Inclusive Design Magazine May/June 2024

SHIP SHAPE

Titanic Belfast's authentic and accessible visitor experience

CONTENTS

LEARNING CURVE

Paul Knifton of Pick Everard discusses the unique design considerations for SEND facilities, following the completion of a £7m school in Ipswich

“Policies designed to anticipate a safe means of evacuation should involve providing alerts and plans for people with sensory disabilities”

REGULARS

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY - Northern Ireland’s stunning tourist attraction is making waves in accessibility

26 EDUCATION - SEND student provision gets a £105m boost

BATHROOMS Stuart Reynolds of AKW explains multi-generational bathrooms and their future-proofing advantages

NEW HOMES Habinteg’s Nick Apetroaie welcomes the Labour Party's pledge to create a ‘grey belt’

ADAPTATIONS Funding cuts mean that repairs and improvements are suffering

New guidance in the design of inclusive spaces for neurodivergent groups

OTAC - We followed Stuart Barrow to the latest OTAC conference

Foundations’ DFG Children SummitDebate solutions to key challenges

Care Show Review - Look back at the London event, and forward to Birmingham in October

OTAC® 2024 Confirmed dates

Visit an OTAC® near you for expert seminars and exhibitors specialising in home adaptations and equipment.

OTAC® West Wales

The Halliwell Centre

Friday 12th July 2024

OTAC® Reading

Hilton Reading

Thursday 7th November 2024

OTAC® Cardiff

St David’s Hotel (voco)

Thursday 5th December 2024

An event hosted by

OTAC® Chester

The Queen by Best Western Thursday 26th September 2024

OTAC® Kent

The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells Thursday 14th November 2024

OTAC® Southampton

Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl

Thursday 12th December 2024

CONTACTS

EDITOR

Juliet Davies juliet@inclusive-design.co.uk • SALES

sales@inclusive-design.co.uk

DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Stuart Moody h3opublishing@gmail.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

To receive your copy visit: inclusive-design.co.uk/subscribe.html or email juliet@inclusive-design.co.uk

Please send any comments to the editor by email to the address above

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Printed in the UK using only paper from FSC/PEFC suppliers

ISSN 2976-8888

Copyright © Blue Beetle Media 2024

FROM THE EDITOR

“People are generally sociable; we work better when working together”

One of the things people most missed during the long days of the pandemic was being with other people. Humans are a social lot, and there’s nothing we like better than getting together, especially with those we have things in common, like our work. But like many others, I work alone in a remote office (mustn’t forget my dog though…) and sometimes a Zoom doesn’t quite hit the mark.

So it’s great when I get out to visit expos and conferences, they’re a fantastic way to network with the magazine’s readers, contributors, and supporters and share gossip and best practice - and the odd glass of wine!

We’re very well served with events, having recently been to the Care Show at ExCeL (and my first trip on the new Elizabeth Line), and with OTAC in the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton

on 27th June and the DFG Children Summit at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre on Thursday 27th June - you can read more about all of these in this issue.

With the summer on the horizon you may be planning days out - check out Titanic Belfast who have made a great effort to put accessibility to the front (the bow?), and in our next issue we’ll be looking at accessible holiday accommodation, so make sure you’ve subscribed!

What do you think about current levels of accessibility in the built environment in your sector? Let me know, get in touch.

CONTRIBUTORS

Jessie is a RIBA architectural designer, writer, inclusive design consultant, and journal editor of the Access Association, and is also undertaking a PhD at UCL.

GADGET: Apple AirPods! I love a great podcast, audio book or playlist, especially when on the move.

PASTIME: Walking/running with my dog along the seafront, playing netball, travelling to new places.

Stuart Barrow

Occupational Therapist Stuart is the Director of his company Promoting Independence, and started the highly successful OTAC events back in 2017.

GADGET: The Peloton App on my iPhone for sure!

PASTIME: Reading books in libraries in old country hotels, with a roaring fire in the background, especially if it’s in the Cotswolds.

Jessie Buckle

Juliet Juliet Davies, Editor

Cover image: Courtesy of of Tourism NI

TITANIC BELFAST

SHIP SHAPE!

Titanic Belfast opened in 2012 with the aim of establishing Belfast as the home of RMS Titanic, celebrating the city’s maritime and industrial heritage, and showing the spirit that built Titanic remains today. CEO Judith Owens MBE talks to Inclusive Design Magazine about how they have ensured that their visitors’ access requirements are not only met but exceeded.

The stunning Northern Ireland visitor attraction has gone from strength to strength on the local, national and international stage, recently welcoming their eight millionth visitor, proving to be a shining example of how a significant tourism investment, combined with passion and belief, can be a catalyst for economic growth.

“Our amazing six-floor building houses the self-guided Titanic Experience, the world’s most authentic retelling of the iconic story,” Judith explained. “Located on the historic slipways where the ship was built, our ten interactive galleries tell the story of RMS Titanic from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end.”

Having just undertaken a £4.7 million refresh in 2023, Titanic Belfast introduced a new storytelling theme - The Pursuit of Dreams alongside a stunning new artefact collection, plus an illuminated 7.6m long scale model of RMS Titanic which is suspended from the ceiling and fully rotates in sync with state-of-the-art projections for a truly immersive experience.

“From the original construction of our architecturally unique building, right through

“THE TEAM AT TITANIC BELFAST ARE CONTINUALLY WORKING TO ENSURE THEIR VISITORS’ ACCESS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT ONLY MET BUT EXCEEDED”

JUDITH OWENS, MBE

CASE STUDY

to the recent refreshment of the experience, accessibility and inclusion have been key considerations for Titanic Belfast,” said Judith. “All general access and circulation spaces inside and outside are accessible, with lowered counters and hearing loops on ticketing desks, varied lighting levels, stairs, lifts and escalators and accessible toilets throughout the building, including a Changing Places facility.

“We also operate a Free Carers Policy, whereby any paying guest who requires essential assistance to visit can avail of a free carer ticket, as well as provide additional aids such as Sensory Guides to familiarise guests before a visit, wristbands, ear defenders, and blackout tents are available for those with ASD.

“Audio guides for those with visual impairments and multimedia guides with BSL for those with hearing impairments are also provided free of charge.”

The team at Titanic Belfast are very proud to be recognised across the tourism industry as a leader in accessibility standards, but are always continually working to further develop this and ensure their visitors’ access requirements are not only met but exceeded.

“As access was a consideration during the build of Titanic Belfast, we are fortunate to be very accessible as standard, however as part of our efforts to drive forward our inclusion strategy we have for a number of years wanted to provide a Changing Places facility in addition to the accessible toilets already available as we know the importance of this for visitors with more complex needs,” Judith told us.

“This proved challenging to retrofit within our existing building structure, so it took a lot of planning to put in place as it was important to ensure we got these facilities right for our guests.”

The venue was delighted to be able to launch their Changing Places facility earlier this year which they hope will give more disabled people and their carers the space and equipment they need to have the confidence to leave their homes for longer and have an enjoyable day out.

Titanic Belfast was designed by Texan architect Eric Kuhne, who incorporated many maritime metaphors including crystals, ships bows, and the White Star logo into the iconic

building, so it is absolutely inspired by the heritage of the area.

As you look up at the building from outside, you’ll see two of the four ships hulls recreated in its design, symbolising the four eras of shipbuilding in Belfast - wood, iron, steel and aluminium. Each ‘hull’ is also the same height as Titanic was from keel to promenade deck.

While inside, at the heart of the Grand Atrium, is a compass rose, with the four cardinal points marked out showing the direction of their four main entrances - it’s almost as if the building has sprung from the compass rose itself and the building is in effect, a 3D compass!

The building was finished to a really accessible level with thought put into lots of details to cater for the thousands of guests they get through their doors.

“For example,” said Judith, “we have four main entrances with level access and automatic doors to allow ease of access, lighting levels are varied throughout, and all areas of the Titanic Experience which have audio have integrated loop systems. There are seating rest points throughout the building and wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be reserved for use on arrival.

“Titanic Belfast is designed to be multisensory and although the experience is selfguided, we have multimedia guides available in multiple languages as well as one with British Sign Language visuals.

“An audio-described guide is provided free of charge for visitors who are blind or partially sighted. There is voice indication in all

Below: Disability rights activist Michaela Hollywood MBE, with Judith Owens MBE, CEO Titanic Belfast

“FROM THE ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE ARCHITECTURALLY UNIQUE BUILDING, RIGHT THROUGH TO THE RECENT REFRESHMENT OF THE EXPERIENCE, ACCESSIBILITY

AND INCLUSION

HAVE BEEN KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR TITANIC BELFAST”

JUDITH OWENS, MBE

front-of house lifts, handrail extensions and contrasting floor textures. Documents can also be requested in Braille or large print.

“We have standard accessible toilets on a number of levels throughout the building as

well as the addition of our Changing Spaces facility which includes a height adjustable bench, a ceiling hoist, a peninsular toilet, shower, adjustable basin and privacy screen.”

The proximity of Titanic Belfast to the historic Titanic and Olympic Slipways, the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices and Hamilton Graving Dock, where the SS Nomadic (part of the Titanic Experience ticket) is now berthed, were central considerations during the design, planning and construction of the project.

These heritage elements are more than just heritage assets - they represent a cornerstone of Belfast's collective memory and cultural identity, therefore the accessibility of the outside spaces around Titanic Belfast are equally as important as the inside spaces!

Above: SS Nomadic was RMS Titanic's tender ship, and is the last remaining White Star Line vessel in the world

Right: RMS Titanic was built and launched from these historic slipways, where Titanic Belfast now stands, surrounded by a plaza laden with hidden symbolism

“We have a flagged plaza surrounding the building with level access, leading at the front via ramps to the Titanic sign for a unique photo opportunity and to the back onto the historic slipways,” said Judith.

Guests can track Titanic’s journey on a large map of the Northern Hemisphere on the plaza where light tiles represent the sea

and the dark tiles represent the land. A track follows the cities linked to Titanic’s story from Belfast across the Atlantic to New York and at night this track is lit in LED lights.

Meanwhile on the slipways you can explore a life size plan of Titanic’s Promenade Deck which is inlaid in white stone and discover the positions of the liner’s lifeboats and funnels or have a seat at one of the benches positioned exactly as they would have been on board the deck of Titanic.

“At Titanic Belfast we are continually working hard to create an inclusive and accessible visitor attraction for all,” Judith told us. “We want to make sure that when visitors with additional needs plan a trip, that they have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy their time making memories with their families, friends, and loved ones.

Top: Judith at Belfast City Council’s inclusive tourism seminar 'Embrace the Inclusive Spirit' Above: The stunning new artefact collection houses an evocative array of salvaged items such as this lifejacket

“With over 16 million people in the UK having a disability, we at Titanic Belfast know how important it is for businesses to be inclusive for all guests. As part of last year’s refreshment programme, we ensured accessibility was taken into consideration at every turn.

“We worked with various organisations and charities covering off a number of different accessible needs, who provided input and insights to our plans and tested the new spaces for us ahead of opening

to ensure we had catered for those with additional needs as much as possible.”

