Building design for accessibility

[Sarah Lummis]

Dear all,

In the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act requires that reasonable steps
are taken to reduce the barriers faced by disabled people in the built
environment including the workplace. As you will be aware, two major parts
of the DDA came into force on 2nd December 1996 making it unlawful to
discriminate in the provision of facilities, goods, services and
employment. The timescale of the introduction of further parts of the act
involving accessibility is uncertain. It is therefore important that
companies and organisations should develop an action plan now to identify
how they can prepare for this.

The Royal National Institute for the Blind's Joint Mobility Unit have
produced 'Building Sight', a comprehensive handbook that we believe is
essential to those committed to good practice. The handbook, based on the
inclusive design or access for all principle, gives advice covering both
buildings and the pedestrian environment, interior design, lighting,
signage, building services and management.

The list price of Building Sight is £25 softback and £35 hardback, but is
available at a special price of £20 softback and £30 hardback for orders
received by the 28th March 1997.

The handbook is liberally illustrated with photographs and drawings of
examples of good and bad practice and is a valuable source of information
for anyone involved with building design or management.

If you are interested in ordering a copy of Building Sight, please contact
me on
0171 388 1266 or slu...@rnib.org.uk.

Thank you for your time.

Sarah Lummis
Technical Assistant
RNIB Joint Mobility Unit