4.11.4. Audit Methodology

An accessibility audit is a systematic evaluation of a building or public space to determine its compliance with accessibility norms and standards for persons with disabilities.

An accessibility audit involves checking if a building or space allows people with disabilities to access and use it easily. This means looking at various features such as ramps, entrances, signage, and restrooms to see if they meet specific guidelines. By conducting this audit, we can identify issues that might prevent people with disabilities from navigating the environment safely and comfortably.

Imagine trying to enter a building with a wheelchair but finding that there are only stairs at the entrance. An accessibility audit would spot this problem, just as a safety inspection would identify loose railings or fire hazards. Both ensure that everyone can move around safely.

• Identify physical barriers in infrastructure
• Recommend corrective measures
• Ensure compliance with legal and design standards
• Promote inclusive and universal access

The main objectives of accessibility audits are to find parts of a building or public space that make it hard for people with disabilities to access, highlight what needs to be fixed, and check that everything follows the law regarding accessibility. They also encourage inclusive access, meaning everyone should comfortably use the facilities, regardless of their physical abilities.

Think of an accessibility audit like a health check-up for a building. Just like a doctor looks for health issues to offer treatment plans, accessibility auditors look for barriers that need addressing to improve a space for all users.

• Physical Infrastructure Audit: Evaluates elements like entrances, pathways, staircases, signage, restrooms.
• Digital Accessibility Audit: Examines websites, applications, kiosks, ATMs, etc.
• Transport Accessibility Audit: Reviews bus terminals, metro stations, pedestrian crossings.

There are three main types of accessibility audits. The physical infrastructure audit focuses on buildings and public spaces, checking paths and restrooms. The digital accessibility audit looks at online platforms to ensure they can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. Finally, the transport accessibility audit critiques public transport facilities to make sure they are user-friendly for everyone, including those with mobility challenges.

You can think of each type of audit as a different kind of vehicle check. A physical audit is like checking a car’s structure for safety (tires, brakes), a digital audit is like checking the car's GPS or navigation system to make sure it's user-friendly, and a transport audit is like evaluating if the bus stops are easy for everyone to reach and use.

1. Pre-Audit Assessment – Review of building plans and drawings.
2. On-Site Inspection – Using checklists based on Harmonised Guidelines and NBC.
3. User Interaction – Gathering feedback from PwDs.
4. Reporting & Recommendations – Detailed documentation with timelines for modifications.

The audit process consists of several steps. First, in the pre-audit assessment, the auditors look over the building plans to understand their design better. Then, they conduct an on-site inspection, using checklists to compare the actual building features against established guidelines. After that, auditors engage with persons with disabilities to hear their experiences and feedback. Finally, they compile all findings into a report, suggesting necessary changes with projected timelines for implementation.

Think of these steps as preparing for a journey. You start by planning your route (pre-audit assessment), then check your vehicle (on-site inspection), ask friends about their travel experiences (user interaction), and finally write down what improvements you need to make for your next trip (reporting and recommendations).

• Access Auditors registered with the Chief Commissioner for PwDs
• Certified professionals trained in universal design and accessibility standards

Accessibility audits should be performed by qualified individuals, such as access auditors who are registered with the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. These auditors have been trained specifically in accessibility and universal design principles, ensuring they understand the necessary guidelines and standards to create inclusive environments.

This is similar to needing a certified mechanic to work on your car. Just as you wouldn’t want just anyone to work on a vehicle, you’d want someone with the right training and certification to evaluate accessibility in buildings or public spaces.

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