Accessibility

Whether you are a site owner providing an attraction to the public or are the custodian of a heritage site/museum, Accessibility and Sensory Guides are fast-becoming a standard of the overall visitor experience in public recreation, entertainment, and educational settings. Working very much in the same way as a traditional

When we hear the phrase “wayfinding”, what most frequently comes to mind is the application and availability of signage in a particular environment, which is normally used to signify elements of a space that require visitor attention, or offer directional guidance in complex environments, such as shopping centers, hospitals, museums,

When we think about accessibility in the context of most built environments, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is whether wheelchair users can directly access the building via ramps, sufficiently wide doors, and elevators. But accessibility is, as we all know, involved much more than mobility

What is inclusive design? In construction, inclusive design is a sustainable, inclusive, and cost-effective design practice, yet is also massively underutilised. For firms that do use inclusive design when approaching new builds, it presents an opportunity for site owners to create built environments that are massively beneficial to every individual

Biophilic design (from the Greek, ‘philia’ meaning ‘love of life’) is an environmental design choice which is being adopted by architects and decorators around the world for modern office spaces and desk-based work environments. Office spaces, though largely safe and unassuming compared to workplaces of past centuries still provide potential

As access consultants at Direct Access, we often get asked this question and when we do, we tend to give a rather dry and professional answer explaining legal requirements and building regulations. Whilst these legal boxes indeed need to be ticked, it is hardly an inspirational, encouraging, or motivating answer.

When we think of the built environments that make up our society, whether that’s bus stations, libraries, hospitals, supermarkets, or hotels, thought is rarely ever given to the potential of these spaces were they to be rebuilt, readjusted, and made inclusive. Indeed, when we think of accessibility and inclusion in

Much is often said about disability awareness, whether it’s businesses and organisations earnestly involving themselves in the various disability awareness days that happen each year, to huge corporations painting an image of inclusivity simply because they offer images of diversity in their branding – it is clear that in today’s

In the past ten years or so wayfinding has undergone massive changes that has made getting around more accessible to all. With the ease of availability of services such as Google Maps, finding your way from A to B has never been easier. However, despite the ability to guide us

To preface, it is important that we first acknowledge that while there are generally recommended methods of communicating with blind people, they are ultimately individuals with their own experiences, and will therefore have preferences unique to them. This blog entry is based on preferred etiquette which tends to overlap among

With society’s increased reliance on digital spaces to carry out everyday tasks, ensuring the provision of Accessible Media is vital. From ordering food shopping to doing taxes to arranging medical appointments to streaming films and television, the digital realm has largely superseded the analogue methods of the past. This progression

Universal design is the design philosophy that seeks to create products, spaces, and environments that are usable and accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. It is a framework that acknowledges and celebrates human diversity by creating spaces that are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. At the heart

Ensuring that your website is fully accessible to People of Determination is becoming an increasingly vital element in the success of any institution with a public-facing platform. Whether you are a small charity owner, servant of a local government, or CEO of a large conglomerate business, chances are you also

The United Arab Emirates Universal Design Code, the Saudi Building Code (SBC), and the ISO 21542 International Accessibility Guidelines, (among many other guidelines),  set out clear expectations and legal precedence which outline that building owners must promote the personal independence and comfort of their residents (of which many of are

Mowaamah is part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s programs, launched in the implementation of the Kingdom’s Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. To provide a suitable working environment for persons with disabilities, according to specific criteria and requirements, enabling the enterprise to obtain the

At Direct Access, we champion how positive social experiences can have a resulting positive impact on the lives of disabled people. Highlighting the importance of social accessibility is in turnkey to achieving this. Ranging from the emotional well-being of individual disabled people to wider perceptions of inclusivity in the public

Diversity of access and inclusion regardless of race, gender, background etc. are integral to the development of a just and equal society in which a person’s physical, cognitive, social, or emotional experiences are validated and protected. We often think of access as merely a means of providing entry or egress

The human mind and body are amazing feats of nature. They are both equipped to do incredible things, but as a result of stress, it is very possible that health issues could occur. In the case of our wellbeing and mental health, in the same way that we recommend eating healthily

When talking about accessibility, what first comes to mind for most people is the physical environment; the tangible space with which a disabled person might interact. However, there are many other areas we ought to consider when working out how to generate truly accessible environments. In today’s blog, we will

Tourism and hotel services enable providers to cater to people who want nothing more than an enjoyable and relaxing overnight rest, some good food, and, perhaps, an evening swim while they’re at it. Whether checking in to a hotel for work or pleasure, the experience is expected to be enjoyable