News and Views (August 2023) - Trade

The National Autistic Society, the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families, is delighted to announce MasterChef star Vanessa D’Souza as its new Celebrity Ambassador.

This questionnaire has been prepared by Adrian Tagg who is an Associate Professor in Building Surveying at the University of Reading and it seeks to understand the disability specific requirements for accessing goods, services and employment. It can be completed by a person who is disabled, or their carer The questionnaire is directed to obtain responses from the person who is disabled. It is quite a long survey but it is important to obtain the opinions of those with a physical or mental impairment.

HM Courts and Tribunals Services have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network to help people visiting court and tribunal buildings who may need additional support. It’s estimated that around 80% of disabilities are hidden and the HMTC are committed to making it easier for anyone visiting their buildings to receive the support that they need.

From our friends Disability Rights UK, The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published new guidance to ensure that inclusion and accessibility are considered at every stage of the design and construction process.