The role of an access auditor or consultant is to provide specialist advice regarding access to buildings for people with disability. The access auditor or consultant typically works in conjunction with architects, builders and property owners, as well as health professionals who assist people with a disability.
An access consultant has an in-depth knowledge of the legislation associated with disabled access, which includes Australian Standards, the Building Code of Australia and the Disability Discrimination Act.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
A person with disability which affects their ability to access a workplace building may benefit from the advice of an access consultant. An access consultant is useful in providing advice regarding the design of a building to facilitate disabled access. They can be involved either in the design stage of a new building, or provide advice on how best to modify an existing building. Advice usually relates to issues involving ramps, doorways, toilets, rails, and lifts, as well as exterior issues such as parking, signage and paths. They also liaise with local councils and provide advice in relation to this.
An access auditor can also undertake quality assurance audits for organisations wishing to demonstrate conformity to a pre-determined set of standards relating to disabled access.
When considering building access for an individual with a disability the following links may be useful:
References
Disability Services Commission 2010, Access publications, Perth, viewed 13 June 2011, http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/aud/accesspublications.html.
Disability Services Commission 2010, Access Resource Kit, Perth, viewed 13 June 2011, http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/aud.html.