Detailed access audits were carried out in 2004; this included suitable and sufficient assessments of the facilities in place and those which needed to be considered to allow all persons to enter, circulate and work safely at DFID premises. This audit was carried out with a wide range of potential users in mind, including persons with mobility and sensory impairments.
The audit addressed the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, and identified a number of reasonable adjustments to our buildings which have since been implemented. These adjustments have included:
improved disabled wheelchair access,
provision of tactile and visual warning signage, and
availability of portable induction loops.
Where reasonable adjustments are not possible for structural reasons, a disability management plan has been introduced to address the audit recommendations.