About Access Advisory Services

CCS Disability Action’s advisors and educators work with the public and private sectors to help create built environments that are designed to be safe and accessible for all New Zealanders, irrespective of age and mobility.

Our accessibility advisors and educators support disabled people to work with local authorities to advocate for more inclusive communities.

We offer a range of services for building owners, property developers, councils, architects and retail and commercial tenants.

Benefits of inclusive design

Around 25% of our population identify as having an impairment. When you add in people with a temporary injury or illness, the burgeoning baby boomer generation, together with families with young children and those moving prams, trolleys and luggage, it becomes clear that accessible design is something that we will all benefit from at some point in our lives. Our advisers can guide you in universal design principles and can work with you to ensure that your building and business can be welcoming and accessible to all people.

How we can help

We can guide you through design solutions to help create a community that is accessible, user-friendly and meets the New Zealand building code. Our services include:

• Contracting to local authorities to undertake Street Accessibility Audits in partnership with MRCagney, which help to make footpaths, streets and parking safe and easy for everyone to use.

• Assessing plans for new building designs, footpaths and playgrounds.

• Supporting you through the consent process in the concept/planning stages.

• Advising on universally usable fixtures and fittings.

• Preparing an accessibility report of your existing building.

By setting high design standards you signal your commitment to a built environment that all New Zealanders can enjoy.

Education

We also provide education and training for a broader audience on universal access, design and disability awareness. Breaking down attitudinal barriers to inclusion is an essential part of the wider journey to a fully accessible society.

Our credentials

Our accessibility advisors and educators bring a wealth of industry-specific knowledge. Our broad understanding and lived experience of disability informs our work. We have sound knowledge and understanding of universal design and relevant standards.