Disability Access Issues

In the past, access to public buildings has been extremely difficult, if not impossible, for many people with disabilities and in particular wheelchair users. There are times in most peoples' lives when access is an obstacle to overcome. For example, people with children in pushchairs, the elderly or even someone with a temporary disability. It is only recently that these issues have found their way on to government agendas.

One of the most recent, and influential pieces of government legislation concerning disabled access, is the Disability and Discrimination Act 1995, which aims to remove physical barriers and improve access for all to public buildings, something that has been mandatory since January 2004. Since then many buildings may have to be upgraded to meet the minimum accessibility laws.

Current building regulations, have also helped to promote improvements in access for people with disabilities in Great Britain, stating ways in which accessibility can be tackled at the design and build stage of a public area.

Access To Work is a government scheme to help improve career opportunities for potential disabled employee who may require special equipment, or alterations to existing equipment; to suit particular work needs arising from disability. Access then can be viewed as a major factor in the designing of new buildings or the refurbishment of an existing building. It has become a fundamental part of public building interiors.