What is an access audit?
An access audit is a method of assessing or reviewing how accessible your organisation’s environment, building, or service is for people with disability. These audits also take Universal Design into consideration. Universal Design is the design and layout of an environment so that it can be accessed and used by all people no matter their ability or disability. By considering the diverse needs and abilities of all during the design process, this allows for products, services, and environments to be developed that everyone can enjoy.
Why are access audits important?
Access audits give you and your organisation actionable recommendations that allow people with a disability to access your space in an equitable and dignified way. They identify any environmental issues that may need to be addressed and offer advice on creating a more accessible space for all.
Around 4.4 million people in Australia have disability, meaning a significant portion of the population could benefit more from accessible environments. A City of Melbourne report by Monash University revealed some powerful statistics on why access audits and accessible design are important. The results included:
- A potential return on investment of $13 for every $1 invested in universally accessible environments.
- Businesses that keep people with disabilities employed see a return of $26 for every $1.
- Every dollar spent by people with disability on travel translates to $7 in revenue for tourism and retail businesses.
- Retail environments with universal design principles see a 20-25% increase in turnover compared to non-accessible ones.
These figures are clear: accessibility isn’t just about social responsibility, it’s economically beneficial too.
How does it work?
Our GSA accessibility team include people with disability, lived experience of disability and allies of disability inclusion. They have a broad range of knowledge and work with you to craft practical solutions to help your organisation create an accessible and inclusive space for everyone.
An access audit is conducted by our members of our GSA team. They will visit your place of business and review the physical environment, assessing if it meets inclusivity and accessibility standards. This includes completing a thorough observation of the workplace and identifying if there are any barriers that are preventing accessibility. Once completed, we will provide your company with a report that outlines the existing issues. From here, we work together with your team to implement changes required to improve disability access within your organisation.
Whether it’s an office, a stadium or even one-off events, universal design and accessibility benefits everyone.
Read about our recent project and collaboration with Rod Laver Arena to see how we resolved accessibility issues while designing new ice baths with universal access in their recovery facilities.
