Disabled Access Audit Methodologies
Gauge was appointed by the ILO to carry out disabled access audits of 12 TVET colleges in Zambia within very tight timeframes. To address this the audit methodology used by Gauge was refined to develop a highly efficient method and set of instruments. These enabled highly detailed audits of large TVET colleges to be undertaken rapidly. Audit reports included measurements, photographs, detailed recommendations and a prioritised action to plan to address infrastructure upgrades and were based on the following components:
- Walkthrough audit
- Site survey instrument with fields for required measurements
- Photographs of prescribed areas and components
- User and building manager interviews
- Structured audit reports where measurements, photographs and interviews are collated and cross-referenced, summaries of findings, prioritised action plans for each building and campus as a whole. Action plans included both building upgrades and management interventions (which could be achieved at no cost)
Reports are being used by colleges and the ILO to ensure colleges become more inclusive. Training on the disabled access methodology and instruments are available and can be provided online. More information is available here.