They have received a lot of feedback from visitors.

“We take customer engagement and feedback into account in everything we do and use this to celebrate our successes or inform change across our operations if needed,” said Judith. “We’re delighted to be recognised very positively for our accessibility and this is reflected in the feedback from our guests.”

Following the recent addition of their Changing Places facility, Michaela Hollywood MBE, Deputy CEO of Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance and disability rights activist, said “I am absolutely delighted that Titanic Belfast has a Changing Places facility. It means that for people like me, who can’t get out of their wheelchair without the use of a hoist or bench, we now can visit Titanic Belfast and go to the toilet like any other visitor.

“Changing Places are becoming more popular in Northern Ireland and across the UK, but they are not internationally. Having so many tourists here from other countries seeing the Changing Places facility will help spread that global message of toilet equality and inclusion, and that’s what really brings about change.”

Given how passionate Judith is about inclusion, personally she loves that they are able to provide an accessible experience for all of their guests across the Titanic Experience, as that to her is truly being inclusive!

“If I had to choose a favourite element, it might be the Shipyard Ride which is a cable car ride for guests to explore what it was like working in the shipyard during the era Titanic was built,” she said. “We have a dedicated wheelchair accessible car available, and we can accommodate Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs at the discretion of their owners so guests don’t have to miss out on this during their visit.”

For the team inclusion is not just about making Titanic Belfast accessible for their

“WHILE WE CAN DO ALL WE CAN AT TITANIC BELFAST TO MAKE SURE WE CATER FOR OUR GUESTS’ NEEDS, IT’S EQUALLY IMPORTANT THAT AS A WIDER DESTINATION WE COME TOGETHER TO MAKE THE CITY AS ACCESSIBLE AS POSSIBLE”JUDITH OWENS, MBE

guests but for the staff too, therefore they foster a culture of inclusion through a longstanding partnership with Orchardville, an organisation that supports people with learning difficulties and autism to develop work skills.

“Each year we partner with the charity for a ‘takeover’ day where our Titanic Belfast crew work in a buddy system with Orchardville participants to show them the ropes, working alongside them for a day in the life of a world-leading attraction,” explained Judith. “This initiative not only helps upskill Orchardville’s clients with reallife work experience but allows our crew to develop skills in working alongside those with additional needs, providing a sense of purpose and pride, promoting inclusivity.”

Through this initiative, Titanic Belfast has recruited several staff via Orchardville who work as part of its team on an ongoing basis.

Titanic Belfast also make significant contributions on an ongoing basis as part

Above and below: An illuminated 7.6m long scale model of RMS Titanic is suspended from the ceiling and fully rotates in sync with state-of-the-art projections.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism NI

of their diversity and inclusion strategy, having invested £200k in the last year across the business with the introduction of Changing Places and new British Sign Language and audio-described multimedia guides due to be implemented ahead of high-season.

“While we can do all we can at Titanic Belfast to make sure we cater for our guests’ needs, it’s equally important that as a wider destination we come together to make the city as accessible as possible,” Judith said. “Having recently hosted Belfast City Council’s inclusive tourism seminar for destination and industry partners in collaboration with Tourism NI and Visit Belfast, it’s fantastic to see everyone playing their part in mapping out an inclusive future, as we are much stronger together.”

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HIT THE ROAD!

There’s a lot of organisation that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that each Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC) event runs smoothly for both delegates and exhibitors!

Occupational Therapist Stuart Barrow, as well as running his company Promoting Independence Ltd. meticulously plans each of his OTAC roadshows.

So what’s involved in the setting up of an OTAC event? Following a very successful conference at Newcastle on Wednesday 1st May, we managed to get Stuart in a rare quiet moment to find out…

WHAT ARE THE FINAL STAGES OF ORGANISATION?

The preparation for running OTAC involves meticulous planning and coordination. It’s a big list:

• We finalise the theme and target audience and ensure we have reached out to all our audiences the week before and every day during the event week.

• The logistical arrangements with the courier are finalised.

• Promotional materials, delegate bags and banner delivery dates are finalised with relevant agencies.

• Marketing efforts intensify closer to the event, with social media campaigns, email newsletters, and press releases.

• Collaborations with industry partners are checked and we ensure visibility.

• As the date approaches within the last couple of weeks final touches are made to our OTAC stand, table cloths, the merchandise we will be giving away, and the printing of name badges, certificates, etc. are done.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE SHOW?

8.30am is my favourite part of the show, as it’s when all of the exhibitors are ready and the show opens with a line of delegates waiting to come in… it’s a terrific feeling!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS THE TRICKIEST BIT ABOUT SETTING UP AN OTAC?

This is definitely where everything is in place and then the venue we are using advises

“WHEN ALL OF THE EXHIBITORS ARE READY AND THE SHOW OPENS WITH A LINE OF DELEGATES WAITING TO COME IN… IT’S A TERRIFIC FEELING!”

STUART BARROW

Main pic: OTAC delegates ready for a day of networking and seminars Top: The evening networking event is an informal chance to wind down and chat Above: Stuart Barrow, Director of Promoting Independence, started the OTAC events in 2017

us that the member of staff who was managing the event has moved on and no longer works there. Sometimes there is a decent handover, but usually it’s as if you’re starting from scratch.

TELL US ABOUT TRAVELLING TO NEWCASTLE AND SETTING UP THE ROOM

This was different from last year as Sarah our Operational Manager travelled up a day early with our events assistant Jakub to ensure everything was ready a day before set up day. This meant I could arrive by train after meeting the courier to load the van and work on the train and enjoy the journey.

Setting the room up is usually okay with a venue like Newcastle as we have run the event there before and they know what we need and like.

DO YOU GET ANY TIME TO RELAX?

The networking event we hold in the evening is relaxing and fun!

From my perspective it’s a chance to wind down, talk, have some good food with good company, and enjoy the feeling of set up being complete and look forward to the next day.

WHAT ABOUT LIAISING WITH EXHIBITORS?

I ensure I speak to every exhibitor during set up and on the day to ensure they are in the right location, happy with their stand, logistics, and plan for set up and the actual end.

HOW ABOUT WHEN YOU FINALLY OPEN THE DOOR TO DELEGATES?

I absolutely love meeting and greeting the delegates as they arrive. I talk to them throughout the day about where they are from, how they travelled to OTAC, what are they enjoying and what they may feel is missing.

Being a fellow OT is great as we share experiences and challenges of being clinicians.

WHAT ABOUT THE PACKING UP AFTERWARDS?

We’ve mastered this as the courier arrives and the team have a routine to pack down the stands.

I leave after the last exhibitor and our courier to ensure no one or nothing is left behind! If it is, we ship it back and all is good.

Quite often we will then head for food or to the bar for a drink before travelling home with the staff and some exhibitors who are awaiting flights, trains, and taxis.

HOW DO YOU TRAVEL TO EVENTS?

This depends on where in the country the event has been. Within a two hour radius I drive and usually I am home early evening. Further than that I either drive, fly,

"EXCELLENT VENUE, GOOD LOCATION (WE WERE ABLE TO TRAVEL BY TRAIN = BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ;0) GOOD TO HAVE SOMETHING IN THE NORTH. GREAT EXHIBITORS. THANKS FOR AN ENJOYABLE/ EDUCATIONAL DAY"

WHAT THE SPONSORS THOUGHT Gino Farruggio Trade Sales Director, Stiltz Homelifts

What was your general experience of the Newcastle show?

As one of the more established exhibitors, we believe OTAC is a must-attend event for healthcare and housing professionals responsible for accessible equipment provision. Over the years, our experience at OTAC has been engaging, rewarding and has exceeded expectations in terms of generating interest and awareness. This reflects the continued growth in demand for our homelifts and an increased familiarity with the category.

And your favourite part of it?

Left: Stuart works with every exhibitor to ensure they are happy with their stand and prepared for their presentation

Below: Gino Farruggio, Trade Sales Director, Stiltz Homelifts

Well, aside from the delicious lunches of course, and the opportunity for networking, my favourite part of the OTAC events is delivering our presentations. I have found they generate insightful discussions with delegates keen to understand more about the occupational benefits of homelifts. Feedback from delegates is consistently positive too which is a great starting point for conversations. These seminars continue to combine CPD with practical guidance and the latest legislation so OTs can enhance their everyday practice.

What products did you take to the show?

As stand space and height are limited at OTAC, we are unable to physically demonstrate our homelifts. So, we focus more on education, advice and of course goodie bags! During the events we encourage visitors to book free client home assessments or group CPD sessions where our Trusted Assessors carry out a more bespoke visit. Delegates are also always more than welcome to visit our showrooms and offices.

WHAT THE SPONSORS THOUGHT

Ryan Wilkes National Sales Manager, Abacus Specialist Bathrooms Solutions

So how did the Newcastle show go?

The Abacus team and I regard exhibiting at OTAC as an invaluable opportunity to meet new and existing contacts within healthcare equipment provision. It helps us expand our presence across the UK and has been beneficial in cultivating new collaborations with many occupational therapists, local authorities and housing professionals.

What was your favourite part of it?

On a personal level, my OTAC highlights tend to focus on the new knowledge I gain and discovering more about all the outstanding DFGs that are being fulfilled across the UK.

What product did you take to the show?

We tend to not demonstrate our specialist baths now as we have a fleet of educational vehicles that can be booked free of charge from the stand. Our OTAC showcase instead gives delegates one-to-advice, free literature including DFG guides and case studies, and is regularly supported by one of our associate occupational therapists.

“"EXCELLENT NETWORKING EVENT AND RANGE OF SEMINARS. LUNCH WAS OUTSTANDING"

or use the train, and then stay overnight so that in the evening I can spend time with exhibitors. This avoid rushing and the team and I can feed back to one another, go through feedback forms from exhibitors and delegates, and jot down notes for our next meeting.

SO THEN IT’S ON TO SETTING UP THE NEXT ONE?

We always have a chat about what went well set-up wise and pack down, and what we can do better. This is then fed back to one another and the venue and we take the learnings into the next event.

MORE INFORMATION

You can get a taste of the day in Newcastle with this video at https://otac.org.uk/ newcastle2024/

Stuart is now arranging OTAC events at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, West Midlands on Thursday 27th June, The Halliwell Centre in Carmarthen, West Wales on Friday 12th July, and others around the country - there’ll be one near you so check it out!

Get the next Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference dates in your diary! Visit https://otac.org.uk/ now. ID

Above: Hilton Newcastle Gateshead was the venue for the recent OTAC event on 1st May

Above: Ryan Wilkes, National Sales Manager, Abacus Specialist Bathrooms Solutions

SHOWER POWER

As soon as the word ‘inclusive’ is added to the word ‘bathroom,’ many will think of functional spaces that are fit-for-purpose yet look out of place in most homes. Here Stuart Reynolds , UK Marketing & Product Management Director at AKW, a leading provider of inclusive solutions, shows how style and functionality can be combined in the bathroom to encourage independent living that is beautiful as well as practical.

An ageing population is driving demand for inclusive bathrooms, as many look to future-proof their homes so that they can stay in them for as long as possible. Alongside this ageing demographic, a survey released by the Department for Work and Pensions in March* has also shown that the number of disabled people in the UK is on the rise.

