The Access Association

Thank you to everyone who has participated in our Sensory Mapping Survey so far – your feedback has been amazing! If you haven’t had the chance to participate yet, there’s still time to make your voice heard. We are especially eager to hear from #neurodivergent voices and people with #SensoryProcessingDifferences from across the globe. The survey is open until the 1st November, so please share widely across all of your networks! Special thanks to all those who have helped shape this research: Rebecca Adda Jean Hewitt Toar S. Alexander Matthams NRAC Abbie Bailey Jonathan Hall Myrto Skreta-Krikou Frank Reder Vicky Thorburn Headway East London Buro Happold Survey Link:

Happy #PurpleTuesday! We are wondering what our members and followers have been up to to #ThinkAccessibility

Are you a senior business leader who is passionate about championing disabled people and improving accessibility in your field? We're recruiting Disability and Access Ambassadors (DAA) in: Housing 🏡 Energy 🔋 Buses and Coaches 🚌 Find out more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gfsnwmz

The Equality Hub is now called the Office for Equality and Opportunity 🎉 Find out how we’re going further to protect people from discrimination, no matter their background, under our new name: https://lnkd.in/eAPBafhv

BREAKING (GOOD) NEWS. Wheelchair spaces in the aircraft cabin are set to becoming a reality. The FAA anticipates signing off on safety of restraints within 2025. The FAA has been conducting and supporting research on integrating wheelchairs in the aircraft cabin for a couple of years. This includes investigating the impact performance of wheelchairs designed to an industry standard used for other modes of transportation and developing the process to install wheelchair tie down systems into aircraft. “Currently we have not identified any major issues to installation, and mitigations for any minor issues are being developed. We anticipate being able to make a recommendation on installing the tie down systems by the end of next year (2025) and from there it would take an airline or another group to request the approval and begin modifying the cabin interior layout to accommodate a wheelchair in the cabin.” It is also anticipated that DOT would start rulemaking at that point to require wheelchairs be accommodated in the cabin. There are still some operational pieces that will need to be discussed with the FAA and possibly the need to request an exemption for use” “This is the moment we have all been waiting for. We are thrilled. The future is here, the future in accessible. Now, we call on all airlines to adopt this invocation and change the world for wheelchair users”, Sophie Morgan said. #accessibility #inclusion #airtravel #change #breakingnews

If you're a built environment professional, join RICS's FREE webinar on 9 October to explore how real estate professionals can help build more inclusive cities. Their expert panel will discuss key areas of inequality across social, economic, spatial, and environmental themes, offering insights on how we can shape equitable urban environments. Learn about how inclusivity can be seen as an asset in urban development. Don't miss out. → https://lnkd.in/exkUa-Kx #InclusiveCities #UrbanPlanning #RealEstate

Over 40% of Disability Carers Have Disabilities Themselves: More Support Needed A new report reveals that over 40% of people caring for individuals with disabilities are themselves living with disabilities. These carers often face significant physical and emotional challenges, yet they remain under-supported. The article calls for urgent reforms to provide better assistance to both carers and those they look after, ensuring that disability carers are not overlooked. https://lnkd.in/gjfKTH6P What changes can be made to better support carers of disabled people, especially those with disabilities themselves? #CarerSupport #DisabilityInclusion #DisabledCarers

Neuroscientists and Architects Collaborate to Design More Inclusive Buildings A new initiative sees neuroscientists and architects working together in a state-of-the-art laboratory to study how building design impacts the human brain. The aim is to create spaces that enhance wellbeing, accessibility and inclusivity for all users. By understanding how design influences behaviour and comfort, this research could revolutionise the way we think about accessibility in the built environment. https://lnkd.in/erFADbag How can neuroscience-driven design improve accessibility and inclusivity in the built environment? #InclusiveDesign #NeuroscienceInArchitecture #AccessibleBuildings

Creating Gender-Inclusive Public Spaces: NLA's Call for Action A recent study by NLA focuses on the importance of designing public spaces that are inclusive for all genders. The report highlights how urban spaces often fail to meet the needs of women and gender-diverse individuals and how better design can promote safety, accessibility and comfort for everyone. This inclusive approach to city planning could also benefit people with disabilities, ensuring that public spaces are accessible for all. https://lnkd.in/ejDgNMEv How can public spaces be designed to ensure they are both gender-inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities? #GenderInclusiveDesign #AccessibleCities #InclusiveUrbanPlanning

Keir Starmer: ‘Planning Passports’ Will Revolutionise Accessible Housing Labour leader Keir Starmer has proposed "planning passports" that would automatically approve high-quality new homes, which he believes could be a game-changer for the housing crisis. This approach aims to fast-track the development of sustainable and accessible homes, providing more housing options for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Starmer’s vision underscores the need for housing that is both high-quality and inclusive. https://lnkd.in/dU6DCGcc How could this proposal impact the creation of accessible homes for disabled people? #AccessibleHousing #InclusiveDesign #PlanningReform