What is an Access Audit?
A disability access audit is a detailed appraisal of the accessibility of an environment, including its facilities and the services delivered within it. It goes beyond a simple checklist of guidelines, examining the usability of spaces by people with mobility, sensory, and intellectual disabilities, adopting principles of Universal Design for all. Our accessibility audit services consider the physical environment as well as how users interact with that environment including the management, maintenance, safety, and day-to-day operations of your building, facilities and services within it.
Service Details
Our disability access audits cover all aspects of accessibility within your physical spaces as well as operational procedures within a particular environment. This service is guided by the National Access Auditing Guidelines, which were developed by OHAC founder Eoin O’Herlihy during his tenure at the National Disability Authority. These guidelines ensure that our audits are aligned with national best practices and tailored to the specific needs of our clients.
Core Areas of Focus for Access Audits
Access and Usability
We evaluate your building and outdoor spaces to assess how accessible and inclusive they are for all users.
Management and Maintenance
The access audit examines how the day-to-day management and upkeep of your building impact accessibility. This includes assessing whether maintenance procedures are in place to ensure ongoing compliance and usability.
Sensory and Intellectual Accessibility
Our audits look at how accessible your facilities are for people with sensory or intellectual disabilities, ensuring that information and services are inclusive.
Operational Considerations
We assess how your organisation’s policies and procedures support or hinder accessibility. This includes reviewing customer service practices, staff training, and the inclusivity of marketing and communication efforts.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
True disability inclusive access is achieved by eliminating not only physical barriers but also attitudinal and procedural obstacles. We achieve this by adopting an holistic approach to access audits.
Our audits examine how your organisation accommodates staff members with disabilities, provides disability inclusive customer services, and maintains accessible policies and practices. We also evaluate accessibility in your procurement processes and the provision of information.
Key Benefits of Performing an Access Audit
Enhanced User Experience
We identify and address barriers that affect physical access as well as the sensory and intellectual accessibility of your spaces and services. Our solutions are co-designed with key stakeholders.
Proactive Future-Proofing
Accessibility is an evolving field and our access audits provide forward-looking and sustainable recommendations that help you future-proof your facilities based on applying principles of Universal Design.
Holistic Accessibility
We consider attitudinal and procedural barriers to create a fully inclusive environment that supports all users, from staff to visitors.
Comprehensive Compliance Assurance
We can help organisations to translate complex legislation, standards and guidelines relevant to accessibility, inclusion and Universal Design.
Why Partner OHAC?
Working with OHAC for your access audit means partnering with a global leader in accessibility consultancy. Our audits are informed by over 17 years of experience and expertise. Our founder, Eoin O’Herlihy, was involved in the development of policies and standards in this area from the outset in Ireland. We bring a comprehensive and personalised approach to each project, ensuring that your facilities are not just compliant but also welcoming and functional for all users.