Priorities
The writing and publishing of this plan is the first step in delivering the change that’s needed.
The plan was launched in December 2016 and that started the work to make its intentions a reality.
Priorities for the first year of the plan have been on building the foundations from which the whole programme of work will grow.
Each workstream has identified and developed its own priorities and work plans, but the first key actions have been to:
- set up a partnership board with the right cross-sector membership, and establish a schedule of meetings
- further develop the governance model of the plan and agree the terms of reference.
- define the engagement model and recruit members
- set up a work programme for the partnership board
- identify resourcing to support the work of the plan.
One of the major areas of the plan will be to continue to develop the work to maximise independence for disabled children and adults so that once physical and/or financial barriers are removed, they are in a strong position to fulfil their potential. This, of course, improves quality of life.
Setting standards
A second area of work will be to look at the standards set out in Appendix 2: Draft Access All Areas (best practice standards), agreeing those that will be formally adopted across the city, and creating a reference library to support development of the plan. This will ensure that all future work and projects will adhere to these standards.
Some good examples of where standards relating to disability already exist are those used to assess accessibility.
Design for Access 2 (DfA2)
These Manchester standards for accessible buildings are supplementary to national planning and building regulations. DfA2 standards were developed in partnership with the city’s disabled children and adults’ organisations to ensure that we draw on the invaluable experience and expertise existing within Manchester.
The Building Regulations 2010
Work is guided by Part M of the Access To and Use of Building Regulations. This includes Volume 1 – Dwellings, and Volume 2 – Building, other than dwellings. These documents prescribe mandatory minimum levels of compliance for the use of and access to buildings. The document includes many useful diagrams on how to show compliance with the regulations.
BS 8300: 2009+A1:2010
This offers best-practice recommendations on how architectural design and the built environment can help disabled people to make the most of their surroundings. It covers facilities such as access routes to and around all buildings, car parks and garaging, as well as setting-down points, entrances, ramps and interiors, corridors, lifts and signage.
Accessible information standards
These standards from NHS England came into effect in mid-2016. All organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must now follow these standards. They aim to make sure that people with a disability, impairment or sensory loss can access and understand information relating to themselves and the services they receive or that are available to them, and that they can access these services.
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