Nearly one in four (24%) of the total population is now classified as disabled and that represents an increase of 3.9 million people over the past decade. Obviously, there are many forms of disability but according to the report, the largest

“ONE OF THE EASIEST WAYS TO CREATE INCLUSIVITY IN THE BATHROOM IS WITH THE USE OF A LEVEL-ACCESS SHOWER ROOM OR WET ROOM ”

STUART REYNOLDS

percentage of impairments surrounds those with mobility difficulties.

STYLISH SHOWERING – ACCESS FOR ALL

*Department for Work and Pensions, Family Resources Survey 2022 – 2023, Updated 26 March 2024.

One of the easiest ways to create inclusivity in the bathroom is with the use of a level-access shower room or wet room. Here at AKW we have seen increased demand for bathroom adaptations that place as much of a priority on aesthetics as on functionality. Hence the launch of the popular AKW Onyx range of shower trays, grab rails and accessories that bring affordable luxury to the showering area.

When it comes to the designing of an inclusive bathroom, there are a range of things that need to be considered. AKW has worked with occupational therapists to put together bathroom guidance for those designing for a range of disabilities and these can be found on our website.

Key highlights include:

Visual impairments: a well-lit bathroom is essential, and the light must be adequate for a variety of tasks, avoiding shadows, dark areas and glare. Eradicate trip

Above: AKW have seen increased demand for bathroom adaptations that place as much of a priority on aesthetics as on functionality

hazards by using anti-slip flooring and using contrasting colours with a light reflective value difference of at least 30 on grab rails and shower seats, to help the person navigate around the space.

Dementia: in the standard bathroom layout hazards are numerous and include trip points, slippery floors, hot water and confusing layouts. It’s important to include tonal contrasts between surfaces and critical planes such as walls, floors, doors, skirtings, sanitaryware and toilet seats. Include thermostatic taps, showers, low

surface temperature radiators and underfloor heating where possible to avoid scalding and burns.

Wheelchairs: promote movement around the space. Level access should be prioritised and doors positioned to face outwards and include a raised height toilet with accessibility on both sides if possible. Use a wall hung sink, think about radiator and towel rail placement and remove external pipe work, to improve access.

So, in practice what can the user expect when planning to make the switch to a level-access showering solution? Here is a recent installation in Leicester to show how straightforward the process can be.

A CASE IN POINT: STYLISH MULTIGENERATIONAL ACCESSIBILITY

Creating a multi-generational home that meets the needs of all its members can be difficult, particularly when it comes to the bathroom. This was the challenge faced by

Below: Age Care Bathrooms transformed the Patel family’s bathroom with a range of AKW products. If needed in the future the shower tray can have a small wheelchair ramp added, as the tray is strong enough to accommodate a wheelchair and carer. The family chose the AKW Fold Up Wooden Slatted Shower Seat

A cost-effective solution was needed by Maroot Patel and his family to make their home more accessible for his mother-in-law.

“After losing my father-in-law, we grew increasingly worried about my mother-in-law living alone, especially with her decreasing mobility,” he explained. “She began spending a greater amount of time at ours and that meant making our home more accessible to her. We did this by adding a chair lift to help her navigate the stairs, however the big challenge for us was the bathroom, as she couldn’t use the shower that was situated over the bath.”

The decision was made to take out the bath from the upstairs bathroom and put in a low-level access showering solution. The need was to make the space more accessible, without it looking institutional. However, the bathroom had only recently been refurbished, so the solution had to be in keeping with the home’s modern décor, whilst meeting the needs of the extended family. To achieve this, Maroot approached AKW for advice on making the transition from a bath to a lowlevel access shower area.

AKW put the family in touch with Age Care Bathrooms, who guided them through the process of choosing the right AKW solution for their needs.

“As the family’s bathroom had only been updated a few years before, they were keen to keep as much of it as possible,” said Sam Davies, Director at Age Care Bathrooms. “So,

“INCLUDE TONAL CONTRASTS BETWEEN SURFACES AND CRITICAL PLANES SUCH AS WALLS, FLOORS, DOORS, SKIRTINGS, SANITARYWARE AND TOILET SEATS.”

STUART REYNOLDS

we recommended leaving the sanitaryware in-situ and replacing the bath with a fulllength low level access shower tray, rain head shower, Scandinavian style shower seat and sleek grab rails.

“Also, as the tiles only went down as far as the bath, we suggested the use of full-length wall panels that fitted the existing bathroom’s aesthetic, so that no re-tiling was needed.”

The removal of the bath and the fitting of the low-level access shower took two days in total. Age Care Bathrooms used AKW’s Origins Wallboard to cover over the existing partially tiled areas; thanks to the wallboards being a structural material, the shower seat and grab rails could be fitted securely to it, without impacting weight loading. An AKW Onyx shower tray was then installed on top of the existing tiled floor, with only a 26mm step into the shower area.

A stylish, chrome finish AKW Larenco Sliding Door Enclosure was added along the full length of the shower tray and accompanied by an AKW Arka Cool Touch mixer shower with rain head shower. The family also chose a Scandinavian style AKW 4000 series fold up wooden slatted seat with support legs and AKW Onyx chrome and white grab rails.

The end result is a stylish yet functional low level access shower space in the upstairs bathroom that meets the needs of this multigenerational family.

“The Age Care installer did a great job fitting the new shower area out, and he did it with minimum disruption to us as a family,” said Maroot. “We love the way the AKW products fit so well into our existing bathroom and the great thing is that if needed in the future, the shower tray can have a small wheelchair ramp added, as it is strong enough to accommodate a wheelchair and carer. We now have a bathroom that works for everyone in the family.”

With more and more people looking at making their homes accessible, the need to combine functionality and style is on the increase. However, it is now possible to combine style, reliability, and accessibility both quickly and affordably with the latest inclusive bathroom design products.

For more about accessible bathroom design or AKW’s Onyx range visit www.akw-ltd.co.uk

TOP TIPS

DESIGNING MULTI-GENERATIONAL BATHROOMS

Demand is growing for multi-generational bathrooms that work for the entire family. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when creating an inclusive, functional and stylish space:

Think accessibility: Accessibility is key to promoting a person’s dignity, so think about the challenges that different people in the household face in using the bathroom. Do they have mobility, visual or cognitive challenges? These will then instruct the design of the entire space. For help with specifics, AKW has produced a range of guides for those designing bathrooms for people living with dementia, strokes, visual impairments and wheelchair users.

Think manoeuvrability: Does the space need to accommodate wheelchair and mobility aid turning circles or help one of the users navigate by incorporating colour contrast? Is the removal of trip hazards or fall prevention a priority? Building manoeuvrability into the bathroom can be done whilst keeping

aesthetics in mind. For example, AKW’s anti-slip flooring and Onyx showering range and accessories have all been designed with style as well as function in mind.

Think flexibility: Toileting is a basic need that can be incredibly challenging to accommodate, dependent on the requirements of all the users in a household. This is where adjustable height toilets offer a viable solution. AKWs Rise & Fall WC can be adjusted from 424-624mm from finished floor level at the touch of a button, ensure a range of needs can be met.

By thinking about accessibility, manoeuvrability and flexibility, it is possible to create safe, accessible and multi-generational bathrooms that are stylish as well as functional.

A FIRM FOOTING

The DFG Children Summit is your chance to join other dedicated professionals to debate solutions to the key challenges currently affecting the assessment and delivery of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) for children and their families.

Foundations return to Birmingham this summer to host the DFG Children Summit for 2024 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre on Thursday 27th June. It's becoming evident that the delivery of the DFG for children is becoming increasingly challenging in trying to meet the complexity of children's needs alongside the soaring costs of adaptations, and unless addressed, these issues are on track to become unsustainable.

Through lived-experience evidence, expert talks and facilitated workshops, you will have the opportunity to consider and learn:

• How to better manage the different perspectives and expectations surrounding the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) for Children.

• Gain a greater understanding of how to integrate funding sources to address the growing complexity and cost of adaptations for children.

Rachel Russell, Senior Regional Advisor, Foundations

• Use design methods and construction techniques to future-proof adaptations for children and their families.

• How to include cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to enhance the delivery of DFG for children with complex needs.

If you are a professional involved in the delivery of the DFG, then this is the event to attend to make a positive impact on your role, the sector, and the disabled children we aim to meet the needs of.

The DFG Assessment Summit in 2023 proved to be a resounding success. The energy was infectious, as attendees recognised the pioneering pursuit of the day through cross-sector collaboration.

Since then, Foundations have been developing sector-informed assessment frameworks and continuing discussions on governance and support with stakeholder organisations.

Above:

“The Disabled Facilities Grant is there to provide adaptations to make the home more accessible and usable for children,” said Paul Smith, Foundations’ Director. “However, the delivery of these adaptations is becoming increasingly challenging due stretched capacity in social care, the rising cost of building materials, and the increasing complexity of children's needs. There are also challenges in helping parents understand what the grant can offer and its limitations.

“More and more, adaptation teams are finding that the mandatory grant may not always cover the total cost of the scheme, raising questions about who is responsible for funding the shortfall.

“We want to bring together occupational therapists, technical officers, caseworkers, managers, commissioners, and third-sector organisations to debate these issues and help us to identify solutions to these real-world

“THE DISABLED FACILITIES GRANT IS THERE TO PROVIDE ADAPTATIONS TO MAKE THE HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE AND USABLE FOR CHILDREN”

PAUL SMITH, DIRECTOR, FOUNDATIONS

problems. From what we hear on the day, Foundations will then look at how we work with our partners and other stakeholders to see how we address these concerns in our role as the national advisory body for the Disabled Facilities Grant.”

Above: Steve Ford, CEO, Royal College of Occupational Therapists

WHAT TO EXPECT…

After Registration and some informal networking, the day will begin with an introduction from Dr Rachel Russell, Senior Regional Advisor at Foundations, running through the format of the day, introducing the sessions and evidences why we must focus on the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and children.

“Being the first presentation of the day, it is about setting the scene and stage for the day,” explained Rachel. “As the Senior Regional Advisor at Foundations, I’ll be talking about how we've listened to the sector and any problems they've faced with the delivery of the Disabled Facilities Grant for children. I’ll also discuss how we've planned a summit where those attending can discuss the issues and to give them the space to think about things could be different.”

Rachel will be followed by Steve Ford, the Chief Executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), giving the Keynote Address. With his proven track record of strategic leadership and transformative impact within the NHS and the charity sector, Steve is the ideal professional to shed light on the primary challenges facing the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) for children with complex needs.

“2024 is an important year for RCOT,” he told us. “In March we published our first ever occupational therapy workforce strategy, and housing and children’s services are both priority areas of focus within it. We’re also marking five years since the publication of Adaptations without delay, which supports adaptations teams to make the best use of their multidisciplinary workforce.

Speakers' corner

Several breakout sessions throughout the day will be covering topics such as:

Expectations: Adam Ferry and Lucy Leonard explore with participants how we better manage the different perspectives and expectations surrounding the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) for children.

