Courses in inclusive design and access
The NRAC does not accredit or specifically recommend any of the following courses. Application to the NRAC is skills based and there is not a direct link between any of the following courses and gaining membership of the NRAC. These details are provided only to assist those seeking to locate courses. All details known at the time of writing have been included.
Short Courses
About Access
Contact Ian Streets on 01482 651101 or ian@aboutaccess.co.uk for more details.
Also see our website www.aboutaccess.co.uk
Access Auditor Training
- Want to learn how to carry out an access audit, relevant legislation and codes of practice. This 2 day course will put you on the road to carrying out access audits. It is aimed at people new to access auditing whether from a building/ construction background or not.
Disability Equality and Awareness Training
- Half day workshop in understanding disabled people needs along with the medical and social models of disability. A must for frontline staff, but also for Managers/Senior staff so they can understand the barriers faced by disabled people.
User Needs
- This course is a pick and mix of subjects and can be delivered as one hour CPD sessions, half day or full days which shows why building features are designed the way they are according to current guidance e.g. Building Regulations Part M and BS8300:2009. This course will allow delegates to understand the link between design and how it can help or hinder people. The course is aimed at architects, designers, building control officers/approved inspectors, surveyors and other building professionals.
Online modules
- Visit our web site for on-line training modules. They are each on different subjects and show how design can help improve access for disabled people. There is a full module on parking available free of charge. These are cost effective training modules, as you pick your subject and view when it best suits you.
Centre for Accessible Environments
Contact the Training Coordinator, tel 020 7840 0125 or email training@cae.org.uk. More details on the website www.cae.org.uk
Inclusive Environments - access auditing and the legislation (four times a year)
- Access audit training for those seeking to develop skills as access auditors or those wishing to reinforce existing skills. The course provides training in access awareness, legislation and access auditing.
- A three day non-residential course. Cost £655 for non-members, £590 members
In-house training for occupational therapists
- This can be tailor made to suit your needs and level of experience.
Different components avaialble include; working with plans, understanding buildings, inclusive housing design and housing adaptations.
In-house bespoke training and CPD packages
- CAE also provides customised training in house to individual clients, including architects, surveyors, facilities managers, asset holders and their property managers, access groups and occupational therapists. In-house training is available throughout the UK and overseas on a wide range of topics from accessible housing design to access consultancy, including access auditing, Equality Act 2010 and disability awareness and equality. Certificates of attendance and CPD hours can be provided for all training.
Centre for Accessible Environments and Habinteg
Lifetime Homes Training
In recognition of the need for a more technical understanding of Lifetime Homes, Habinteg and CAE have produced a new one-day Lifetime Homes training course, aimed at a professional audience including architects, planners, developers and Registered Social Landlord development staff.
This will cover all aspects of the subject, including:
* the 16 Lifetime Homes design criteria
* interpretation and compliance
* comparisons between Lifetime Homes criteria and Part M
* best practice and additional guidance
The one-day course will offer opportunities to pose questions about Lifetime
Homes, and delegates will be invited to take part in practical exercises, helping
them gain an in-depth understanding of the design criteria and their application.
Please note this training is currently on hold pending the revision of course material following the update of the Lifetime Homes criteria (5 July 2010).
For booking forms and queries please click here for the CAE training website
General information on the Lifetime Homes criteria, can be found on the Lifetime Homes website
Cromer Portland
Please note that all Cromer Portland training courses are still available from Jean Hewitt www.jean-hewitt.co.uk (see entry under Jean Hewitt)
Dickinson Associates
Contact Peter Shallcross 01606 557111.
More details on the website www.dickinsonassociates.co.uk
Accessible environments courses
- A series of introductory half day, one day, or three day in depth courses aimed at technical staff involved in the design, refurbishment, and maintenance of buildings and facilities (architects, surveyors, engineers, etc). Courses can also be tailored to suit Building and Facility Managers responsible for running day to day operations, instigating programmed maintenance, and minor works projects, or other senior staff involved in property management.
