An inclusive design and access consultancy supported 40 charities last year with free training and advice in its efforts to make London more inclusive.
The Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) provided access and inclusion expertise via its Access and Sustainability Advisory Service (ASAS) to a range of organisations spanning theatres, places of worship, museums, community centres, heritage buildings and sports facilities.
The service offers guidance on enhancing access to buildings and provides support for groups applying for an Inclusive Services and Better Access Grant from the City Bridge Foundation.
The grant offers up to £5,000 for access consultancy, including disability awareness training, with opportunities to subsequently apply for up to £150,000 in funding towards access improvements.
CAE ASAS Advisor Asa Hems manages the service day-to-day and leads the training. He uses his own experience as a wheelchair user to demonstrate access needs.
“The goal is to empower London charities and community groups to create spaces that are welcoming and accessible to everyone,” said Asa, who oversaw a jump of 33% from 2022 in the number of charities and not-for-profits eager to learn and implement accessibility improvements.
“The increase in attendance at the training sessions shows that there is a desire to improve accessibility. It just comes down to the funding available, which City Bridge Foundation can also help with.
“I try to keep the sessions really relaxed. By giving examples of my own accessibility barriers as a wheelchair user, it helps people better understand disability and inclusive design. I think that helps people want to commit to improving the accessibility in their premises further.”
CAE, which is part of Habinteg Housing Association, will be running ASAS training sessions throughout the year. They encourage any London-based charities and not-for-profit community groups to get in touch if they are interested in making their premises more accessible.
For further information you can contact the Access and Sustainability Advisory Service on asas@cae.org.uk or call 075 4669 0040. Alternatively, you can visit cae.org.uk/asas/.
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