Working with children with special needs Access, awareness, attitudes, Monday 17th January 2011

Access

What does access mean? Class discussion

Access Refers to a way into, or freedom to obtain or use something Planners, architects and policy makers have a responsibility to design environments and create opportunities that are open and accessible to everyone

Access Children with special needs must have equal access to The physical environment – indoors and outdoors The learning environment – all levels of education and activity according to their needs and abilities Appropriate health and social care provision Training and employment opportunities when they are older Information about services available to them, including financial benefits Sport, leisure and holiday facilities

Physical access - legislation Building Control Act 1990 and Building Regulations 1991 and 1997 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 Fire Services Act 1981

Building Control Act and Regs Seeks to control standards of building design and construction for several purposes including that of providing for the needs of disabled persons The Regulations in 1997 include Part M to provide for Access and facilities for disabled people

Part M requirements Reasonable provision shall be made to enable disabled people to have safe and independent access to a building and to those parts of a building to which it is appropriate to have access If sanitary conveniences are provided in a building, reasonable provision shall be made for disabled people If a building contains fixed seating for audience or spectators, reasonable provision shall be made for disabled people Does not apply to dwellings

Building for everyone: access and use for all Document published in 2002 Includes 220 pages of text, checklists, drawings and illustrations, incorporating a comprehensive section on all aspects of accessibility in the landscape Designing an accessible bathroom Installing a ramp at home or in the office Widening doors Designing accessible lifts Creating an accessible outdoor environment

Accessible information Who needs it? Everyone Specifically 1 in 7 of the population What makes information accessible? Design Format Content availability Why is accessible information so important to disabled people? It’s a right not a privilege It empowers people It’s essential for making decisions and choices

Accessible information Internet All websites can now be checked for accessibility Font Spacing Content Colour contrast Volume of information etc

Accessible sport Paralympics - ?inclusive Special Olympics Local facilities Leisure centre Horse riding Gym

Accessible recreation, arts and leisure More than just for disabled people More than just wheelchair access Examples beaches boating museums and art galleries Entertainment Sporting occasions transportation

Attitudes Awareness

Exploring attitudes to disability Case discussion

Disability awareness Often we are so anxious not to offend people with disabilities that we become embarrassed or clumsy in our approach and as a result avoid disability issues altogether E.g Big Brother

Disability awareness Exploring your own understanding of disability Medical and social models of disability Knowledge of different types of disability Barriers and obstacles towards people with disability Importance of equal opportunities Facilitating social inclusion Use of correct language