How to create a Building Accessibility Guide

Below are suggested headings and content to consider including in your guide. Your guide should be branded in your corporate template, be accessible and use clear, concise language, consistent with easy read format.
 

Accessibility 

Ensure that your Building Accessibility Guide is accessible to all readers. 

Use appropriate fonts, contrast, and layout to make the document easy to read for everyone, including individuals with visual impairments. 

Consider providing your Building Accessibility Guide in multiple formats (for example, large print, braille, or audio).
 

Publishing

The guide should sit on your public facing website. You may wish to consider providing the guide to visitors ahead of their arrival, as well as before interviews, in meeting invitations, or when onboarding new staff ahead of their first day.

A more detailed copy of the guide which includes the information outlined in the Additional information for internal guidance - Accessing the office area section below provides additional information for staff using the premises. This version may include further detail on in-office accessibility features at a workstation, kitchen or other shared area and list contact points such as First Aid Officers or who to contact for a workstation assessment. 
 

Photos and maps

Include relevant photos and maps where possible. Ensure images are high-quality and clearly represent the described features. Include alternative text with any images and graphics used. Alternative text is useful as it integrates with read-aloud tools, ensuring accessibility for individuals who rely on screen readers.
 

Links and interactive elements

For digital versions, consider adding links to external resources (for example, transport schedules) and embedding interactive maps to enhance the user experience.
 

In this section provide an overview of your tenancy/building for visitors or staff. 

You may wish to include the following information in this section:

• your entity’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility

• if accessibility considerations were part of the core overall building design

• a contents list (hyperlinked to relevant sections).

Address

Include the full building address.
 

Main and accessible entrance/s

Include location information and photos of the building’s entrances, and information on accessibility features for each entrance, such as:

• door features (for example, automatic sliding door or revolving door)

• ramp/steps (including features that enhance accessibility such as handrails, anti-slip surfaces)

• key tactile floor markers

• any specific processes or pathways of travel required to access reception (for example, if the accessible entrance and reception are on different levels, visitors sign in or lift access).
   

Building signage

You may include the location of building signage and provide details, such as:

• information displayed on the signage (for example, building name, map, floor details and directions) 

• type of signage used (for example, Braille, wayfinding technology such as BindiMaps for auditory navigation).
   

Map

You may including visuals such as:

• an interactive or static map to show building location

• a high-quality photo of the office frontage can make street identification easier

• a photo of each entrance. This can give people a better visual understanding of access (for example, small steps, ramps, and door type).
   

Drop-off/pickup/taxi areas

You may include information and photos of:

• the location of drop-off/pickup areas (highlight if the location of taxi/ride share drop-off/pick-up area is different)

• the distance from building’s main entrance/accessible entrance

• the presence of drop-down kerbs and distance from the drop-off zone

• additional features that enhance accessibility (such as walkways with weather protection and wayfinding).
   

Car parks and accessible spaces

You may include information and photos of:

• the location of on-site visitor carparking (including accessible car parking)

• an interactive or static map indicating the location of the car park entrance (and a photo of the car park entrance)

• nearby public parking (including accessible parking spaces) 

• visitor car parks and information on how to book them (for example, a contact number for reception, online booking form).
   

Public transport

Some visitors may use public transport to reach you. You may consider including:

• the location of public transport stops names/numbers in close proximity to the building

• a link to the routes that service these public transport stops 

• the distance from your building’s main entrance/accessible entrance (including any accessibility features or obstructions for example, steps only).

Reception

Include important details regarding reception, such as:

• location of the reception

• how to access reception (for example, closest main/accessible entrance, publicly accessible lifts)

• operational hours and days

• contact number for inquiries

• if inquiries are available via both call and text

• identification requirements at reception

• availability of a lowered or cut-out section of the reception desk to support wheelchair access for example.
   

Public lifts

If visitors need to use a public lift to access your office, you may wish to include the following details:

• type of controls (for example, buttons, Braille, flat screen)

• method for summoning lifts and visual/auditory indicators for arrival

• verbal and/or visual floor announcements

• accessible features (for example, longer door opening times, lower buttons)

• duration lift doors remain open before closing automatically

• availability of accessible emergency contact options (for example, call or text features)

• information on mobility lifts if available and any special operations for mobility use.

Assistance animals

There is a legal obligation under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to allow assistance animals into public facilities. Consider including:

• the location of animal relief station/s within the building and how to access them, or the nearest suitable location outside the building, such as a dog park or green space (including distance and directions)

• interactive or static map.
   

Hearing augmentation 

Include details about hearing augmentation systems within the building, such as:

• availability of and/or location of hearing augmentation systems (for example, conference room)

• type of hearing augmentation system in use (for example, closed hearing loop)

• additional relevant supports, such as closed captioning on Microsoft Teams or TV monitors

• where visitors can receive assistance with these systems if needed (for example, reception).
   

Accessible toilets

Provide information on accessible toilet facilities, such as:

• availability of accessible toilets on the reception floor and their accessibility features (such as an adult-sized change table), including whether toilets are open to the public or require access through the reception

• photos or directions if applicable.
   

Security information

Provide details on any security procedures or requirements that staff and visitors should be aware of, such as:

• specific restrictions (for example, no mobile phone or Bluetooth use), noting that some individuals may rely on mobile phones and Bluetooth for accessibility

• personal identification requirements for visitors to sign in at reception. For example, photo identification such as a driver’s licence, staff member contact, etc.
   

First aid contact officer

Include details of the designated First Aid Officer(s), such as:

• name and contact information for the Chief Emergency Officer

• if reception staff are the point of contact for First Aid assistance, include that information here.
   

Meeting rooms

Describe the accessibility features of meeting rooms, consider including the following details:

• access arrangements such as sliding doors
• a description of the egress – to allow for movement around the room (to support the use of mobility aids).

Ensure visitors are informed about the following emergency procedures:

• availability of visual and auditory alarms throughout the building to alert occupants in case of an emergency

• who a visitor should contact if they wish to reach out with specific questions about assistance during emergencies when they are in the building.

Visitors may have questions about your premises, need assistance, or have specific concerns. Be sure to provide clear contact information for support, while being mindful of privacy considerations when sharing these details.

This section can be used to detail any accessible areas within the internal office. If certain areas raise concerns, you may choose to exclude this information from the publicly available Building Accessibility Guide and instead include it in an internal version accessible only to staff.