Disability Access Statements
Disability Access Statements also known as a Disabled Access Statement, an Access Strategy or a DDA Statement is a document that outlines an organisation’s commitment and approach to ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Disability Access Statements explain how a building, development, facility or service considers the access needs of disabled people. They can describe accessibility features, access arrangements, potential barriers and reasonable adjustments, helping organisations communicate how people with different disabilities can access and use their premises or services.
ESL Services prepares practical Access Statements tailored to individual buildings, projects and organisational requirements, supporting inclusive design and accessibility improvements across Scotland and throughout the UK.
What Is a Disability Access Statement?
A Disability Access Statement is a document that explains how access and accessibility have been considered for a building, development, facility or service. It can describe existing accessibility features, access arrangements and measures intended to reduce barriers for disabled people.
Depending on the project and its purpose, an Access Statement may also identify areas where improvements are needed and explain how inclusive access has been considered. It helps organisations communicate their approach to accessibility and demonstrate how the needs of people with different disabilities have been taken into account.
At ESL Services, we help organisations create clear and practical Access Statements that demonstrate their commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and meeting the principles of the Equality Act 2010.
What Should an Access Statement Include?
The contents of an Access Statement depend on the building, development or service being considered.
It may include information about:
- Entrances and external approaches
- Parking
- Accessible routes
- Doorways
- Circulation areas
- Toilets
- Signage
- Lighting and communication facilities
Where relevant, it can also explain how potential barriers affect people with mobility, sensory or other disabilities, alongside reasonable adjustments and proposed accessibility improvements. Practical recommendations can help organisations understand the measures that may improve access, inclusion and the experience of disabled visitors, customers, employees and service users.
When Might an Access Statement Be Needed?
An Access Statement may be useful when planning a new development, altering an existing building, refurbishing premises or reviewing the accessibility of facilities and services.
It can help explain how access requirements have been considered during the design or planning process and identify measures intended to improve accessibility.
Depending on the circumstances, a statement may form part of a planning application or support an organisation’s wider accessibility planning.
Requirements vary according to the project, location and relevant planning arrangements, so it is important to establish what type of statement or supporting information is appropriate.
Disability Access Statements and the Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 establishes duties relating to disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments in relevant circumstances, including the provision of services and access to facilities.
A Disability Access Statement can help an organisation document how accessibility has been considered, identify potential barriers and outline measures that may improve access for disabled people. However, the Act does not impose a universal requirement on every organisation to produce a document specifically called a Disability Access Statement.
The appropriate approach depends on the organisation, its activities, the premises involved and any applicable planning or other requirements. An Access Statement can support accessibility planning, but producing one does not automatically demonstrate compliance with all relevant legal duties.
How ESL Services Can Help with Access Statements
ESL Services provides practical, tailored Access Statements to support organisations in communicating accessibility arrangements and identifying opportunities for improvement.
We consider the individual characteristics of each building, development or service, helping clients address relevant access considerations and understand potential measures to improve inclusion.
Our experience in disability access and accessibility enables us to provide guidance suited to the needs of businesses, public organisations, charities and community facilities.
ESL Services offers a practical approach to improving accessibility and supporting the needs of disabled people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a Disability Access Statement?
The purpose of a Disability Access Statement is to explain how accessibility has been considered for a building, development, facility or service. It can describe access arrangements, existing facilities, potential barriers and proposed measures to improve access for disabled people.
What Is the Difference Between an Access Statement and a Disability Access Audit?
An Access Statement explains how accessibility has been considered for a building, development, facility or service, including access arrangements and measures to support disabled people. A Disability Access Audit assesses existing premises, facilities or services to identify potential barriers and provide practical recommendations for improving accessibility. ESL Services provides Access Statements and Disability Access Audits to help organisations address their individual accessibility requirements. If you are unsure which service is appropriate for your building or organisation, contact our team for advice.
Who can prepare a Disability Access Statement?
The person or organisation responsible for preparing an Access Statement will depend on its purpose and the requirements of the project. Where specialist accessibility knowledge is needed, an experienced access consultant can help identify relevant considerations and prepare a statement tailored to the building, development or service.
Is a Disability Access Statement a legal requirement?
Not every organisation is legally required to have a document specifically called a Disability Access Statement. However, particular planning or development projects may require an appropriate Access Statement or related documentation. Organisations may also need to consider their duties under the Equality Act 2010, including reasonable adjustments where applicable.
What is the difference between an Access Statement and a Disability Access Audit?
An Access Statement explains accessibility arrangements and how access has been considered for a particular building, development or service. A Disability Access Audit assesses existing premises, facilities or services to identify barriers affecting disabled people and provide recommendations for improvement. The two can complement each other, depending on the organisation’s requirements.
Can ESL Services prepare an Access Statement for an existing building?
ESL Services can help organisations consider accessibility arrangements for existing buildings and facilities and prepare tailored Access Statements appropriate to their needs. The information required will depend on the premises, the intended purpose of the statement and any relevant project or planning requirements.
Does an Access Statement cover all disabilities?
An Access Statement can consider a range of accessibility needs, including those relating to mobility, vision, hearing, communication and other disabilities. The precise areas covered depend on the building, development or service and the purpose of the statement. Considering a broad range of access needs helps organisations identify potential barriers and plan appropriate improvements.
Book Your Disability Access Statemen with ESL Services
Need a Disability Access Statement for your building, development or service?
Contact ESL Services today to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help. Our tailored Access Statements support organisations in communicating accessibility arrangements and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Call 01506 412791 or email sales@esl-services.co.uk to discuss your Access Statement.
