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Publications		Design for Access 2 Guidelines for Accessible Meetings and Events Image & Reality

Design for Access 2
Design for Access 2 manual provides a set of good practice standards to improve the provision of accessible design in new buildings, refurbishments and in the environment 2004 edition This edition updates and expands upon the previous Design for Access Manual. It builds upon existing government regulations and guidance by taking account of new technology and the experience of disabled people in using services, buildings and the environment. It is used by the City Council and organisations in Manchester and should also be helpful for all organisations that want to use best practice, to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. As the definition of "reasonable adjustments" is established over time, it is possible that the minimum access standards and guidance, produced by the government, will not be sufficient. This manual provides a practical and clear set of best practice standards supporting equal access to all facilities in buildings and the environment. Content of manual Design for Access 2 is split into sections which include notes and diagrams illustrating good practice. Each section has been updated and the manual covers external and internal environments. There are also new sections on reception and refreshment areas, baby changing areas, communication systems, listed buildings, dwellings, management and maintenance and compliance procedures. The manual is part of a process of improving access and represents agreements reached with the City Council. It may be possible to improve on the standards in many circumstances and it does not replace the need for access audits for existing buildings and an audit of plans, fixtures and fittings for new and refurbished buildings, preferably carried out in consultation with disabled people's access groups.
	This manual was jointly produced by MDPAG and Manchester City Council staff, and includes contributions from other disabled people's groups in Manchester. It has been adopted as City Council policy and also underpins access audits carried out by MDPAG. The manual is available on the Internet and in various formats from MDPAG and from Manchester City Council. Updates to the manual are available on the website. We welcome comments and you can contact us for more information. Other sections are in preparation, including accessible toilet suites (hygiene rooms) for children (primary schools) and adults. For more information, contact us.

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Better Access: Image and Reality - images of access designs
MDPAG has produced a set of images to complement the Design for Access 2 manual to explain how to use best practice in accessible design. It shows examples of good and bad practice and clearly identifies design features, including those where designers have misunderstood government regulations or guidance, and which still present obstacles for disabled people. Content of handbook The images cover sections within the Design for Access 2 manual, such as the parking, signage, toilets, door furniture etc. Use of the images If any individual or organisation wishes to use the images for training or information, they are free to use, provided that the source is credited. Selections from the original selection are available in poster format and in booklet format, in standard and large print. For a CD ROM or booklet, or for more information and advice on standards or use of the images, please contact us. Produced by the Manchester Disabled People's Access Group 2003 - 2004, funded by the European Year of Disabled People.
	Download a copy of the Better Access: Image and Reality handbook in PDF format Link to Adobe website for Acrobat Reader 6.0 Check Adobe Acrobat's accessibility features and the specific new accessibility features of Acrobat Reader 6.0

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Guidelines for Accessible Meetings and Events
MDPAG is the link organisation and a member of the Manchester Disabled People's Network, part of the Community Network for Manchester which has published Guidelines for Accessible Meetings and Events. This is complementary to Design for Access 2 and provides handy checklists and detailed advice and information for organising what happens within buildings and the environment. It includes sections on what to consider and plan for before meetings and events, including planning, publicity, checking people's access requirements, expenses policies, accessible child care what to consider during meetings and events, including organising for communication support, briefing presenters & workshop leaders, registration, accessible information, including clear print guidelines, organising food & drink, organising rooms what to do after meetings and events, including feedback & report writing local contacts and resources (for up to date details, contact MDPAG) The guidelines are available in various formats, including Braille, large print, standard print, CD-ROM and audio tape and on the Internet. For more information,contact DPNSG or MDPAG The Disabled People's Network (DPN) is part of the Community Network for Manchester. The group includes all organisations of disabled people in Manchester.
	Download a Word version of the Guidelines Download a Word version, text only without images, of the Guidelines

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last updated 4.1.2008