Disability Access Consultancy Services
Meticulous access consulting in Newcastle specialising in commercial, residential, health and education developments throughout Newcastle & the Central Coast. Ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws and building control regulations with the help of our experienced team.
Provide equitable and dignified access to your buildings
Our qualified disability access consultants can ensure your proposed building will meet BCA access requirements. We have a proven track record of overwhelmingly positive results thanks to our ability to create agile solutions for even the most complex problems arising during design or construction.
Our experienced disability access consultants will collaborate with you as a dedicated partner and build a personalised solution that benefits you, your stakeholders and the wider community.
Examples of our access consulting services include:
- Access audits
- Design reviews
- Due diligence reporting
- Development of alternative solutions
Access consultants Newcastle businesses trust for faster developments and easy compliance
Over 4 million people are impacted by disabilities in Australia. Meeting access requirements won’t just improve your building’s usability, it will also contribute to your bottom line. Complete access to your building can help attract business patronage, increase productivity, increase employment participation, reduce social isolation of people with disabilities, and even improve educational or medical outcomes, depending on your building’s use.
Anti-discrimination laws make it illegal to discriminate against someone on the grounds of
their disabilities. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires access to be provided at all levels of buildings, facilities, and services so that the entire public has complete access at all times.
Industry leaders in Australia see improving accessibility to their businesses as not just a box-ticking exercise but an opportunity to provide inclusive, practical solutions that prove a genuine commitment to equity.
Our consultants can help you navigate government legislation and ensure all necessary access requirements are incorporated into your designs or proposed developments.
What kind of buildings can you provide disability access consulting for?
We can help building designers with disability access consultancy for any buildings in Newcastle. Our consultants have vast experience in providing disability access advice relating to all aspects of the built environment. We specialise in the following areas:
- Educational Establishments including primary schools, high schools, TAFE campuses and universities.
- Commercial including retail centres and office complexes
- Industrial including factories and warehouses.
- Multi Storey/Highrise developments and public housing
- Government Infrastructure and Public Works including libraries, civic spaces, hospitals and more.
What is the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and how does it affect building accessibility in NSW?
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) is a federal law that makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals on the basis of their disability. Building owners and managers in NSW must ensure their properties are accessible and don’t discriminate against people with disabilities.
Disability awareness is increasingly important to business success, and we’re proud to help businesses meet and exceed their access requirements.
Compliance can be ensured by having a qualified access consultant review your building’s design and features. They can provide a detailed assessment and recommendations for compliance with these standards.
What are the requirements for accessibility under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) for existing buildings?
The BCA requires that all existing buildings, when undergoing renovations or changes in use, must upgrade accessibility features to comply with current standards. This includes providing accessible entrance paths, doorways, and facilities.
Key design considerations include providing level and ramped access points, lifts for multi-story buildings, accessible toilets, and signage. Ensuring that surfaces are slip-resistant and corridors and doorways are wide enough for wheelchair access is also crucial.
If you’re planning a renovation or upgrade, you must bring your building up to code. If you’re unsure whether your existing building needs to make changes, our access consultants can help.
What is an Access and Inclusion Plan, and do I need one for my building?
An Access and Inclusion Plan outlines strategies to improve accessibility and inclusion within a building or venue. While not legally required, having one can demonstrate commitment to accessibility and may help in complying with the Disability Discrimination Act.
What penalties can be imposed for non-compliance with accessibility laws in NSW?
Non-compliance can result in legal action under the Disability Discrimination Act. Penalties can include court orders to make modifications and financial damages to compensate affected individuals.
The easiest way to avoid penalties is to have your building independently assessed by an experienced disability access consultant. Speak to our one of our Newcastle DDA consultants today.
Contact our team of expert disability access consultants in Newcastle. We can guide you through the certification process.