Funding: Paul Smith discusses how we better integrate funding sources to address the growing complexity and cost of adaptations for children.

“I WILL EXPLORE HOW WE CAN BETTER FUTURE PROOF ADAPTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE DFG FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WHILST STILL ENSURING GOOD USE OF THE DFGA”

RACHEL FRONDIGOUN

Future-Proofing: Rachel Frondigoun and Claire Miller ask how we can better use design methods and construction techniques to future-proof adaptations provided by the DFG for children and their families.

“WE HAVE BUILT OUR BUSINESS ON USING GOOD DESIGN TO MAKE LIVES BETTER FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITY NEEDS AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE INVOLVED IN THE DISCUSSION SURROUNDING THE DFG FOR CHILDREN”

STUART REYNOLDS, UK MARKETING & PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR, AKW

“The purpose of the workshop I am facilitating with Claire Miller is to explore how we can better future proof adaptations provided by the DFG for children and their families whilst still ensuring good use of the DFG,” explained Rachel Frondigoun, Director, Cherrywhite Consultancy Services Ltd. “It hopes to explore how we support children in their home environment in the most cost effective way, and explore the barriers and challenges to this and what can we, as professionals, do to overcome these. Exploring joint working, shared funding and hopefully learning about best practice from across England.

“On a personal level I’m looking forward to learning from fellow professionals working with children with complex needs to understand how different organisation are working to meet these needs in the most effective work and identify examples

Frondigoun, Director, Cherrywhite Consultancy Services Ltd

of best practice that can be shared to support services that are perhaps struggling with this area.”

Innovation: Alan Mathews and Ruth Parker consider how to better include cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to enhance the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) for children with complex needs.

Top to bottom: Paul Smith, Director, Foundations; Rachel

“Occupational therapists know the vital role that the home plays for the health and wellbeing of disabled children and their families, and I’m delighted to have been invited to speak at the summit. I’m looking forward to sharing our work and hearing about the innovative ways that services are enhancing the provision of adaptations for children, young people and families.”

Next to engage the delegates will be Luke Clement, the Cerebra (Charity) Professor of Law and Social Justice at the School of Law, University of Leeds, who has dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of disabled individuals and their carers, sharing his decades of experience shaping legislation and improving the lives of those experiencing social exclusion.

Later in the afternoon Kate Sheehan will be presenting Innovation and Product

Design, exploring collaboration between commercial, Occupational Therapists and end user, and asking where are the gaps in adaptation products for the paediatrics market?

A very full day will then concluded with the closing Keynote Address from Frances Heywood OBE.

The event’s main sponsor is AKW Medi-Care, with other exhibitors including PROCare Shower & Bathroom Centre, Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions, Handicare Stairlifts UK, Altro Limited, Safespaces, Triton Showers, Stiltz Lifts, Geberit, Terry Lifts, Closomat, Stannah Group, and CareSpaces (by Wealden Rehab).

Further information on all the confirmed speakers and agenda can be found at www.foundations.uk.com

And now a word from our sponsors...

Stuart Reynolds UK Marketing & Product Management Director, AKW.

“We are very happy to be part of Foundations’ DFG Children Summit this year, and to be part of the conversation around creating futureproof adaptations for children and their families. We have built our business on using good design to make lives better for those with disability needs and we are proud to be involved in the discussion surrounding the DFG for children.

We’ll be showcasing some of our accessible bathroom products at the summit, including our Rise & Fall adjustable height WC, wet rooms and showers.”

Dale Campbell Projects Director, CareSpaces.

“The upcoming DFG Children Summit presents a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with the community - we’re eager to learn from fellow exhibitors and visitors alike. We'll be showcasing our wide range of products and services, including the innovative GoLift ceiling hoist, AquaLine care bath, RAZ shower chairs and much more, whilst also highlighting our expertise in creating truly accessible spaces.

At CareSpaces, the projects division of Wealden Rehab, we understand the importance of accessible spaces that empower individuals with mobility limitations. That's why we offer a comprehensive suite of solutions that can all seamlessly integrate to create the perfect environment for any individual.

Our team of seasoned experts boasts a wealth of experience in designing these environments. They've seen it all, from kitchen makeovers to bathroom upgrades - they’ll work with a variety of clients to design a space that promotes independence and well-being; they listen to your needs, big or small, to craft personalised solutions and turn your vision for an accessible care environment into a reality. We believe everyone deserves the freedom and independence a well-designed space can provide.”

Gino Farruggio

Trade Sales Director, Stiltz Homelifts

"Our specialist homelift team is committed to delivering DFG-funded accessibility to more children with disabilities. Driving change within practice and policy is key to achieving this so we believe exhibiting at the Foundations’ DFG Children Summit is critical. Critical for us to share our knowledge and insight with healthcare and housing practitioners so homelift provision is efficient, appropriate and above all future-proofed. We look forward to demonstrating our assessment-centred approach to removing the barrier of stairs through material such as evidence-based case studies and legislative guides.

As a long-standing supporter of Foundations, our CPD prowess will once again be on show as Stiltz offers workshops and seminars dedicated to enhancing everyday practice. This educational content will be leveraged from our popular 'Lunch n Learn' group sessions which are free to book at our demonstration showrooms. Homelift prescription from a clinical and practical point of view, will be explored as together we all strive to ensure children with complex needs can thrive in the home environment.”

Ryan Wilkes National Sales Manager, Abacus Specialist Bathrooms Solutions.

"Our Product Assessment Managers are looking forward to all aspects of the Foundations’ DFG Children Summit. As we are dedicated to providing specialist accessible baths to children with disabilities, it is essential that DFG provision is strengthened across the UK; on a daily basis our team witnesses the challenges faced by families seeking funding for assistive equipment. We all have a duty of care to ensure children can bathe safely at home so life can be enhanced through hygiene, therapy and peace of mind. This is why we believe attending the Summit is essential so all professionals and stakeholders can get together to drive DFG innovation and hence more positive outcomes can be achieved.

Our stand will be a hub of information regarding accessible bathing solutions. We will be able to provide guidance on all aspects from clinical assessment, provision and installation through to current legislation and safety standards. Client case studies will demonstrate real world results achieved by Abacus and if delegates are seeking CPD, visits from our educational vehicles will be available to book free of charge. Highlights from this training will be included in the various workshops and seminars available at the Summit - 100% focused on safe, future proofed bathing for children with disabilities.”

Reconnect with your home

Continue to live safely and independently in the home you love, with a Stiltz Homelift. Costeffective, straightforward installation into a room which suits your lifestyle, carried out by our own expert engineers for added peace of mind.

Size of a small armchair

LEARNING CURVE

The spotlight on SEND (Special Education Needs/Disabilities) student provision increased this year after £105m was allocated to new build requirements in the Spring Budget. Paul Knifton, director at the multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, discusses the unique design considerations for these specialist facilities, following the completion of a £7m SEND school in Ipswich.

CASESTUDY

Given the complex range of physical and cognitive difficulties that require support, designing SEND schools presents an entirely unique set of requirements - yet the core principles of education remain the same.

As architects, we approach SEND projects by closely considering the building environment to ensure it will provide

a space that’s fit for both staff and pupils, enabling learning, creativity, and independence to properly flourish.

To achieve this, early collaboration in the client engagement process allows us to design our concepts around the particular set of requirements needed for the students’ specialisms and age range. All SEND schools are very closely monitored in line with community need, with local

councils often adopting strict Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans to ensure provision is met in areas with the highest numbers of SEND pupils.

DESIGN IN PRACTICE

The Woodbridge Road Academy in Ipswich is one such example of a £7m SEND school that was developed in conjunction with local need, providing space for up to 60 children and young people across its 12 classrooms and several learning resource areas.

The academy also has a well-equipped library, sensory rooms, main hall, dining area, and accessible bathrooms, while a multi-use games area (MUGA) also forms a key part of the design for recreational activities – including use by the wider community.

We delivered the project in partnership with Bowmer + Kirkland, our longterm collaborator on its SEND schools programme*, under the Department for Education’s National Framework MMC1. As a framework dedicated to offsite construction, it aligns succinctly with the speed and resource required to meet urgent sector demand, which was evidenced in a BBC report last February, which revealed that 52% of state funded SEND schools are oversubscribed**.

A BESPOKE PROCESS

SEND school design is often a bespoke process by way of its collaboration programme. In our experience, given their catchment areas are quite wide, SEND

“BIOPHILIC DESIGN HAS BEEN SHOWN WITHIN NUMEROUS STUDIES TO PROMOTE FEELINGS OF HEALTH AND WELLBEING”

PAUL KNIFTON

MEET PAUL…

Above: Paul Knifton, Director, Pick Everard Left: The school has 12 classrooms and several learning resource areas

Paul Knifton is a Chartered Architect with almost 25 years’ experience in the design of commercial, logistics, educational and mixed-use buildings, with experience in master planning and site appraisal.

Paul studied Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture qualifying as an architect in 2001, and throughout his career has worked for a wide range of private clients as well as successfully delivering projects for many local authorities and government departments with a track record of providing successful solutions to complex briefs.

He is client focused and skilled in strategic planning, as well as having a well-developed technical knowledge, with a proven ability to lead design teams and an ability to think big when programming and resourcing logistically challenging projects.

“ONE OF THE MOST NOTABLE DIFFERENCES IN SEND FACILITIES IS THE INCREASED NEED FOR MORE BREAKOUT-LED SPACES”

PAUL KNIFTON

schools can be managed by multiple authorities, with headteachers, parents and social care partners all having their own views and say on what the finished outcome should look like. This ultimately impacts elements under our remit, such as wayfinding, access options such as ramps and walkways, and other requested furniture and fixings.

For example, some SEND schools cater for children into their teenage years, so often we must adapt our work to cater for a more college-build environment, or segment areas between younger children and those on the brink of adulthood. This is the case at Woodbridge Road Academy, which caters for ages 9-16. Here, playgrounds are separated between primary and secondary school children to maintain interactive safety.

Often, we will also consider aspects such as entertainment areas, so that they are designed to accommodate ageappropriate options such as pool tables, computers and sports offerings.

Above: Sensory rooms and support spaces are created to calm children should any incidents occur, or they feel distressed

PROGRAMME NEEDS

Despite such flexibility in design, there are strict guidelines too, which the Woodbridge Road Academy followed under the guidance of the Department for Education (DfE). Prescriptive requirements around the specifications of certain building elements and the proportions of teaching spaces were standardised to ensure children and staff felt as comfortable as possible, so that positive learning outcomes could be achieved.

One such consideration for Woodbridge Road Academy is its close proximity to the nearby rail track which required careful consideration. The building itself has been strategically positioned to ensure minimum noise and vibration from passing trains, with additional elements added for student safety, such as tall fences.

These are just some of many elements that need to be carefully considered when designing and building SEND schools.

ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS

Other examples, which were followed through at Woodbridge Road Academy, include bigger windows to let in more natural light, while traffic management is also a key consideration, with many pupils requiring modified transport that could include ramps or other accessibility options.

