So what are Access Consultants? What do Disability Access Consultants do? How can I become an Access Consultant?

Access consultants (also known as DDA consultants, or Disability Access Consultants), working in the built environment can provide a number of different services. Some consultants specialise in particular areas (such as luminance testing), whilst others offer multiple services. All access consultants are working to achieve a greater level of accessibility in the built environment for people with a disability.

These services can include:

  • Desktop reviews of architectural drawings, schedules and specifications at each stage of design documentation.
  • Inspections for compliance in existing buildings, in the form of ‘Access Appraisals’ or ‘Access Audits’.
  • Feasibility reports, determining the viability of projects, in terms of the impact on accessibility.
  • Due Diligence Reports.
  • DDA advice.
  • ‘Affected Part’ inspections and reports, identifying and outlining what the impact of any ‘New Part’ building works will be on existing building entrances, lifts, and the accessways linking the principal entrance to the ‘New Part’.
  • Preparation of ‘Alternative Solutions, professional opinions, and unjustifiable hardship claims.
  • Preparation of wayfinding and signage strategies.
  • Preparation of Disability Action Plans (DAPs).

Lady in office, using a laptop, whilst using a wheelchair

Please contact Lee Wilson, Disability Access Consultant / DDA Consultant for all your Performance Solution needs. Lee is an Accredited Member of the Access Consultants Association (ACA), and was a volunteer Subject Matter Expert with the Australian Building Codes Board (2018 to 2021).