Inclusive Buildings and Public Spaces: Embedding Accessibility and Universal Design in Real Estate

Course Description

This international online training programme equips participants with the knowledge and practical tools to embed Accessibility and Universal Design into all aspects of the built environment, including buildings, public spaces, and the public realm. The course is designed for professionals involved in managing, designing, developing, or maintaining properties and public infrastructure, including architects, designers, facilities managers, property managers, project managers, government officials, Non-Government Organisations and procurement professionals.

Over three interactive days, participants will explore how to integrate accessibility and Universal Design across the entire lifecycle of their built assets. From planning and procurement, through design, construction, and maintenance, to day-to-day management.

Through videos, case studies, live discussions, route appraisals, design exercises, and real-world problem-solving, participants will gain practical insights into how to create and sustain inclusive environments for all, including people with disabilities.

The following is an overview of the Course highlights:

• Understand the Principles of Universal Design and accessibility for buildings, public spaces, and the public realm
• Know how to integrating accessibility into procurement, tendering, and capital works programmes
• Understand how accessibility can be addressed in new developments, refurbishments, and existing buildings
• Have a good understanding of the role of health, safety, and accessibility is for people with disabilities
• Practical strategies for maintenance and operational management to sustain accessibility within the lifecycle of buildings
• Effective consultation, co-design, and stakeholder engagement
• Developing a disability inclusion and accessibility action plan for buildings, portfolios, or public spaces

*Course Dates: 15th, 16th and 22nd April 2026. From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Course Aims

This workshop enables professionals in the built environment to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to embed accessibility and Universal Design principles in all aspects of their work, from planning and procurement, through design, construction, and operations, to management of buildings and public spaces.

Participants will leave with the ability to create an effective, practical, and measurable accessibility strategy tailored to their organisation, project portfolio, or public realm assets.

Key Outcomes

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand international and national legislation, standards, and good practice related to accessibility and Universal Design (e.g. ISO Standards; European Standards and international good practice case studies).
• Apply accessibility principles to buildings, public spaces, and the public realm.
• Integrate accessibility considerations into procurement processes, tendering, and capital projects.
• Identify how health, safety, and accessibility intersect for people with disabilities.
• Recognise opportunities for improvements in existing buildings and public spaces and understand the access audit process.
• Understand the role of maintenance and operations in sustaining accessibility.
• Conduct inclusive consultation and co-design with stakeholders, users, and communities.
• Carry out a basic access review or audit and implement improvements.
• Develop a realistic Accessibility Action Plan or roadmap for their organisation, portfolio, or public space project.

Application Instructions

For further information on this course please contact [email protected]