Access audits and appraisals are both essential processes in ensuring the accessibility of environments and services. However, they serve different purposes and are conducted in different contexts.
Access Audits: These are typically conducted for existing buildings or environments to identify and improve accessibility. They are not a checklist but a detailed appraisal of the accessibility of an environment, its facilities, and any services delivered from it. Access audits are carried out by specialists such as architects, occupational therapists, access consultants, and people with disabilities.
Access Appraisals: These are usually part of the design process for new buildings or environments. They are more detailed and focus on the design and planning stages, ensuring that the principles of inclusive design are embedded within the project from the outset. Access appraisals are tailored to the unique context and requirements of the client, providing a detailed analysis of access improvements that can be fully integrated into a project.
In summary, access audits are focused on existing environments to improve accessibility, while access appraisals are part of the design process for new environments to ensure inclusive design principles are met. Both processes are crucial for creating environments that are welcoming and accessible to all users.