It’s also common that SEND schools may have higher demands on heating

and cooling, while colour palettes are often closely considered to stimulate or calm SEND pupils, depending on the environment in which they are situated.

Building further on this notion, biophilic design has been shown within numerous studies to promote feelings of health and wellbeing within several different building environments, so we must always consider, where appropriate, principles that connect staff and pupils to nature to aid development.

Above: The opening ceremony welcomed a great asset to the community Below: Leaning to cook is a valuable life skill

“INITIATIVES LIKE THIS REQUIRE US TO CLOSELY CONSIDER ACCESS AND ROUTE-FINDING, SO THAT STAFF AND PUPILS FEEL COMFORTABLE QUICKLY AND EASILY IN TIMES OF NEED.”

PAUL KNIFTON

FOOTNOTES

* https://www.bandk.co.uk/sectors/education-secondary/

** https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education64418797#:~:text=Half%20of%20state%2Dfunded%20 schools,of%20a%20lack%20of%20room

COLLABORATIVE PRINCIPLES

Compared to traditional schools, we’ve found that one of the most notable differences in SEND facilities is the increased need for more breakout-led spaces. Often within SEND design, classrooms are placed adjacent with support spaces. These are often isolated areas created to calm children should any incidents occur, or they feel distressed and need to be removed by a teacher or support worker from a particular group environment.

Initiatives like this require us to closely consider access and route-finding, so that staff and pupils feel comfortable quickly and easily in times of need.

To ensure all of these needs are met, it is early engagement which holds the key to successful programme delivery.

The initial preparation for Woodbridge Road Academy began in March 2021, meaning we were able, over a significant period of time, to deliver a facility that is operationally robust to the school’s needs and requirements.

Had we not held such a rigorous stakeholder engagement scheme, we may have produced a well-designed SEND school on paper, but in practice it likely would have missed the mark of what was needed.

SEND school design is almost never a ‘one-size fits all’ approach, but Woodbridge Road Academy has shown that through close collaboration in the client engagement process, as well as taking into consideration the unique requirements of families, children and staff, SEND provision in the UK can remain on a positive path.

To discover more about Pick Everard’s experience in educational school design, visit www.pickeverard. co.uk/expertise/sectors/education.

BACK TO THE FUTURE!

The inaugural launch of Care Show London brought a bustling, vibrant atmosphere to the ExCeL London on 24th & 25th April 2024, and welcomed 3,395 delegates, 195 speakers, and 180 exhibitors through its doors.

"THE FEEDBACK WE RECEIVED FROM EXHIBITORS, ATTENDEES, SPEAKERS AND PARTNERS WAS AMAZING”

MATTHEW MOORE, SHOW MANAGER

The event was rebranded as Care Show London following the final run of The Residential and Home Care Show in April 2023. The launch promised to bring all the passion and buzz of Care Show Birmingham to the country’s capital, and with visitors eager for the initial conference sessions, and exhibitors prepped and ready, Care Show London began.

The exhibitors showcased a wide array of products and solutions, ranging from innovative technology and care equipment to HR systems, catering, and even therapy animals. Key exhibitors included MOA Benchmarking, Nourish, Sona, Wagada Digital, Christie Finance, 2 Pure Products, Pass, E&R Moffat Catering Equipment, and Birdie.

“The Care Show been really good for us,” said Jake Rose, Healthcare Outcomes Manager at ARJO. “There has been a good range of different customers - from carers who are on the front line dealing with our products, also at a director level of the care homes that we're interested in and the whole top level of detail.”

"THE PEOPLE WITHIN THE ROOM ARE INTERESTING AND INFLUENTIAL, AND THE TALKS COVER KEY TOPICS WITH HIGH CALIBRE SPEAKERS”

JADE KENT SENIOR ASSOCIATE AT STEPHENS SCOWN LLP

The conference programme boasted a broad variety of topic areas following this year’s key themes of funding, future workforce, innovation and change management, and sustainability. By bringing together the key thought leaders and experts from across the adult social care sector, delegates received up-todate research, advice, and best practice from each session.

From expert individuals presenting on workforce strategy, diversity, and inclusion, to esteemed panel members discussing international recruitment and the new CQC framework, the conference theatres had it all. Providing both practical guidance and thought-provoking debates, Care Show London was the place to learn from the best.

“The people within the room are interesting and influential, and the talks cover key topics with high calibre speakers,” said Jade Kent, Senior Associate at Stephens Scown LLP, and one of the speakers at Care Show London.

Tailored to the needs of the attendees, the show proudly presented a new set of feature areas: Caring Conversations, led by Five on a Bike, sparked discussion and

If you can’t wait that long to relive the Care Show experience, join us for Care Show Birmingham, 9th & 10th October 2024, at NEC Birmingham. Registration is open!

insight into some difficult topics, and the Technology Concierge service, offered by Guided Innovation, provided assistance and information to direct individuals to the most suitable software suppliers.

The Selfie & Media Zone provided the perfect opportunity for a cheeky team photoshoot with branded signage and a life-size magazine cover to step inside! Other feature areas included Meet the Inspector Hub with CQC, the Quiet Room for relaxation, and of course the café and seating area.

“I could not have expected the launch of Care Show London to go any better,” said Show Manager, Matthew Moore. “The feedback we received from exhibitors, attendees, speakers and partners was amazing. Bringing the Care Show buzz to London is something we have only dreamed of before, and seeing it all come together was a dream come true.”

The show will return in 2025, on 30th April & 1st May, at ExCeL London. Attendees can register their interest now at www. careshowlondon.co.uk/register-interestattending-care-show-2025.

SET THE

STANDARD

Habinteg Chief Executive Nick Apetroaie welcomes the Labour Party's pledge to create a ‘grey belt’ and its ‘golden rules’ including ensuring at least 50 per cent of homes built are affordable; but what about the longerterm quality and suitability of such new homes? The Government must act and bring about an accessible and adaptable homes standard.

My colleagues and I at Habinteg Housing Association were pleased to hear Sir Keir Starmer’s recent pledge to create a ‘grey belt’ to free up disused car parks and brownfield sites of the green belt, opening up land to build up to half a million homes.

“THERE IS A STRONG ECONOMIC CASE FOR ADDRESSING THE SHORTAGE OF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE PROPERTIES WHILST TACKLING THE HOUSING CRISIS AS A WHOLE”

Labour’s five ‘golden rules’ (including ensuring at least 50 per cent of homes built are classed as affordable, boosting infrastructure and improving green spaces) add to the pledges Labour made last year to build 1.5 million new homes.

These are all laudable aims, but what about the quality and longerterm suitability of these new homes? Adaptability to the changing needs of occupants is a key aspect of a home’s sustainability over time.

If the current Government does not make good on its decision to make the M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard the new baseline for homes built in England, will Labour follow through?

We know that the need for accessible homes will grow significantly over the next 20 years as the population ages.

Currently:

• 1.8 million people in the UK need an accessible home1

• Only 9% of homes currently provide the four main features for the lowest level of accessibility – a home that is ‘visitable’2

• Over 400,000 wheelchair users live in homes that are neither adapted nor accessible/visitable3

• 55% of adults without a mobility impairment feel they couldn't remain in their current home if they become disabled due to its design and layout4

NICK APETROAIE

UPHOLDING THE M4(2) COMMITMENT

To meet the growing need for accessible homes, our hope is that the current Government upholds its commitment to setting the M4(2) baseline for all new homes. To do this, it must ensure the Building Safety Regulator conducts the technical consultation on this change without delay and that exceptions to the amended regulation are minimised, so that the new baseline makes a meaningful difference to the number of accessible and adaptable homes being built.

Resetting the baseline in this way will create the level playing field and predictable requirements that developers want. It will also give local planning teams the capacity to ensure that their policies

“ADAPTABILITY TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF OCCUPANTS IS A KEY ASPECT OF A HOME’S SUSTAINABILITY OVER TIME”

for delivery of the higher standard M4(3) wheelchair user dwellings are robust and sufficient to meet demand.

BUILD MORE WHEELCHAIR USER HOME

There is a strong economic case for addressing the shortage of wheelchair accessible properties whilst tackling the housing crisis as a whole.

Our recent research with the London School of Economics and Political Science Housing and Communities research group - Living not existing: The economic and social value of wheelchair user homes5 - revealed that the additional cost of building a wheelchair user home – instead of an accessible & adaptable homefor a typical disabled adult of working age is around £22,000. The potential 10 year financial and social benefit to the individual and the public purse is around £94,000.

The average additional cost of building an M4(3) home for a later year’s (aged 65 and over) wheelchair user household is £18,000 – compared to the ten year value of benefits of over £101,000, which suggests around five times the benefit compared to the cost.

Meanwhile, the average additional cost of building an M4(3) home for a family with a child who is a wheelchair user is around £26,000, compared to the ten year benefit value of £66,000.

HOUSING CRISIS FIX NOT A NUMBERS RACE

Regardless of who becomes the ruling party of the day following the upcoming general election, Habinteg believes it is vital that they recognise that the housing crisis our nation faces will not be fixed by a race for numbers alone.

Any new homes being built must be fit and suitable for our ever-growing, ageing and diverse population and ensure that, regardless of their changing needs or disability status, people can thrive in inclusive communities, with the capacity, dignity and independence that an accessible home offers.

The planned new regulatory baseline for accessible homes must be implemented as soon as possible, and Local Authorities need to be ready to enforce the requirements to build to new homes to the M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard. This will provide greater accessible and adaptable housing choice for all.

This article was first published in Housing Today, on 29th April 2024

1) https://www.habinteg.org.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n1527

2) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_data/file/898205/2018-19_EHS_Adaptations_and_ Accessability_Fact_Sheet.pdf

3) https://www.habinteg.org.uk/latest-news/new-government-datareveals-accessible-homes-crisis-for-disabled-people-1557

4) https://www.habinteg.org.uk/latest-news/over-half-of-brits-say-theywont-be-able-to-live-in-their-home-if-they-become-disabled-1765

5) https://www.habinteg.org.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n3930. pdf&ver=4904

Image by Malachi Witt from Pixabay

FINDING FUNDS FIXING HOMES

More than £2bn in home improvement funding administered by local authorities for homeowners and landlords has been cut over the last decade.

Ploy Suthimai, Homes Innovation and Change Manager at the Centre for Ageing Better, tells us adaptations and improvements are suffering.

As our new report on innovation in the provision of grants and loans for home improvement details, despite these cuts some local authorities have found ways of continuing to support residents to keep their homes in good condition.

Nearly 8m people in England live in homes that cause immeasurable harm to their physical and mental health.

The cost to society is vast; affecting demand for health and social care services, people’s ability to work, children’s wellbeing and school attendance to name just a few impacts.

Prior to 2010, local authorities were a key source of financial support for homeowners unable to pay for works themselves.

But the withdrawal of over £2bn in private sector grant funding by national government between 2010/11 and 2020/21 has left homeowners largely on their own.

5.2M HOMEOWNERS ARE IN POVERTY

The assumption that all homeowners can afford to repair, maintain and adapt their homes is simply wrong. 5.2m homeowners are in poverty.* In fact, the percentages of people living in poverty are fairly evenly split across social renters (33%), private sector renters (31%) and home owners (36%).

