Accessibility review of Dorset Council buildings
The authority is looking to improve access for disabled users
Disabled access to Dorset Council buildings will be taken into account as it prepares to reduce the number of building it operates from.
A series of access audits has been commissioned by the council by DOTS Disability, a community interest company linked with Access Dorset.
Its experts have previously undertaken work for both Dorset councils, NHS Dorset and Aster and Magna Housing associations, as well as others.
A Dorset Council report says it will look as all aspects of the journey of a disabled user hoping to access council services and will include approach and car parking, entrance accessibility, receptions, lifts and stairs, toilets, signage and wayfinding, communication and means of escape.
Said a council statement: “The audit will assess what actions are necessary and reasonable for the Council to undertake as required by the Equality Act 2010 setting out clear recommendations and priority ratings in order for the council to plan and budget for any necessary adjustive works.”
It adds that the council is already open to comments about its access arrangements and is legally obliged to investigate any complaints, respond accordingly and make any changes.
Dorset Council has said that with the permanent closure of South Walks House it is planning to move its customer services access point into the adjoining library and learning centre, which will remain open.
“Our future provision will include support for customers to access council services digitally, as well as in person, through a general enquiry helpdesk. We are also planning for the provision of confidential and semi-confidential spaces to discuss sensitive matters preferably with an appointment.”