The term ‘Accessibility’ is the most important issue that needs to be taken into consideration when designing public buildings and their environment.

Everyone has experienced some form of disability, at least once in their lifetime—caused by bad conditions of his/her environment. Disability is not limited to persons with a permanent condition; people can become disabled by age or suffer temporary disability caused by a broken leg or back-pain etc. Young children often cannot reach door handles or high-situated light switches. High kerbs are challenging for parents with buggies. Unexpected accidents may cause health problems for the rest of one’s life.

"Universal Accessibility means that every given environment can be accessed, used and egressed by everyone, irrespective of their varying degrees of physical, sensory, mental or ‘hidden’ abilities to undertake work, leisure, commercial and productive activities"

The aim of an audit seeks to identify ways that we can improve the service provision for people with disabilities in building and environment—in doing so they meet the requirements of the disability discrimination act 1995.

LDAG has an accessibility committee, comprised of members who have received certification in accessibility auditing, from the University of Ulster - School of the Built Environment. We are available to conduct audits on behalf of builders, designers, developers and any member who wish to avail of this service.