Direct Access
News
Direct Access appoints new Managing Director and bid team for UK as international growth accelerates
Direct Access is excited to announce the appointment of Peter Brassington to the new role of Managing Director for Direct Access Consultancy in the UK. With full responsibility for the leadership and development of Direct Access’ UK business, Peter will take Direct Access to the next stage of success. Established
Read More...HS2 quiet spaces: a new accessibility standard and technical specification designed to protect mental health
HS2 Ltd has proposed an innovative and exciting new standard which it intends to implement across its upcoming railway systems called the “HS2 quiet spaces specification”. The specification, a health and safety design standard, sets out rules by which designers constructing railway stations must abide to fulfill HS2’s inclusive design
Read More...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 it is true that these legal boxes need to be ticked, it is hardly an inspirational, encouraging,
Read More...Direct Access in 2023 – A Year in Review
First, the challenges. Life working at a small business always presents its challenges. In 2023, Direct Access experienced more of these challenges than we possibly have ever felt in our nineteen-year existence. Even as we anticipate celebrating twenty years of Direct Access in 2024, our well-oiled machine providing accessibility expertise
Read 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
Read More...The difference between disability awareness and understanding
Much is often said about disability awareness, whether it’s businesses and organizations 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...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...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...Direct Access on the reversal of UK rail ticket office closure proposals
Earlier this year, a consultation programme was undertaken to ascertain the future of around 1,000 ticket offices at stations. These plans were initially developed by train operators to provide more staff on platforms and in response to an increase in the number of tickets purchased online. Today, it was announced
Read More...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...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...Direct Access hiring for new Managing Director Role
The Board of Directors at Direct Access are seeking a new Managing Director for its UK Operations. As part of the company’s global expansion into territories such as the Middle East and the United States, the current Direct Access Managing Director, Steven Mifsud MBE, will be transitioning into a group
Read More...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 doctor’s appointments to streaming films and television, the digital realm has largely superseded the analogue methods of the past. This progression
Read More...Direct Access announces public accessibility consultations for Royal Armouries Museums
Direct Access would like to invite D/deaf and disabled people to a series of consultation events to discuss the accessibility of facilities and exhibits at the Royal Armouries museums following the completion of accessibility audits by our internal team. Whether your critiques relate to exhibit interpretation, event curation, delivery of
Read More...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...Improving access for hearing aid users at train stations
In the wake of COVID-19, the travelling habits of commuters across the world were forced to adapt to a new world of masks, distancing, and online ticket purchases. Although it would be a huge understatement to minimise the impact of the pandemic on any nation’s transport infrastructure, the UK was
Read More...What to expect from Direct Access founder Steven Mifsud’s talk at the London And New York Build EXPO
Implementing the RIBA Inclusive Design Overlay: This summer the RIBA released the Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work. This ground-breaking guidance empowers and equips design, construction, and management professionals to create and operate inclusive and equitable buildings and spaces to welcome everyone. At the London Expo, Steven
Read More...Achieving Accessible Website Compliancy
Ensuring that your website is fully accessible to disabled people 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 own
Read More...How Direct Access reviews residential buildings for accessibility​
The Equality Act 2010, BS8300, Part M Building Regulations, Lifetime Homes Standards, and the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide (among various other legislations) sets out clear expectations and legal precedence outlining how building owners must promote the personal independence and comfort of their residents (of which many of are statistically likely
Read More...Green Man on traffic lights expected to stay longer to benefit disabled pedestrians
This week, the BBC reported that the Green Man displayed on traffic lights throughout the United Kingdom is expected to remain lit for a longer period of time to benefit disabled pedestrians. Admittedly, the period would only be extended by one second, bringing the amount of time pedestrians have to
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