The overall meaning of inclusive design is an application of universal design principles to create better accessibility in any built environment. The inclusive design practice exists to enable people living with special educational needs and disabilities and other physical or cognitive conditions to use a given space effectively.
Practising inclusive design principles and following accessibility guidelines can help to boost inclusivity in the following areas:
Essentially, inclusive design is useful for any setting that will experience regular use by a wide variety of people. Principles of accessibility and inclusion are important for promoting British standards set in various anti-discrimination and equality acts, but also helps many settings to function more effectively and efficiently.
Inclusive design may sound confusing, but we practice inclusive design in all of our work delivering bathrooms, changing rooms and washroom systems in a variety of sectors – so we are a good source of information. If you have a design or installation project to complete anywhere in the UK please feel free to contact us to learn more.
The standards necessary for the greatest levels of accessibility and inclusion in any sector are set by national authorities on a very broad scale, but they do not prescribe rigid criteria in many cases – leaving it up to the individual employer, education provider or business operator to decide how far they will go.
Certain legal requirements, such as wheelchair-accessible ramps, may be mandated for certain sectors (notably the public sector) but the standards require consistent development from advocacy groups to evolve. Organisations consult these groups and implement their guidelines to demonstrate a commitment to accessibility.
Some countries, such as Canada, have inclusive design research centres, which can develop sector-specific principles that allow for greater accessibility and safe use by all types of people. These centres take great care to assess the needs of a variety of groups, and regularly reassess them and keep ahead of any emerging requirements.
Principles of inclusive design revolve around promoting accessibility and inclusion, no matter the sector where they are in place. Inclusive design is familiar to most people on some level, notably in the public sector. Other names for this practice include universal design and design for all.
We practice inclusive design in our installations of washrooms, bathrooms and changing rooms across a variety of settings. If you have a project to complete anywhere in the UK we can deliver the best quality products and workmanship, all featuring first-class inclusive design.
Get in touch with us today to learn more.
Union House, Unit 2A,
Altrincham Business Park,
Stuart Road, Altrincham, Manchester, WA14 5GJ
