To provide an environment that is usable by all members of our society, design cannot be focused on separate features to accommodate each person or group’s individual requirements - needs would contradict and it would be an impossible goal.

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​For many years, designers treated accessibility as a series of special adaptations for “disabled people”. This out-dated approach sees individuals who do not fit the design idealistic norm of the human form as the ‘problem’ that needs ‘special accommodations’ so that they can use the environment or gain access to a service or employment.

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The inclusive concept is a complete reversal of this approach. The Inclusive Design principle is that it is the design of environment that is at fault if it cannot be used by the broadest range of society. It is the environment that is not fit for purpose – not the users.

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Inclusion is not just physical environments, it encompasses policies, practices and procedures, staff training, websites and written materials.

 

When organisations embrace Accessibility and Inclusive design, they not only comply with their legal duties, they open themselves up to a huge customer base that was previously excluded.

 

Good Accessibility is Good Business.