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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,
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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