Disability East -- Essex Disabled People's Association
Contact EDPA on tel 01245 253 400 or email info@essexdpa.org. More details on the website www.essexdpa.org
Access Auditors Course
- Essex Disabled People's Association Ltd (EDPA) has a level 3 vocational course, accredited by the National Awarding Body (NCFE). Open to students with no formal building or architectural training, who are residents of the county of Essex. This intensive 13 week, 5- unit course, is specifically aimed at disabled people, currently economically inactive (unemployed, or early retirement), seeking to return to employment. Selection of candidates is by interview, with funding through the European Social Fund (ESF). EDPA has a post-training mentorship programme funded by ExDRA/ESF operated by Essex Disability Access Services Limited.
Evans Jones LLP
Evans Jones has an enviable reputation for training, seminars and public addresses. We are regularly asked to train auditors and make presentations on aspects of the law and disability legislation. Training ranges from short sessions for CPD purposes through to extended courses for access auditors and property professionals.
Detailed below is an overview of our forthcoming Access Auditor training course.
Access Auditor Training Course
The Evans Jones LLP Access Auditor Course is designed to give candidates a sound basis for a career in access auditing: The course covers:
- The Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005
- What constitutes a reasonable adjustment?
- Planning, conservation area and listed building consents — when are they required?
- Other relevant legislation: building regulations, highways, health and safety etc
- Professional matters: insurance, ethics, taking instructions
- Building design features — what is good practice?
- Practical access audit exercise
The course develops, to undertake an access audit of all elements of a property, including its management and maintenance, using simple survey tools. Participants will be encouraged to produce their own access audit at the end of the course which will be reviewed by one of the trainers and NRAC consultants following completion.
Course duration: Two days
Course dates:
Cost: £500 + VAT per person
CIPFA Property
Courses designed primarily for Local Authorities and organisations with large property portfolios and can be customised to their specific needs. Courses are charged at a daily rate for the trainer, and are normally held at the clients own premises.
Contact: David Brindley, tel 01244 399699 or fax 01244 399601. More details on the website www.cipfa.org.uk
Access audit training
- Half day overview of the Disability Discrimination Act and Introduction to Access Audits. Designed specifically for property managers to give a background to their duties and responsibilities
- One day access audit course aimed a property professionals to introduce them to access audits
- One day awareness course aimed at property maintenance staff to highlight how access improvements can be integrated into maintenance programmes
- Computerised Access Audit techniques. One day course in the use of handheld data collection to carry out access audits
Harrow Association of Disabled people
Contact Yvonne Young, tel 0208 861 9920, fax 0208 861 9921, or email y.young@had.org.uk
Jean Hewitt Consulting Limited
Training programmes include:
- Fire and Emergency Evacuation Planning for Disabled People
- Managing Inclusive Service
- Universal Design and Access Auditing
Jean is a chartered FM Surveyor with NRAC, IEC and MIFPO accreditation. She holds a City and Guilds Certificate in teaching in the field of access and disability and delivers training regularly for the British Institute of Facilities Management, Citylit and other professional providers. Individual or group in-house training sessions delivered throughout the UK.
Contact Jean Hewitt, tel 01707 251246, mobile 07850 111 955 , email jean@jhc.gb.com
www.jean-hewitt.co.uk
Equality Act for Building Managers (1, 2 or 3 days)
These tailored programmes give a broad spectrum of pan-disability learning opportunities from legislation and standards, through to practical quick-win suggestions for improving accessibility to services. Workshops include a mini audit, and problem-solving of everyday scenarios. All programmes are interwoven with disability equality and awareness exercises, giving delegates a holistic approach to accessibility and universal design.
Access and Disability Equality and Awareness for Customer Facing Staff (1.5-3 hours)
These sessions are highly interactive, enabling all attendees to reach a broad understanding of the Equality Act and the way in which access to services can be improved. This is a non-technical course designed to challenge thinking about disability issues, encouraging debate and discussion around inclusive service provision. It is ideal for any front of house staff, including reception, security, tour guides, retail operators etc. Bespoke programmes are also arranged to meet specific client needs and delegate information and comprehensive study packs can be provided.
