The Access Audit Handbook

Centre for Accessible Environments Founded in 1969, CAE is one of the UK’s leading authorities on inclusive design and management and, through access consultancy and training, helps to provide environments that can be accessed, used and enjoyed by everyone. CAE pioneered the provision of access guidance for building designers based on collaborative research with disabled people and this remains core to its activities and services. As a leader in promoting design for disabled people and inclusive design, CAE’s research projects and partnerships in the UK and overseas keep the team at the forefront of user-led intelligence which informs our work and services. CAE has produced technical input into research reports and toolkits on accessible standards and access publications. Since 2020 CAE has run the Pathways Academy, an initiative to support young disabled people into employment in the inclusion sector. CAE is part of Habinteg Housing Association, a leader in building and promoting accessible and inclusive homes and communities. Find out more about us at www.cae.org.uk

Introduction
1.0Access audits1.1What is an access audit?1.2Access audits and the Equality Act 20101.3Access audits, access statements and the planning and building regulations process1.4What follows an access audit?1.5Commissioning an access audit
2.0Audit methodology2.1The site survey2.2What do you audit?2.3Survey equipment2.4Observational assessment2.5Data recording2.6User participation2.7Building management
3.0Report writing3.1A communication tool3.2Report formats3.3Establishing the legislative context3.4Criteria for assessment and design guidance3.5Making recommendations3.6Priorities and categories3.7Cost banding
4.0Case Studies 4.1Almeida Theatre4.2 Penguin Beach , ZSL 4.3 Christ Church4.4 Guildhall, City of London 4.5 Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London4.6Hebdon Bridge Town Hall
5.0Access audit checklists
6.0 Appendices6.1 Organisations6.2Publications
IndexImage Credits