The Access Manual

This book contains guidance and advice that is essential in the auditing and management of existing buildings, and in the design of refurbishment and adaptation work. The Manual covers the design, improvement, maintenance and management of inclusive, accessible environments, and contains many pictures to illustrate good and bad practice. The Manual comprises four chapters supplemented by appendices which themselves contain suggested check lists to assist in the access auditing process. They also offer samples of potential styles for audit reports.

The Manual shows how, through good design, appropriate management and an understanding of the issues, an inclusive, accessible environment can be achieved for the benefit of all, often at little or no additional costs.

The Access Manual

With its comprehensive information on standards, legislation and good practice, the manual will make sure you can:

• be fully aware of the issues involved in accessibility;
• understand and commission access audits;
• create and manage an access improvement programme;
• maintain accessibility in buildings and working practices;
• respond effectively to the duties imposed by the Disability Discrimination Act.

Inclusive design is about people and their needs; the Access Manual shows you how to achieve accessible, inclusive built environments that enable people to participate fully in all aspects of society.

Testimonials and Review Comments

“This is an excellent book which I would highly recommend to those new to access work as an easy to read introduction to the issues. Indeed it is also useful as a refresher to those who have been working in access a while”

Access Journal, Issue 15, Summer 2004
This is a comprehensive introduction to access auditing. There is a great deal of detail on a wide range of issues, both design and management, yet it is an easy read which takes the reader step by step through the issues.”

Carol Thomas, JMU Access Partnership and Chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) Education and Training Working Group.
“The authors are access consultants and together have many years relevant experience. Therefore it is not surprising that one of the benefits of this book is that it contains a useful and comprehensive checklist of recording information on site plus a typical, sample access audit.”

Building Engineer, April 2004.
“This is a well-written and practical manual, recommended reading for building engineers concerned with the creation, planning and management of buildings. It should to be a valuable and interesting aid to everyone helping to make our built environment accessible to everyone”

Dave Phythian BA MSc FBEng MRICS
Architectural Technology, March/April 2004
“… it’s an incredibly informative text and the level of detailed information contained within, [is] a veritable bible of accessibility guidance.” “I, as an alleged expert in accessibility, would commend this book to you to read and re-read” “Adopting the advice within will prevent you from addressing the needs of one sector of those with disabilities to the real detriment of others; a common result.”

Seán Walsh B Arch MBIAT MBEng
Barrierfree, the magazine of the Museums and Galleries Disability Association: 16, Winter 2003/04.

“Both authors are well known for their work on access . . . between them they have produced a useful book that is helpful in the context of our current built environment and what steps can be taken to improve access . . . access management is particularly important and there is a useful chapter on this.'

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