RNIB Access Consultancy Services (formerlyJMU Access Partnership)
Workshops for a maximum of 16 participants. Highly participative, comprising presentations, question and answer sessions, discussions and practical case studies. Held on various dates in different locations around the UK. Offices in London, Leeds, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Contact Michael Parsons, Training Coordinator, tel 020 7391 2002, or email michael.parsons@rnib.org.uk. More details on the website www.rnib.org.uk/professionals
Access Awareness (one day)
- By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to understand the relationship between design and disability, appreciate the access requirements of disabled people, recognise the access implications of the Disability Discrimination Act, and identify good and bad practice in accessible design. Can be condensed and delivered in a one-hour CPD session on request.
Access Statements (one day)
- By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to understand the relationship between design and disability, appreciate the benefits of inclusive design, recognise the access implications of the Disability Discrimination Act, and apply the guidance on access statements at the 4 stages - strategic, planning, design and occupation. Can be condensed and delivered in a one-hour CPD session on request.
Planning for Access (one day)
- By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to understand the relationship between design and disability, appreciate the access requirements of disabled people, explain how planners and building control officers can influence the creation of accessible environments, and recognise the access implications of the Disability Discrimination Act. Can be condensed and delivered in a one-hour CPD session on request.
Access in the Pedestrian Environment (one day)
- By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to understand the relationship between design and disability, appreciate the access requirements of disabled people, identify good and bad practice in the pedestrian environment, specify the design and layout of pedestrian paths, crossing points, tactile paving and street furniture. Can be condensed and delivered in a one-hour CPD session on request.
Signage and Wayfinding (one day)
- By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to understand the relationship between signs and the Disability Discrimination Act, appreciate how the 2004 Part III Provisions of Goods, Facilities and Services will affect signage, incorporate visually impaired user behaviour into signage planning and development, identify Best Practice signage, and know who needs to comply with the legislation.
Colour and Contrast
- By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to understand how visually impaired people perceive their environment, appreciate the principles of using colour and tone contrast and lighting to improve environments, identify good and bad practice, and specify how colour contrast should be applied.
Introduction to Access Consultancy (two day)
- By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to understand the relationship between design and disability, appreciate the access requirements of disabled people, recognise the access implications of the Equality Act, apply the requirements of access regulations and standards to new and existing premises, and identify good and bad practice in accessible design.
- In 2 days no-one can train you to be an access auditor but the course can, provide an outline of the key issues for those considering this work or enable practising auditors to update their skills.
- Next open course scheduled for Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th April 2011 in London. Click here for further information and to download booking form.
MaceMark Access Consultants
Contact Val Markley on 01303 647123 or email enquiries@macemark.co.uk. More details on website www.macemark.co.uk
Access Auditor training
- Three day course covering the legislative framework; reasonable adjustments; design standards and codes of practice; audit methodology and report writing. The course is tailored to delegates new to access auditing or from a related background.
- Three day course specific to a group or company delivered at clients premises. Covering same subjects as above by tailored to the potential audit environments to be undertaken.
Construction training for Access Auditors
- On day course aimed at access auditors from a non-construction background. Course content includes; the construction process; understanding technical drawings and specifications; construction techniques and knowledge for making access improvements. The course focuses on the differences in core competences between auditors and consultants. Course in either one-on-one or one-on-two and is tailored to the individuals knowledge base.
Disability equality and awareness training
- A memorable half day workshop in understanding the needs of disabled people, including simulation of sensory loss; cognitive impairments and reduced mobility. Information is also given of factors relating to mental health and learning difficulties. This course is ideal for front line and supervising staff.
- A memorable half day workshop in understanding the needs of disabled people, including simulation of sensory loss; cognitive impairments and reduced mobility. Information is also given of factors relating to mental health and learning difficulties. This course if aimed at management and strategic staff.
Technical standards and inclusive design
- Half day intensive course covering the key standards of BS8300, Approved Document M, design access statements, best practice design guides, principles and application of inclusive design. This course is aimed at architects, surveyors, engineers, planners and associated professions.
Equality Act 2010
- Half day course covering the requirements relevant to the disability characteristics of the Equality Act. Including the widening out of the definition of disability; duties under different sections; identifying anticipatory and reactive requirements and Public Sector Duty.
