Our new guidance includes information that supports the needs of people living with a wider range of impairments and/or long-term health conditions.
The document takes both physical and mental health needs into consideration, as well as neuro or cognitive differences.
Beyond accessibility, AISF also calls for an approach to inclusion that meets a broader range of needs across our communities, because we know that:
To succeed in Uniting the Movement, we know our facilities must be accessible and that they must also be safe, inclusive and genuinely welcoming of everyone, regardless of their age, bank balance, culture, faith, gender, sex or sexuality.
Equality versus equity
A crucial concept to bear in mind when talking about AISF is the difference between equality and equity, because lots of people use these interchangeably but they have two very different meanings.
'Equality' means that everyone is treated the same way, regardless of their individual needs, whereas 'equity' recognises that people have unique needs, which must be met to ensure that everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to participate.
This cartoon from the Interaction Institute for Social Change illustrates these differences well.
Bearing this important distinction in mind, the AISF guidance supports an equitable approach to creating and maintaining facilities.
Its use will enable designers, owners and operators to go beyond minimum statutory requirements and move away from one-size-fits-all solutions.
AISF guides users toward an approach that is proactive, supporting design that can meet the specific needs of unique and diverse local communities.
How was AISF developed?
AISF is a comprehensive blend of legal and industry standards, current best practices and consultation with key stakeholders, who contributed a vital range of professional and lived-experience expertise throughout the development process.
The guidance was also created in line with the following principles of inclusive design:
- placing people at the heart of the design process to reflect the needs of the community
- acknowledging diversity and difference to help make everyone feel welcome, safe and at ease
- offering choice where a single design solution cannot accommodate all users
- providing for flexibility in use
- providing convenient and enjoyable environments for everyone.
It’s often assumed that inclusive practice is more of an art than a science, but I disagree.
A methodical approach to engagement and decision-making can ensure that inclusive practice is quite literally designed into the environments around us.
A framework of technical information
Everything from the size of the doors, the colour or texture of the flooring, down to the leaflets in the foyer are the result of a deliberate choice.
They’re also signals of who is welcome in that space (and who is not).
I’m excited to see AISF published because it provides the framework and technical information needed to ensure that those choices are inclusive ones.
To support our nation to be more active, our facilities must be practical and welcoming environments, where anyone can feel that they truly belong and AISF will be a key tool for making this a reality.
