Access for disabled people
Access for disabled people conjures up, in most people's minds,
an image of someone in a wheelchair trying to negotiate a revolving
door or flight of stairs.
Although this is an all too frequent occurrence, it is important
that problems of people with other forms of disability are
addressed, including those with ambulant disabilities, those with
impaired vision or total loss of sight and those with hearing
difficulties to a greater or lesser degree.
The requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations relate to
the provision of access and facilities to all storeys of new
buildings and also certain extensions and alterations to existing
buildings.
The Regulations being extended to include for the needs of the
majority of disabled persons and the problems faced by them in and
around buildings, including new dwellings. See more details in our
document Better Access: Practical
Building Details.
In addition to the statutory requirements of Part M of the
Building Regulations, all the Authorities within the county have a
designated person on their staff to take on the wider role of
Access Officer.
Their aims and objectives are to give advice and guidance on the
more general matters of access and, therefore, directly assist
people with disabilities to negotiate the built environment more
easily.
Should you wish to discuss any access queries contact your local Access
Officer.