Housing adaptations for Occupational Therapists
- One, two or three day course for Occupational Therapists on all aspects of design principles for home adaptations, course length determined by number of areas reviewed in detail.
American, European and British legislation in regard to shipping and shipping services
- One day course reviewing international legislation and operational duties under various legal requirements relating to disabled people and passenger (shipping) services.
This course is suitable for ferry, cruise and larger pleasure trip operators.
Other bespoke access or disability related courses available please contact us to discuss your requirements.
RIBA North West
Contact Anthony Bott or Melinda Mowbray on tel 01565 652 927
Becoming an Access Consultant
- This two day course, held at various RIBA regional offices around the country, conceived with the advice and assistance of the JMU Access Partnership, is specifically tailored for architects.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
RICS is staging two consecutive access training courses held over three days. The courses are designed to help participants understand inclusive environments and access statements.
Contact the Events Assistant, tel 020 7695 1600. For more information visit the website www.rics.org
Inclusive Environments (two-day course)
- examine aspects of the DDA and other legislation associated with the surveying, development, management and maintenance of premises
- become familiar with and learn how to carry out access audits
Access Statements/Part M (one-day course held directly after Inclusive Environments)
- examine the aims and uses of Access Statements in the built environment from inception through to the occupancy stage of a project.
RNIB Business Services Training Programme
RNIB are currently promoting a wide range of open courses. This includes training in disability awareness, accessible information, website design, product design and accessible environments.
If you would like to discuss any RNIB training courses or services, please contact The Business Development Team, Tel - 01733 375345 Fax - 01733 375379, email busdev@rnib.org.uk
Courses are available covering the following areas -
Customer Service
- Visual Awareness
- Disability Awareness Training
Information Provision
- Making your Message Accessible
- Designing Clear and Large Print
- What is an Accessible Website
- Braille transcription using the Duxbury Braille Translator
- Creating your own DAISY or Digital Audio on CD
- Making the most of your Points of Sale
Product Design
- Inclusive Product Design
Accessible Environment
- Access Awareness
- The Disability Equality Duty
- Enabling Access in the Pedestrian Environment
- Colour Contrast and Lighting
- Signage and Wayfinding
- Planning for Access
- Becoming an Access Consultant
Access to Employment
- Seeing the potential - Recruiting and Selecting Staff with Disabilities
For more information on Accessible Environment courses, dates and prices please see the training pages on www.jmuaccess.org.uk
Vision Sense
Vision Sense is running a series of short courses in the North of England. Contact Tom Morgan, tel 0845 108 0553, email tom@visionsense.co.uk. For more information visit the website www.visionsense.co.uk.
Disabled People, Employment and HR, Policy, Practice and DDA Legal Update
- One-day course aimed at policy directors with human resource managment responsibility, human resource officers and senior managers, equality and diversity officers, disability employment and resettlement officers and occupational health professionals.
- The course covers a wide variety of disability and human resource management issues, for example the disability dimension in human resources, recruitment and selection, absence and the end of employment, harassment and discrimination and disciplinary and grievance procedures. It also covers the Disability Discrimination Act, case law and reasonable adjustments.
Inclusive Environments, Facilities and Buildings, including Access and Emergency Egress of Disabled People.
- One-day course aimed at facilities managers, access officers, property developers, planning officers and consultants, project managers and historic building officers
- The course covers principles of inclusive access, Part M of the Building Regulations, BS8300, inclusive projects, reasonableness, elininating access barriers in practice, signage and wayfinding, emergency egress, accessible venues and access statements.
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Long Courses
University of Salford
Full details of our programme are available on our website and we would also be delighted to answer specific enquiries online, by phone or in person.
Your initial point of contact is:
Rita Newton
SURFACE Inclusive Design Research Centre
T: +44 (0)161 295 4600
E: r.newton@salford.ac.uk
Website: www.surface.salford.ac.uk/
Or download our course flyer here.
