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Ministry of Equality Delivers Series of Accessibility Training Sessions to Key Sectors

Ministry of Equality Delivers Series of Accessibility Training Sessions to Key Sectors

The Ministry of Equality’s Supported Needs and Disability Office (SNDO), has delivered a series of three training sessions focused on accessibility and inclusive design within the built environment.

Forming part of the Ministry’s ongoing work to improve accessibility across Gibraltar, the training was designed to strengthen knowledge and expertise among those responsible for the design, management and maintenance of buildings.

The first session was an Access Auditor Course, specifically designed for HM Government of Gibraltar Facilities Managers and Building Custodians from the Care Agency, Department of Education, Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA), Gibraltar Cultural Services and the Gibraltar Sports and Leisure Authority (GSLA).

It provided participants with an understanding of the relevant local and UK legislation and standards, including Gibraltar Building Rules Part R, UK Building Regulations Part M and British Standard BS 8300. Participants were introduced to the specifications and requirements relating to accessibility, as well as practical guidance on how to undertake access audits and prepare professional Access Reports and Access Appraisals.

The second session was a refresher course for HM Government of Gibraltar staff from the SNDO, Building Control and Town Planning Departments. The session provided an opportunity to refresh and strengthen existing knowledge and promote a consistent approach to accessibility across the relevant Government departments.

The third session was attended by representatives from local architectural practices and focused on inclusive design. The SNDO regularly provides advice and guidance to architects during the design and development of buildings. The training therefore provided an important opportunity to work directly with local professionals and strengthen their understanding of different types of disabilities, accessibility features, inclusive design principles and the standards that should be considered when developing new or adapting existing buildings.

The legislative and local aspects of the training were delivered by the Head of the Supported Needs and Disability Office, Jenny Gomila Victory, while the technical specifications, access auditing and inclusive design elements were delivered by Mr Ian Streets of About Access UK.

Mr Streets is an experienced access consultant who has worked in the field of accessibility for over 26 years and has extensive experience in advising on accessible and inclusive design within the built environment. Mr Streets has been a regular visitor to Gibraltar over the years and has seen how accessibility has improved.

The SNDO will continue to work with Government departments, professionals, businesses and other stakeholders to promote accessibility and inclusive design across Gibraltar and to support the development of a more accessible built environment for all.

Minister for Equality, the Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP, said:

“I am delighted that this important series of training sessions has taken place. Building accessibility requires knowledge, collaboration and a shared understanding of the standards and principles that need to be applied, and these sessions are an important step in strengthening that capacity across Gibraltar.

"This work is particularly important as we move closer to the implementation of Section 14 of the Disability Act, which will place requirements in relation to the accessibility of buildings open to the public. I look forward to addressing Parliament and the wider community in the coming months regarding the redrafted Section 14 of the Disability Act and the next steps towards its implementation.”