Disabled people including people with sensory loss and cognitive impairment, older people, people with pushchairs and young children etc find it difficult to move around independently and safely in the environment. It is important that these problems are recognised and much is done to remove barriers that prevent people from leading an active life.

The built environment must be able to adapt to meet both the changing needs of society and the demands of the legislators. An inclusive approach to the design of environment accepts that all users have a range of needs and abilities and that these should be addressed by designs that allow the majority of people to use environment comfortably, as independently as possible and, most importantly, safely.

The London Borough of Redbridge is committed to creating an inclusive environment, which would enable all people move around safely, independently and without undue restrictions.

In terms of building design, we have an 'access policy' to make all new or altered buildings accessible - all developments whether alterations, extensions, changes of use or new built should provide suitable access for disabled people.

Legislation

In current years there has been an increasing awareness of rights of access for disabled people.

Duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), Special Education and Disabilities Act 2001 and the Disability discrimination Act 2005 (DDA 2005), prohibits discrimination against disabled people in a range of circumstances, covering employment and occupation, education, transport and the provision of goods, facilities, services, premises and the exercise of public functions.

The DDA is a major piece of legislation which will affect the way in which we design and manage the built environment. Part III of the DDA places a duty on service providers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people are not discriminated against and can use their services easily and in comfort. Reasonable adjustment may involve changing policies, procedures and practices or providing auxiliary aids and services such as information in alternative formats. This may include providing information in large print of Braille.

Examples include:

• Putting in a ramp to replace steps
• Providing larger, well defined signs for people with visual impairment
• Improving access to toilet or washing facilities

Further information could be obtained from the Disability Rights Commission website:

London Borough of Redbridge 'Access for All' contains details of technical design standards.

If you would like to receive a copy in print, large prints, Braille, contact the Access Office.

Publications

Access for all booklet.

Guildlines for disabled access in Redbridge.