And the barriers run deeper than who pays. Receiving a local authority home improvement grant sometimes means that residents get an independent opinion on what needs to be done, practical support, access to trusted tradespeople and a way to complain if the work is unsatisfactory.

Removing this support pushes people to go it alone in deciding the work they need

“NEARLY 8M PEOPLE IN ENGLAND LIVE IN HOMES THAT CAUSE IMMEASURABLE HARM TO THEIR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH”

PLOY SUTHIMAI

Images © Centre for Ageing Better

and finding a tradesperson to carry out the work; a particular issue for older, lowincome groups.*

Despite budgetary challenges, some local authorities are finding a way to support their residents, and we have recently published a report that details the learning from five of them.

PRACTICAL SUPPORT

Across these five local authorities, the support offered varied between discretionary grants, in-house loans, externally administered loans (e.g. administered by not-for-profit lenders), area renewal schemes and practical support to enable self-funders to carry out works. Although diverse in terms of their approach, they shared seven key learning points.

1) The impact on residents was clear. Eloise, a loan beneficiary from Somerset we interviewed for the report, said the help she had been given was ‘completely lifechanging’ and restored her dignity. Another described the support he had been given as a ‘lifeboat.’

2) Combining forms of financial assistance can help to achieve better outcomes for residents. Examples included combining national energy efficiency funding with a discretionary grant or loan, or topping up Disabled Facilities Grants.

"THE

ASSUMPTION

THAT

ALL HOMEOWNERS CAN AFFORD TO

REPAIR, MAINTAIN AND ADAPT THEIR HOMES IS SIMPLY WRONG”

PLOY SUTHIMAI

3) Local authority loans addressed a gap in the market. Loans provided much needed support to people often excluded from high-street lenders’ products. Repayments were recycled through the same scheme and given to others in need.

4) Regulatory Reform Orders were a useful tool to meet local need. Our case studies demonstrated that local authorities were increasingly using the flexibility provided by this policy, which gives local authorities general powers to provide housing assistance, to better respond to unmet housing, health and care needs locally.

5) There was added value in partnerships. From formal commissioning relationships or informal arrangements, such as through a shared agreement on referrals, with partnerships established to achieve a number of aims, including to deliver home improvement services, to provide independent advice on financial support and to support residents to improve the energy performance of their homes.

6) Good practice in supporting selffunders and private renters could be scaled up. While finance is a barrier for many struggling to make improvements to their home, there are some who can afford to fund work themselves but lack the confidence to do so.

This is a particular challenge when there are a number of improvements to be made, and for those who cannot afford to pay for any secondary costs or unforeseen work. Some of the case studies also had incentive schemes to draw in landlords.

7) Funding from central government has the potential for long-term impact. Four of the five local authorities presented in this report continued to benefit from the funding and administrative infrastructure provided by former Regional Housing Boards prior to 2010.

THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE

The report highlights the art of the possible. Five local authorities who were able to prioritise the provision of financial support to their residents and who are having a significant impact.

Everyone deserves to live in a home that supports rather than damages their health and wellbeing. It is vital that government at all levels recognises the importance of home improvement and looks to support residents to maintain and improve the condition of their homes as much as possible.

We hope our report will serve as a useful resource for local authorities interested in expanding the financial support they offer local residents.

If you would like further information about this report or any of our other home improvement-related tools, please contact the team via info@ageing-better.org.uk

A SENSORY STUDY

The impact buildings have on people with a range of neurological differences remains a relatively new field in research. New guidance, known as PAS 6463:2022 (Publicly Available Specification) is a welcome development in the design of inclusive spaces for neurodivergent groups.

Motionspot’s Senior Inclusive Design Consultant and Neurodiversity Design Specialist, Jason Slocombe, has played a key role in the creation of this new PAS, and here outlines some of the key highlights.

WHAT IS NEURODIVERSITY?

Neurodiversity describes the fact that everyone’s brain is unique. This diversity makes an important contribution to our definition of the human experience. It is not a defect or disfunction, it is a difference. There are many ways of thinking, sensing, and interacting with the world.

Historically, neurodiversity has been associated with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and dyslexia. Neurodivergent individuals bring valuable and diverse strengths to business and communities alike. They drive innovation, design complex systems, and are leaders in arts and creative technologies. However, the vast majority experience significant challenges by the design and management of buildings.

Neurodiversity is not just about neurological difference. It affects all areas of life, such as physical, sensory, social, communication, wellbeing, cultural, gender, and mental health needs.

NEURODIVERSITY & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Building standards for physical accessibility already exists. British Standards best practice guidance BS8300 is one of the most comprehensive documents for accessible design in the world. However, there are large knowledge gaps in how to design inclusive spaces for people who are neurodivergent and have hidden disabilities.

70 - 80% of disabilities are non-visible. This includes many learning, sensory, and other conditions experienced by neurodivergent groups.

Despite their wish to work, the latest official statistics show that only around 3 in 10 working age autistic disabled people

“THE VAST MAJORITY (OF NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUALS) EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES BY THE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS”

JASON SLOCOMBE

All images © Motionspot

are in employment, compared with around 5 in 10 for all disabled people and 8 in 10 for non-disabled people, making them one of the most underrepresented groups in the workforce.

WHAT IS THE PAS 6463 DESIGN FOR THE MIND?

The PAS 6463 is the first building design standard produced by a national standards body to specifically address the needs of people who are neurodivergent and have sensory processing differences. Its launch marks a considerable shift in thinking about disability in terms of outward physical conditions towards environments that include neurological diversity.

Facilitated by The British Standards Institution (BSI), the PAS has been developed by a group of industry experts and people with lived experience of being neurodivergent.

The PAS was authored by Jean Hewitt with the close involvement of contributing organisations including the Association for Dementia Studies, BBC Workplace, the

Department for Education and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Sport England, Transport for London (TfL), and the inclusive design company Motionspot.

Design for the Mind is for designers, planners, specifiers, facilities and workplace management professionals, for all public and commercial buildings and external spaces.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE DESIGN FOR THE MIND GUIDE

The Design for the Mind PAS includes:

• Establish stakeholder engagement and develop an inclusive design strategy

• Design wayfinding and external areas for sensory differences

• Reduce sensory and cognitive load from environmental features and building services

• Implement safety features for sensory and cognitive difference

• Provide flexibility and choice

PAS 6463 provides guidance on elements in the built environment that contribute to sensory overload and exhaustion, including:

“GOOD SENSORY INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS CAN PROVIDE A RANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL ADVANTAGES”

JASON SLOCOMBE

INCLUSIVE DESIGN CONSULTANCY

If you’d like to learn more about PAS 6463 - Design for the Mind, or about creating inclusive spaces, get in touch with Motionspot’s inclusive design experts by visiting motionspot.co.uk, emailing team@motionspot.co.uk or calling 020 3735 5139.

• Spatial and functional planning

• Materials, air quality, temperature, and environmental services

• Noise and sound characteristics

• Patterns and visual noise

• Light, glare and reflections

PAS 6463 advises organisations to appoint someone within their business to champion inclusion and neurodiversity, and to establish an inclusive framework for all their projects. Consultation and engagement groups should include representation from people with cognitive, social, communication and sensory differences. Project Leads should appoint experienced inclusive design professionals early on. This helps to understand challenges, provide technical knowledge, and maintain inclusive design standards throughout the project.

VISUAL NOISE

The visual environment can have a major impact on an individual’s comfort and ability to function within a space. I used virtual modelling techniques to identify visual discomfort and develop recommendations for reducing the negative effects of visual noise in the PAS.

“DESIGNING FOR NEURODIVERSITY IS MORE LIKELY TO ATTRACT COMPANIES, STAFF, AND CLIENTS WITH INCLUSION AS A CORE VALUE”

MEET JASON…

Jason is a qualified architect and now works at the inclusive design consultancy, Motionspot. He specialises in the design of spaces for people with neurodivergence, especially autism. Jason is an expert in human-centred design, health, wellbeing, and accessibility for people with cognitive, sensory, social and communication sensitivities. Jason also has a diagnosis of ADHD and dyspraxia and brings his lived experiences of neurodivergence to his work.

At Motionspot, Jason advises architects, designers, workplace and estates professionals, and end-clients on how to make their buildings and spaces more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Jason has a Masters in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings, and his research designing autistic-inclusive spaces led to a unique specialism in visual noise and the effect of patterns on people with sensory sensitivities. He continues to be a passionate advocate for autism inclusion and was a primary contributor to the new PAS (6463) Design for the Mind.

It is well known that high contrast stripes and geometric patterns can create acute sensory overload, particularly for people with visual sensitivities, epilepsy or migraine. However, there is also evidence that other types of patterns need higher neurological bandwidth to process, creating fatigue and discomfort.

Recommendations include introducing lower visual content in key areas such as communication points, displays, and quiet spaces. Also where high levels of concentration are necessary for safety, such as machine rooms, kitchens, transition spaces, and on stairs.

When patterns are used, those that occur in nature should be prioritised. This is because biomorphic shapes and patterns typically contain lower levels of visual noise and are easier for the brain to process.

THE BENEFITS OF DESIGNING FOR THE MIND Good sensory inclusive environments can provide a range of environmental, economic, and social advantages. These include:

• Enhanced employee and customer retention

• Reduced absence due to mental ill health

• Improved wellbeing; reduction in fatigue, stress (including post-traumatic stress disorder triggers) and anxiety

• Increased focus, creativity, and productivity

• Creating a more enjoyable environment where people can feel empowered and in control

WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR DESIGN FOR THE MIND?

At Motionspot, we have seen a significant increase in the number organisations approaching us to help them design for the mind. Clients engage us to design spaces that are not only inclusive to people with physical disabilities, but are also inclusive

to neurodivergent people with different cognitive, sensory, social and communication needs.

Thanks to improved awareness and understanding, new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) policies are supporting neurodivergent staff and customers to thrive in the workplace. Designing for neurodiversity is more likely to attract companies, staff, and clients with inclusion as a core value.

These companies know that diversity and different ways of thinking will help support their business. We expect to see this trend continue to percolate across a range of business sectors and sizes.

The formal publication of PAS 6463Design for the Mind will help reframe the inclusive design discipline from sensory and cognitive perspectives as well as traditional physical ones.

I am optimistic that this standard will not only be widely evaluated in use, but it will help to stimulate practical, evidenced-based research, and sound engagement practices with people most affected by design.

This research will enable us to build upon this initial guidance which marks the beginning rather than the end of the journey towards building consensus, accelerating innovation, and improving the quality of design for neurological variations in the built environment.

Ultimately, we would like to see the PAS 6463 to be considered for further development as a British Standard, and feed into the development of corresponding European and International Standards. Historically, 30% of all Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) published by the BSI have gone forward to form the basis of international standards. This gives us confidence that this will also be the case for the crucial emerging field of designing for the mind.

ID

The full PAS can be downloaded from the BSI website.

