Direct Access
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![A modern living room space with artificial plants decorating a space which includes a coffee table and red armchairs.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pexels-rachel-claire-4846101-1200x480.jpg)
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
Read More...![A dark blue graphic showing a photograph of a smiling Steve Dering, a middle aged Caucasian man with short brown hair. He is wearing a blue shirt with a green sunflower lanyard around his neck and a pair of prescription glasses. Text adjacent to the photo reads "Meet our speaker. Steve Dering. Direct Access" and an event slogan in a sky blue speech bubble that reads "Building inclusive workplaces for a diverse workforce".](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/thumbnail_Steve-1-1080x480.png)
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
Read More...![Part of a spacious office with a long aisle and row of desks with business supplies and green plants standing by walls and on workstations.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AdobeStock_568743494-1200x480.jpeg)
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
Read More...![A graphic showcasing the IAAPA Middle East trade summit venue, a large and impressive building by the Seaside on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IAAPA-LinkedIn-1200x480.png)
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
Read More...![A black wheelchair user wearing a white vest and armband carries a basketball in the palm of his left hand and holds on to his wheelchair with his right. He is on a basketball court on a sunny day.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shutterstock_2247087249-1200x480.jpg)
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.
Read More...![A mixed group of work colleagues discuss work around an office table. One of them, a male wheelchair user, points to his female colleagues monitor to point something out.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/office-1200x480.png)
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
Read More...![Hand of an unrecognizable person dragging a suitcase, wearing on the wrist a lanyard of sunflowers, symbol of people with invisible or hidden disabilities.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AdobeStock_576074074-scaled-1-1200x480.jpeg)
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
Read More...![A photograph of a middle aged man wearing a white polo shirt and a hidden disability sunflower lanyard smiles and poses for a picture. His arm is resting on a large structure which reads #COP28UAE](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/926041b7-4748-482b-8229-f30249dfc292-1023x480.jpg)
How Direct Access is providing accessibility and sustainability for COP28
COP28, the annual climate change conference, is scheduled to take place at the heart of Expo City in the United Arab Emirates in a matter of weeks now. The conference, which will see some of the most high-profile politicians, scientists, and environmental activists fly into Dubai to discuss sustainability, will
Read More...![An advertisement banner for London Build Expo 2023.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Show-Brochure-London-Build-1200x480.webp)
Direct Access founder Steven Mifsud MBE interviewed by London Build Expo on Diversity in Construction
Ahead of London Build Expo 2023, Steven Mifsud MBE sat with London Build Expo to talk all things Direct Access, ethical architecture, A.I, the future of technology, and diversity within the construction industry. Interview begins here: Thanks for sitting down with us Steven! Can you provide an overview of Direct
Read More...![A middle aged man, Andy Lomas, poses for a photo behind a large tactile map board at a product and service conference. In the background is a poster banner for Direct Access showing a young man in a wheelchair cheering on a hillside.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000004019-1200x480.jpg)
The Importance of Accessible Wayfinding in Commercial Environments
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
Read More...![A young woman helps a female blind child interpret the image of a hedgehog in a braille book.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-yan-krukau-7694424-1200x480.jpg)
Etiquette for Interacting with a Visually Impaired Person
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
Read More...![A smiling young woman with a tattoo sleeve on her living room sofa typing on a laptop with her feet held up on a wheelchair. Her brown and black dog watches her.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AdobeStock_504147628-1200x480.jpeg)
How to cater to the increased demand for Accessible Media
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
Read More...![A sign language video displayed on a television.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/WhatsApp-Image-2023-09-29-at-10.23.31-2-1200x480.jpeg)
Universal Design: Creating Spaces for All
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
Read More...![A young woman in her living room is sitting on the floor leaning against a grey sofa while doing coursework on a laptop.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pexels-vlada-karpovich-4050290-1200x480.jpg)
Achieving Accessible Website Compliancy
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
Read More...![A wide-view of a modern living room with the sun permeating from behind white blinds. A brown corner sofa positioned in front a flat screen television. A counter below it has PlayStation remotes, games consoles, and film books.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pexels-pixabay-275484-1200x480.jpg)
How Direct Access can help create accessible apartment buildings
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
Read More...![Sun rising above a cityscape in Saudi Arabia.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pexels-konevi-2830460-scaled-e1691408079760-1200x480.jpg)
How Direct Access can help employers achieve Mowaamah certification
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
Read More...![Arabic women walking in the Diraiyah in Saudi Arabia.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AdobeStock_393129453-scaled-1-1200x480.jpg)
Direct Access attending the SEA Expo and Summit in Saudi Arabia
Last month, Direct Access announced that we would be exhibiting at Riyadh’s SEA Expo and Summit conference. Direct Access has previously worked to increase accessibility in Saudi Arabia in line with Saudi Vision 2030, including consulting for the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) in Riyadh. Our team worked closely with
Read More...![Young male wheelchair user next to a pond in a public park.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AdobeStock_498305053-scaled-e1676897998800-1200x480.jpeg)
Highlighting the importance of social accessibility
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
Read More...![Multiple coloured wooden toy blocks to symbolise neurodiversity.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AdobeStock_372900114-scaled-1-1200x480.jpeg)
Going on your journey to inclusion
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
Read More...![A selfie photograph of Access Consultant, Courtney Hansen smiling next to a photograph of Michael Miller, Direct Access marketing executive.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/imgonline-com-ua-twotoone-W2MAsXJYNtXjwXN-scaled-e1669908376474-1200x480.jpg)
Workplace culture and cognitive exclusion
At Direct Access, we provide accessibility expertise based on a foundation rooted in the direct experiences of disabled people, from members of our team who themselves are disabled, to citizens local to whichever site we have been asked to audit. Because of this, we pride ourselves on research and consultation,
Read More...![Direct Access logo.](https://directaccessgp.com/ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/White-Logo-Transparent-Background-1-1-1024x198.png)
Unit 3706,
Platinum Tower JLT-PH1-12,
Jumeirah Lakes Towers,
Dubai,
UAE.
Inclusive Guides
Explore our free guides on accessibility and inclusion, crafted by our experts. Click Here.