that these barriers are a consequence of a Medical Model of Disability perspective influencing design. For example:

• Train carriages may be designed without a wheelchair space so may have to be adapted at a high cost
• A Victorian town hall has stepped access, and needs a platform lift installed to overcome the barriers created by steps
• A new office block may have no signage, so visually impaired people have great difficulty locating the right office - the signage is added after the building has been completed because of complaints
• An airport terminal has a poor PA system that makes unclear announcements that confuse people with a learning impairment, so a new system needs to be installed with correct staff training to ensure announcements are clear.
• A milk carton is so badly designed that it can’t be opened without scissors - which affects every customer buying the milk

The second approach is to adopt an idea called Inclusive Design. This is a different way of looking at accessibility, and tries to include all the design features in a building, public space, vehicle or product that makes it as easy to use and understandable to as many people as possible. It could be argued that this approach is much more about designing out barriers from scratch. This approach is much more in tune with the Social Model of Disability. For example:

• A train carriage is designed that includes visual and audible destination announcers, colour contrasted seats and handles, flexible wheelchair spaces, and other features that allow many kinds of people to use it easily
• A new council office is designed with many inclusive features, and all front line staff are trained in disability awareness and good building management. Feedback from disabled visitors is encouraged so any problems can be tackled.
• A taxi is designed with many inclusive features – for example a built in ramp, colour contrasting handles and an induction loop system for hearing aid users.
   Article about the inclusively designed Black Cab, the TX1
• A toaster is designed with large contrasting handles, clear dials and a retro look that makes it a best-seller – and is easy to use.
  Read about inclusively designed products

Inclusive Design is a big idea, which has yet to be fully tested out. At the moment, we think that both approaches will be needed for some time to get rid of discriminatory barriers disabled people face.

We are currently working with Design Commission for Wales to develop guidance on inclusive design and access statements. We are also working with the Civic Trust for Wales to promote inclusive design in the historic environment.