// Whether you are a designing a hotel, adapting an apartment, refurbishing a school, or building a prestigious head office, Inclusive Design Magazine is the go-to destination for both information and inspiration. //

To discuss our flexible advertising options and content partnerships call 01630 801004 or email: sales@inclusive design.co.uk

PUPPY LOVE!

Manuel Atkinson, BTP Architects

Manuel Atkinson is one of the Directors at BTP Architects, a marketleading architectural practice in the social housing sector, and shares with Inclusive Design Magazine a typically busy week…

As an award-winning specialist, Manuel has an extensive knowledge of all types of housing, including new build, refurbishment, supported living and retirement schemes, and has developed a particular specialism in inclusive design and creating homes and spaces that work for everyone whilst promoting health, well-being and social integration.

He is passionate about sustainability and has gained accreditation as an Energy Assessor for new build and existing dwellings (OCDEA/DEA) and as a 'Home Quality Mark' Assessor.

Manuel regularly develops strategies to achieve clients' ambitions working towards zero-carbon targets and meeting the Future Homes Standard as well as meeting statutory requirements imposed by Planning and the

Building Regulations. He is an ISO 19650 accredited BIM specialist with the BRE and works with clients to manage the BIM process and workflows.

MONDAY

5.45am The day starts with an early alarm - a new week at work. My first priority is to take Daisy, my nearly two-year labrador for a quick run out, then get her and me ready for

work. Daisy is one of our two office dogs and comes to work with me every day.

7am. I get to work and catch some ‘quiet time’ before everyone arrives to plan out the workload for the week - there is certainly a lot going on at the minute. It is also the last week of the month so it’s time to round up any project fees to be invoiced.

9am. Our weekly Monday morning ‘work huddle.’ An opportunity to say good morning to all the staff and get everyone together in one room to have a quick chat about the weekend adventures and then discuss the workload that needs to be completed in the week. We work fluently across all teams in the office and allocate resources where they are required to complete any particular commissions and meet any deadlines.

10am. It’s time for our monthly management meeting to discuss business objectives, fees, forecasts, marketing and staffing needs. These meetings are really important to keep my finger on the pulse and keep the company running.

11.30am. Meeting done and where has the time gone? It’s halfway through the day and I haven’t drawn a single line yet on any project. Why anyone thinks that Architects just draw fancy pictures is beyond me!

“A PRE-CONTRACT MEETING FOR TWO NEW SITES. THESE WILL DELIVER 13 AFFORDABLE DWELLINGS IN MANCHESTER. WE STARTED WORKING ON THE PROJECT IN 2020, SO IT’S GREAT TO FINALLY SEE THIS PROJECT MOVING FORWARD.”

MANUEL ATKINSON

Below: Howley Lane, Warrington: 67 waterside living affordable apartments © The Alderley Group

It’s a busy time of the year; three planning applications need to be submitted by the end of the month and we are in the last week of it (67 dwelling apartment block, 48 dwelling care home and 32 dwelling housing scheme). The Architectural work is pretty much complete but it’s the task of pulling all the information together from other consultants that takes time. Time to get on the phone and chase some reports!

12.30pm. Time to take Daisy for a run-out. There is a local park less than ten minutes walk away so this has turned into a great little social thing at work. Today, two members of staff from the office are joining us for a bit of fresh air.

2pm. A pre-contract meeting for two new sites. These will deliver 13 affordable dwellings in Manchester. We started working on the project in 2020, so it’s great to finally see this project moving forward.

4pm. Time to go home and relax; it can be challenging to get the work-life balance right, so I generally try to leave the office at a reasonable hour. A whole day at work ‘… In the Life of an Architect’ and we haven’t actually put pen to paper!

7pm. Some general reading and research. There is a new qualification that has been released for members of Elmhurst Energy who carry multiple energy accreditations. This one is wrapped under the title of ‘Better Building Consultant,’ something to discuss with the team tomorrow.

9.30pm. Lights out, another busy day tomorrow.

Left: Manuel with Daisy on one of their weekend hikes. Image © BTP Architects

TUESDAY

Same early start, same time into the office and determined to do some drawing work today to get the planning applications submitted.

7.30am. Email from a developer and already a spanner is in the works for the day! A request to rework a feasibility study to include an additional eight dwellings (the project was only 32 dwellings to start with, so this is a huge increase) is required today. I’d best get drafting this…

Daily brief catch-up with the team as they arrive to ensure everyone knows what they are doing and can work productively. I speak to the team regarding the ‘Better Building Consultant’ Accreditation which I sign up for; this will be a good marketing tool to underline our sustainability credentials.

10am. A site meeting is looming, but the project has only just started on site however and there isn’t much to see for now, so I decide against a site visit today. It is always important to weigh up where my time will be best spent. The decision is made quickly, and an email update is given on the discharge of planning conditions and progress on the building regulations drawings alongside my apologies. A Part-3 colleague volunteers to go to the meeting instead to represent the company - a great experience for them so this suggestion is gladly accepted.

Poor Daisy today, only a five-minute walk out across the road! It sure is a busy day.

2.45pm. I’ve reworked a feasibility study for the developer and sent it on. Brief complied with and density increased; this should hopefully help with the viability of the site and get the project moving. It is a shame that sometimes we have to dull down the architectural design to ensure projects are

“WE ARE ALWAYS THE FIRST ONES TO BE CRITICISED WHEN SOMETHING DOESN’T LOOK LIKE THE NEXT AWARD WINNER, HOWEVER, OFTEN OUR HANDS ARE TIED”

MANUEL ATKINSON

Below: Part M4(3) plan © BTP Architects

Left: St Osmunds, Bolton: 40 affordable dwellings for all ages in Bolton © BTP Architects

financially viable; we are always the first ones to be criticised when something doesn’t look like the next award winner, however, often our hands are tied, and density is required to make the figures stack up.

Time for an exam! The Better Building Consultant Accreditation requires a multiplechoice exam to be completed and three attempts at the exam are allowed in total. I have to admit that my nerves are now kicking in a little bit. Having been a newbuild energy assessor for 14 years with a specialism in sustainability and domestic energy assessments, home quality mark assessments and retrofit assessments, surely I should be able to master this without too much preparation! After a quick read of the documents and processes, I dive head first into the test…

4.30pm. Exam complete - 92%. Phew! Let's get onto the accreditation list.

Another day completed. The ‘to-do’ list hasn’t seen a single item ticked off but at least we managed to keep the developer happy with the rework of the feasibility layout.

It’s a glorious day today so time to stop off at the River Bollin to let Daisy have a good run-out! She has been a good and patient girl all day. The fields along the Bollin are flooded as there has been a lot of rain recently, but it’s great to see some good weather. Daisy loves the water and is straight in. A perfect opportunity to take some snaps to keep her Instagram following happy! Somehow within a year, she has built up a following of just shy of 40,000 followers @labrador_daisy_2023 if anyone wants to follow her adventures.

7pm. A bit more reading to be done. Tonight, it’s the BSI Flex 8670 – Built Environment Core Criteria for building safety in competence frameworks, Code of Practice. Well, this should send me to sleep in about ten minutes! I have recently applied to join the RIBA Principal Designer Register so there is a bunch of reading and coursework to be done… never a dull moment in the life of an Architect! It’s really important that we keep up with continual changes in the industry, but this also means that personal development never stops.

WEDNESDAY

5.45am. Same old same old. Early start, sort out Daisy and into the office we go.

Time to tackle that ‘to-do’ list that has been sitting there untouched since last week. Having had a quick read through the two A4 page list, only one word springs to mind…‘crumbs’! Time to look for some easy gains to kick off.

11am. The morning has so far been spent doing paperwork. Minutes of meeting, done. Fee proposal for two new jobs, done.

Fee proposal for new Building Regulations Principal Designer Role, done. Landscape Architect commissioned for a project, done. Fee enquiries sent out for acoustic survey for the new project (pre-contract meeting from Monday), done.

12 noon. A lunchtime Design Team Meeting. Who sets up meetings at lunchtime!? At least it’s on Teams.

1pm. Now on to a substantial piece of work; to develop an Energy Strategy for a project in Burnley to inform a board report by the client. The brief is to present different options to achieve Building Regulations compliance using different technologies (Gas Boiler, Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar PV Panels, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery etc.) and evaluate the Energy Rating and predicted Energy Costs to the end user, all set against the likely capital expenditure of the client upfront.

4pm. I have just about managed to compile the report. Six different energy calculations (SAP) produced with ranging technologies from B-rated SAP to A-rated and all the way to a Zero-Carbon Option.

A quick look at the diary to glance at the day ahead and oh dear, a CPD presentation tomorrow lunchtime at a Registered Provider’s Offices on the topic of the Building Safety Act and Building Regulations Principal Designer. Phew, a colleague has put together a draft presentation, one to look at and sort out in the morning.

5pm. Arrived back at home. Weekly catch up with friends tonight to have a Chinese takeaway and play cards. This rotates to be at someone else’s house every week, and this

“I HAVE RECENTLY APPLIED TO JOIN THE RIBA PRINCIPAL DESIGNER REGISTER SO THERE IS A BUNCH OF READING AND COURSEWORK TO BE DONE”

MANUEL ATKINSON

Below: Manchester Road, Walkden: 48 elderly living apartments/care home in vibrant, sustainable location and within walking distance of local amenities © The Alderley Group

week it’s my turn. Quick tidy up and hoover, feed the dog and let her out, then it’s time to relax and enjoy the evening with friends.

11pm. Lights out.

THURSDAY

5.30am. Earlier start this morning. The extra 15 minutes will make all the difference!

6.40am. I’ve arrived at the office and am ready to get the day rolling.

7am. Planning condition discharge application submitted, so a great start to the day. Time to do some preparation for the CPD session at lunchtime.

I’m very mindful that it is nearly the weekend again and looking back over the week, I have only done some drawing work on one project. The rest of the time has been spent on actually running and co-ordinating the projects. Not what someone fresh out of university would expect for sure. Some weeks can be like this with only a very small amount of time to do what we really enjoydesigning, being creative and transforming a written brief into a vision.

8.30am. Two hours to finally do some drawing work before heading over to the CPD presentation (a 50 minute drive from the office). Two hours and two feasibility studies sketched out, putting dwellings and roads in roughly the right place. Time to hand this over to one of our assistants to tidy up, so that I can check this later when I return.

12.15pm. Arrived at the client’s office. Time to put the ‘game face’ on and get ready for the presentation alongside my co-director and follow-on discussion with the RP. The time in the car was spent on the phone with

a developer, who is looking to redesign a project which is supposed to be submitted for planning tomorrow. The brief, to redesign the top floor and roof to omit the zinc element and replace this with an alternative roof finish. Time to push this to the back of my mind for later.

1.30pm. The presentation went really well and it turned out to be a really interesting, informative discussion for all parties. Time to head back to the office.

2.15pm. Back at the office and the team has done a cracking job with the two feasibility studies; just a couple of minor corrections before sending them out.

Quick check of the emails. 24 received (after deleting any spam) since leaving the office… including air tightness results. These are always produced just before the handover of a scheme and only mean one thing; it’s time to fire up the SAP programme and produce some Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). These need to be completed straight away as they are urgently required to obtain Building Control sign-off.

