AI Automation and the Phasing out of Artists, Creatives, and Disabled People
By definition, artists are creative people. Whether the trade is graphic design, filmmaking, or architecture, the role of the artist throughout history has been to find ways to innovate, reinvent, and inspire as a result of their unique passions, talent and ingenuity. Often, the most impactful art comes from a unique blend of an artist’s […]
Airports for All: How Accessibility Drives Revenue Growth
Air travel is more than a way to get from point A to point B—it’s a gateway to opportunity, freedom, and connection. For millions of travelers with disabilities, however, airports and airlines can still pose significant barriers. From inaccessible boarding processes to limited facilities, the experience often falls short of being truly inclusive. But here’s […]
University of Brighton Honours Steven Mifsud MBE for Transformative Work in Accessibility
The University of Brighton has awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts to Steven Mifsud MBE in recognition of his exceptional contributions to accessibility and inclusive design through his leadership of Direct Access, the award-winning consultancy he founded in 2004. He was formerly a student at the University thirty prior, where he studied Architecture. Direct Access […]
How Accessibility Unlocks Better Workouts—And Better Business
The fitness industry measures everything—from average rep speed to protein shake sales. Yet most clubs fail to track their most revealing metric: the invisible exodus of members who leave not because of price or programming, but because basic design makes their workouts harder than they need to be. Consider this: · 30 million adults in […]
The Financial and Social Case for Accessible & Inclusive Rail Networks
As the worldwide rail industry charts a course toward modernization, one critical factor remains insufficiently addressed: true accessibility and inclusion for disabled passengers. For Direct Access, we believe this is not only a question of compliance or public image— but a strategic opportunity to lead the way in delivering a modern, future-ready service that meets […]
Inclusion in Sport and Stadium Management – Accessible Formats
In the realm of stadium facilities management, accessibility for spectators, staff, and players is an area of increasing focus that aims to ensure equitable access for all. While modern stadiums are designed to facilitate physical access, disability is diverse, encompassing a range of needs. Direct Access has demonstrated a range of access tools including our range […]
How Access Audits inform effective Evacuation Plans for Care Homes
Throughout history, buildings have generally been constructed to accommodate the needs of people without disabilities while ignoring those who do have them. As low as building standards can and have often been, however, the idea that care homes might not be truly accessible to residents is a worrying one for many Care home managers. Especially […]
The Crucial Role of Sensory Accessibility in Environmental Design
Sensory accessibility is a crucial facet which we advocate to be embedded into every element of our built environment. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of their condition, can fully participate in their environment, whether that’s at school, college, the workplace, or in leisure settings. Yet within our particular line of work as Access Consultants (extending […]
Direct Access celebrates World Engineering Day 2025
World Engineering Day 2025 is about celebrating the contributions of engineers in shaping a sustainable future. This year’s theme, “Shaping Our Sustainable Future Through Engineering,” highlights the essential role that engineering plays in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) At Direct Access, our team of dedicated access consultants and engineers work closely with multidisciplinary […]
Building a Better Future: The Importance of Accessible Housing for All
Ever since the pandemic occurred half a decade ago, the way we use our homes has shifted significantly. That is to say, in addition to being our nest, the global shift in attitude towards working from home has transformed our personal sanctuaries into workplaces. For disabled people across the country, this has been a great leveller […]