It is significantly more cost and time effective to consider building accessibility at the design phase, rather than trying to adapt and modify post build to provide appropriate and legislatively required access.

We offer access consulting services during the design phase of your project and throughout your build, that will save you time and money by considering and evaluating all accessibility requirements relevant to your project.

Key accessibility features that ensure a building and spaces can be utilised by people of all abilities, are most economically included at the planning phase.

By involving an Optimal Access consultant to review your building plans before building commences, we can help ensure that your building is compliant with accessibility legislation and identify what changes need to be made to achieve compliance, without it becoming a costly retrofit once the build is completed.

Where an existing building is undergoing renovation, change of purpose, or is required to meet additional accessibility requirements, an audit or appraisal can be conducted with reference to legislation and standards current at the time of the audit.

This includes consideration of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA 1992) which supports the principle that people with a disability have the right to equitable and dignified access, if this access is not provided a complaint can be made under the DDA.

In particular this is relevant for the many spaces such as (but not limited to) landscapes, streetscapes, playgrounds and seating which are not required to meet building access legislation, but are required to meet the intent of the DDA.