4pm. 16 EPCs produced and sent. Time to clock off for the day and go home.

5.30pm. Packing up the campervan ready for tomorrow. Weekends are for adventures and Daisy and I will be spending the weekend hiking in Shropshire. We’ll be driving down after work tomorrow so I’m taking the campervan to work in the morning.

FRIDAY

Same old same old for the morning routine, don’t change something that runs like clockwork!

7am. It’s great to get into the office knowing that there are no meetings - a good day to catch-up and get projects across the line and deadlines met. Fantastic to see two drawing packages for planning printed out and on my desk for checking, that will be two of today’s deadlines met after minor or no tweaks.

“I HAVE SET A GOAL TO EXPLORE THE WHOLE OF THE UK WITH DAISY DURING HER LIFETIME, SO WE USE THE WEEKENDS TO GO SOMEWHERE NEW WHENEVER WE CAN.”

MANUEL ATKINSON

Left: Povey Road, Warrington: 45 elderly living apartments/care home for people aged 55+ © The Alderley Group Below: Daisy just loves the water! © BTP Architects

8.30am. Time to target today’s main task - a redesign of the elevations of a 67-dwelling apartment block which is about to be submitted for planning. After a productive email exchange with the Local Authority’s urban designer, we have a really good steer on what the LPA are looking for in terms of the design. It is a painstaking task that is not quickly completed. We work with Revit as a design programme where everything is fully modelled in 3D.

12.30pm. Time to take Daisy for a quick runout to the park then chippy lunch Friday - YES! Great to get in a nice portion of chips from the local chippy, especially as the next three hours after work will be spent in the campervan driving in the Friday evening traffic!

1.15pm. Back to the design task - elevations are looking good and I’m planning to get these completed and issued by the end of the day.

3.45pm. The latest draft elevations have now been completed and issued, ready for the developer and client team to review.

Just about enough time to wrap up, answer a couple of emails and tidy up my desk after yet another busy week.

4pm. Time to clock off and it’s on to the weekend’s adventures!

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

My weekends are mostly spent hiking and exploring.

I have set a goal to explore the whole of the UK with Daisy during her lifetime, so we use the weekends to go somewhere new whenever we can. I use a hiking app to plan and navigate routes; after a certain amount of contributions and hikes, the app awards an Expert Hiking Medal, this is what we are after and we are attempting to obtain all the Hiking Medals over the next 8-10 years.

This weekend we head to Shropshire, including the Shropshire Sculpture Park, a hike around Church Stretton, a visit and sleepover in Ludlow and then looping around to Ironbridge and Telford before returning back home on Sunday night, ready for another week. Daisy loves her hikes, swimming, and playing in streams and lakes. Her Instagram following is always kept updated about the latest adventures or mishaps!

This is how we spend our life, aiming for a good and healthy balance between the busy work life and the pressures of managing 30+ jobs at any given time and the joys of the outdoors, exploring and adventuring to new places.

Find out more about Manuel’s work at btparchitects.co.uk

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EXIT STRATEGY

Chris Fry represents Deaf and disabled people who face barriers with access to services, advice, information and education in everyday life. Whilst access to get in to buildings is usually considered, Chris explains that less thought is given to getting out…

After a decade or more of supporting people in litigating cases against venues without ramped access and disabled toilets, awareness about the importance of this to service providers seems well embedded. But there is still too little attention paid to the importance of evacuation strategies.

Many venues appear suitable for wheelchair users, but often have inadequate plans to help evacuate disabled people in case of emergency.

This was brought into acute focus in the Grenfell disaster in June 2017 where 41% of disabled residents died.

“THERE IS STILL TOO LITTLE ATTENTION PAID TO THE IMPORTANCE OF EVACUATION STRATEGIES”

CHRIS FRY

Claddag was subsequently founded by two disabled tower-block residents, Sarah Rennie and Georgie Hulme, to highlight the Government’s decision not to compel owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings to have have Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) for residents with mobility issues or visual, hearing or cognitive impairments brought a judicial review at the High Court in December 2022.

This Judicial Review failed because the Government stated that its consultation had not yet concluded but it appears to have heeded the strength of feeling on the subject because on 19 February 2024, Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, released a statement on the government’s long-term plans for housing which included requirements that new buildings should have ‘second staircases’ in residential blocks above 18m in height and that consideration should be given to evacuation lifts.

There’s some great guidance from the wonderful Rachel Smalley of Jacobs which is helpful to those looking at planning and which I’m repeating in this article.

The Building Safety Regulator has been asked to ‘publish the new statutory guidance [in the form of a revised Approved Document B] on second staircases before the end of March 2024, making clear the need for a second staircase in new multi-occupancy residential buildings that have a top occupied storey above 18 metres, and confirming that evacuation lifts will not be called for as a matter of course, providing housebuilders with the clarity they need to progress developments.’

The justification for these changes is that a ‘second staircase will provide new buildings with additional resilience to support exit from the building and enhanced options for fire-fighting in the rare event of a catastrophic incident…and… will provide people with further confidence in the safety of new homes.’

This brings to mind the usual tension between compliance with planning regulations and compliance with the reasonable adjustments duty under the Equality Act.

In other words, where a building may be signed off by the local authority under

“POLICIES DESIGNED TO ANTICIPATE A SAFE MEANS OF EVACUATION SHOULD INVOLVE PROVIDING ALERTS AND PLANS FOR PEOPLE WITH SENSORY DISABILITIES”

Chris is a lawyer with lived experience of disability. He is a specialist in disability rights and has been involved with the leading cases through the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Building Regulations for example, but not comply with the physical features requirements under s20 of the Equality Act 2010.

As Rachel correctly states, “People who require level access/egress do not all come under one protected characteristic group, they could have protected characteristics relating to disability, age, pregnancy and maternity, or more than one of these at any given time. In addition people’s requirements can change over time or with age, with different life events, or on a temporary basis.”

What does this mean to disabled tenants in terms of equality rights?

Whilst it seems that new planning developments will be caught by this new legislation, the existence of them should mean that all planning decisions should be affected by the change in culture ushered in as a consequence. There can be no doubt that change of use applications should also involve the same assessment.

His national reputation as a legal innovator and change maker sees him busy working on a strategic and advisory level for charities and disabled peoples' organisations. He is also a published author and media commentator, and runs a sizeable caseload at Inspire Legal Group.

Challenging planning decisions which don’t have due regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty s149 EqA has to be done quickly (there’s only three months to issue a legal challenge) and has to be taken by an interested party directly affected by the decision. That party can be an organisation as well as an individual. It would be important to obtain copies of any Equality Impact Assessments undertaken at development stage to confirm whether disabled access and exits have been taken into account.

Individuals may also bring claims through the County Court for reasonable adjustments and compensation. Arguably this can apply to tenants as well as visitors/contractors… and it’s not just residential and work place properties that need to think about this.

Restaurants, hotels, conference centres, sports arenas and venues, festivals and theme parks are all expected to have evacuation policies designed to anticipate a safe means of evacuating disabled service users too. That should involve providing alerts and plans for people with sensory disabilities.

So, getting in to a venue may be less of an issue now than it was a decade ago, but having a means of getting out is no less important and may affect whether a disabled service user wants to use your service.

CHRIS FRY

Image © Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

MEET CHRIS…

AN ARTFUL DESIGN

Jessie Buckle is a RIBA architectural designer, writer, inclusive design consultant, and journal editor of the Access Association, where she has recently been named the Seminar Lead. She is also undertaking a PhD at UCL, where her research is discovering ways to improve the experience of the built environment for people with epilepsy.

My research aims to ignite critical and creative conversation, spur on inclusive changes to building standards and regulations, and to be applied within architectural practice and consultancy.

As part of my research exploring the relationship between epilepsy, climate, and the built environment, I discovered an Epilepsy Residential Care Home, located in Dommartin-lès-Toul, France. Designed by art and architecture practice Atelier Martel and completed in 2015, the structure sets a precedent for the future of inclusive healthcare design.

At the Epilepsy Residential Care Home, Atelier Martel have crafted a space that prioritises daily comfort and a sense of belonging, departing from stigmas associated with traditionally designed medical environments. As a person with epilepsy and one of which has experienced residing in neurological care facilities and seizures provoked by architectural variables, this project intrigued me.

American artist Mayanna Von Ledebur collaborated with Atelier Martel early on in the conception phase of the project, and a blend of artistry and architecture serves the building.

REIMAGINING CONCRETE

Von Ledebur's intervention, inspired by ancient Mesopotamian inscriptions, first documenting epilepsy 4000 years ago and exhibited in the British Museum, reimagines concrete as a tactile, sensory medium, softening its inherent hardness and enriching the building's narrative.

The interior layout, meticulously designed to minimise caregiver travel distances, fosters community interaction, and empowers residents with independent mobility, eliminating barriers like stairs and intricate wayfinding.

ENRICHING SPATIAL IDENTIFICATION

Four internal patios disrupt the square layout, delineating functional zones and enriching spatial identification. Natural light floods through corridors, striking a delicate balance between protection, navigation, and openness, and is reminiscent of cloister designs; timeless and seamlessly combining the indoor with the outdoor landscape.

The thickness of the walls, emphasised by ribbed concrete and carefully crafted window frames, instils

a sense of security and solidity. The architects paid meticulous attention to material selection, opting for high-quality, raw elements such as wooden windows and soft flooring to mitigate injury from seizures.

A HARMONIOUS FUNCTION

In essence, the building transcends its functional purpose, becoming a harmonious fusion of architectural pragmatism and artistic vision. Atelier Martel's thoughtful design, informed by considerations of both practicality and aesthetics, creates a sanctuary where residents and their families can find solace.

Through innovative spatial planning, meticulous material selection, and artistic collaboration, the care home exceeds minimum inclusive design standards and legislation, embodying a holistic approach to epilepsy care, fostering healing, independence, and community integration.

ID

If you want to get in touch with Jessie please email jessiebuckle@hotmail.co.uk or connect at www. linkedin.com/in/jrbuckle. To read more about the work of Atelier Martel visit www.ateliermartel.com

THE LOWDOWN

“THE STRUCTURE SETS A PRECEDENT FOR THE FUTURE OF INCLUSIVE HEALTHCARE DESIGN”

JESSIE BUCKLE

Based on Atelier Martel's model and her postgraduate research, this is Jessie’s list of design recommendations for architects, which will improve the experience of the built environment for people with epilepsy; it must be noted that an inclusive architectural environment benefits all.

• Use of natural light

• Innovative spatial planning and clear wayfinding

• Discreet sources of support, such as soft coated materials or a recessed channel in the wall

• Integration of nature

• High-quality simple and raw materials

• Refer to PAS6463, BS8300 and Approved Document M

• Sensory overload consideration

• Temperature controls

CAE is a leading authority on inclusive design with over 50 years’ experience of access consultancy, research and training.

As well as inclusive environments, we help deliver homes that can be accessed, lived in and enjoyed by everyone.

CAE and Habinteg have a shared mission that all homes should be accessible and adaptable as part of an inclusive society.