Postgraduate certificate in accessibility and inclusive design
Postgraduate diploma in accessibility and inclusive design
MSc in accessibility and inclusive design
We welcome learners with all types of interest in Accessibility & Inclusive Design, enabling students to undertake projects in their own area of expertise, as well as widening their understanding of the needs of others, be they clients, users, planners, designers or health professionals.
We have designed our three levels of award so that they are as supportive and inclusive as possible, with learners studying on a part-time basis wherever and whenever it suits them. 15% of current students are non-UK based and 90% studying while employed.
The courses will be of interest to people wishing to enter this field but with limited practical knowledge and/or experience, and to professionals already working in the field of access auditing and consultancy. There are two routes of entry; one for those with existing academic qualifications and one for those without formal qualifications.
The Accessibility & Inclusive Design programme comprises three levels of award:
- Master of Science (180 credits, 32 months minimum study time, 4 taught modules & dissertation)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, 20/24 months minimum study time, 4 taught modules)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, 8/12 months minimum study time, 2 taught modules)
Start dates are in September and January of each year, with the shortest minimum study time being eight months.
The University of Reading
Contact G. Cook on email g.k.cook@rdg.ac.uk. More information on the websites www.rdg.ac.uk and www.creem.rdg.ac.uk/ie/index.htm.
MSc Inclusive Environments (Flexible Modular Masters Programme)
- This post-graduate programme offers a stimulating learning environment to those involved in design and management of the built environment for all users. The programme is focused on examining the needs and addressing the issues faced by all users, including those with a sensory impairment, physical disability or learning difficulty. It will also allow non-construction professionals to study construction and transport related areas they are often required to address, but for which they currently receive little formal training. The multi-professional approach of this programme will allow the providers of environments to be fully aware of the capabilities and needs of all users and, in turn, for users and those who assist them to experience the problems faced by the providers.
- Candidates should normally hold a relevant first degree or an equivalent professional qualification and should have relevant professional experience.
- It is possible to complete individual modules rather than the whole MSc programme.
The University of Ulster
Contact George Heaney, The Centre for Universal Accessibility, tel 028 9036 6086, fax: 028 9036 6875, or email sg.heaney@ulster.ac.uk. More information on the website www.engj.ulst.ac.uk/SCOBE/CPD
Universal design and accessibility (five days)
- The Universal Accessibility Auditing Programme will enable candidates to evaluate and apply the concepts and principles of Universal Accessibility, understand the implications of the Disability Discrimination Act and other relevant, regulations, have an awareness of the medical and/or physical conditions which impact on, accessibility, identify obstacles to accessibility and recognise appropriate solutions, and produce a written Accessibility Audit from either existing or planned buildings and landscapes.
- Candidates are required to have pre-course qualifications or experience and are awarded a certificate of competence on successful completion of the course.
London Metropolitan University
Contact Alan Spindler, tel: 020 7320 1849 or email a.spindler@londonmet.ac.uk. More information on the website www.londonmet.ac.uk
MA Design research for disability
- The philosophy and rationale of the course is based on the view that people with disabilities should have the right to equal opportunities and be able to participate fully in the life of the open community. Therefore it is our intention to produce practitioners who are knowledgeable about the design, making and marketing of equipment for people with special needs.
- Applicants are normally required to possess an Honours degree in three-dimensional design with expertise in areas such as product, interior or architectural design or hold a professional qualification in the life sciences, normally occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech therapy. Consideration will be given to those with a relevant BTEC HND and subsequent work experience.
Heriot Watt University: School of the Built Environment
Contact course director Professor Peter A Aspinall, tel: 0131 451 8160, email p.aspinall@hw.ac.uk or Peter Ingram Monk on email pimonk@tiscali.co.uk. More information on the website www.sbe.hw.ac.uk
Inclusive Environmental Access and Design (Masters / Graduate Certificate)
- New postgraduate CPD course with part-time or distance learning options.
- The course is intended for those involved in the built or natural environment from the point of view of its accessibility, its design, management or function. This is likely to include access auditors, architects, landscape architects, urban designers, surveyors, facilities managers and planners, in addition to a range of health care professionals, rehabilitation workers, occupational therapists, mobility officers and disabled people.
