Direct Access
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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...Joe Prochilo joins Direct Access in Massachusetts
WORCESTER, MA, January 8, 2024: Joseph E. Prochilo, MBA, has joined Massachusetts based accessibility and inclusion consultancy Direct Access Consultancy LLC. A certified DOBE™ – Disability Operated Business Enterprise, Direct Access employs a team of 17 people with disabilities working to improve access to buildings and facilities. Mr. Prochilo will
Read More...The health, environmental, and social benefits of Biophilic design
Biophilic design (from the Greek, ‘philia’ meaning ‘love of life’) is an environmental design choice that 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...Direct Access to exhibit at the MMA’s Trade Show in Boston this January
Direct Access are delighted to announce that our ADA accessibility consultancy will be exhibiting at the 45th annual MMA Meeting and Trade Show in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19th, 2024 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. Direct Access’ CEO Steven, and our newest accessibility consultant Joe, will attend the show on
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 these legal boxes indeed need to be ticked, it is hardly an inspirational, encouraging, or motivating answer.
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...Free Webinar: Creating Inclusive Spaces and About the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines for the Public Right-of-Way
Accessibility is a rapidly growing topic on municipality agendas as technology and new ideas emerge. Moreover, there are new guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) that address access to sidewalks and streets, crosswalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, on-street parking, and other components
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 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...How Direct Access is providing accessibility and sustainability at 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...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...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...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...FREE WEBINAR: Inclusive Parks – Hints and Tips for Increasing Access for People with Disabilities
Are you ready to discover innovative ways to enhance accessibility in parks and recreation spaces? Join us as Steven Mifsud, MBE, a seasoned accessibility consultant, and Direct Access CEO, delves into the world of inclusive parks and shares his insights on going beyond physical access. From event information sharing to sensory
Read More...A short guide to ADA Transition Planning
The aim of an ADA Transition Plan is to identify and implement improvements to a public-facing site and help it achieve compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. While many site owners think they might comply with ADA regulations by merely providing a wheelchair-accessible ramp, the reality is
Read More...What to expect from Direct Access founder Steven Mifsud’s talk at the New York Build EXPO
Implementing Accessible Pedestrian Facilities: At the New York BUILD Expo 2024, Steven will present a presentation titled “Accessible Design and Inclusive City Centers: Understanding the Public Right of Way rule”. This bespoke presentation was formulated in response to the news that in August 2023, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board issued its final
Read More...U.S. Access Board Issues Final Rule on Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines
This month, the U.S. Access Board addressed inequity of access in public spaces for people with disabilities by issuing a final rule on accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way. This is a significant win in the world of accessibility for Americans with disabilities across the country, since
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 apartment buildings for accessibility
How Direct Access reviews apartment buildings for accessibility The Americans with Disabilities Act sets out clear expectations (in addition to legal precedence) which outlines the ways in which building owners must promote the personal independence and comfort of their residents, of which many of are statistically likely to be disabled,
Read More...68 Harrison Avenue,
6th Floor,
Boston,
MA 02111.
4600 140th Avenue North,
Suite 180,
Clearwater,
FL 33762.
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