Gateshead Access Panel has long had a reputation for quality access auditing and consultancy.

Within our work remit we act as Disability Access Consultants by carrying out access audits of plans, buildings, facilities and services and producing reports to advise on possible changes and improvements. These improvements may not be expensive and can make a difference to a disabled person's life. The fees we receive for this work are used to continue the work of the organisation. We can also carry out research projects on disability issues. In addition, we work as members of Building and Planning Design Teams.

Since 1996 all service providers have had a duty - under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 - to ensure that they do not refuse service, nor provide a less comparable service to disabled people, without justification. From October 2004 there will be a duty on all providers to remove or alter any physicalfeatures which stop disabled people from using their services. Audits that we carry out are based on and advise on the DDA principles of practicality and reasonable adjustment. However, advice is also given on best practice design and equal opportunities. The codes of practice of the act advise organisations that they should be -

• Consulting with disabled people and their organisations.
• Having access audits carried out on their buildings and services.
• Having disability equality / awareness training carried out for their employees to help ensure that they are not discriminating against disabled people.

Gateshead Access Panel provide all of these services.

Current and Past consultancy and auditing work includes -

• Arts and Performance Centres
• Community Centres
• Hospitals
• Primary Care Units
• Sports Stadiums and Facilities
• Swimming Pools
• Metro and Bus Facilities
• Pedestrian Areas
• Office Blocks
• Pubs Woodland / Parks
• Churches
• Shops