The public restrooms that set the world standard for accessibility
Depending on where you live, the accessibility, frequency, and sanitary quality of local public restrooms wildly vary. In the United Kingdom for example, it speaks to a specific lack of both care and understanding, that local authorities do not invest in accessible and clean public WCs, where not only are public toilets perceived as a […]
A guide to curating inclusive exhibitions and 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 access. True inclusion and accessibility […]
New academic journal highlights accessibility at Expo 2020 Dubai
A new academic journal released by the Springer Publishing Company this week has detailed feedback by disabled people (or People of Determination) on the accessibility of Expo 2020 Dubai. Expo 2020, which was held in the United Arab Emirates between October 2021 and March 2022, was a client of Direct Access for the entire duration […]
How inclusive and accessible design leads to future-proof housing developments
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 in society who wants to […]
Steve Dering to discuss mental wellbeing and biophilic design at the Kuwait Diversity and Inclusion Summit
Direct Access Consultancy LLC is delighted to announce that our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Steve Dering, will be on a panel talking about mental well-being and biophilic design at the Kuwait Diversity and Inclusion Summit from the 5th – 6th February 2024 at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel, Kuwait. Steve will be one of many speakers […]
The health, environmental, and social benefits of Biophilic design
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 health hazards – the most […]
Steve Dering to discuss accessibility at the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2024
Direct Access Consultancy LLC is delighted to announce that our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Steve Dering, will be on a panel discussing accessibility for IAAPA at the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit in Abu Dhabi from the 22th to the 24th January – an event that presents a unique opportunity to network with local stakeholders and […]
Why the Models of Disability matter when creating inclusive environments
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. The answer is far more […]
How business owners stand to benefit from accessibility and inclusion
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 relation to these environments, the […]
The difference between disability awareness and understanding
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 world, people want to get […]