3.1 Walk and talk audits/Route appraisals:

A walk and talk audit/route appraisal is a simplified version of an access audit and is usually carried out accompanied by the client. As the walk and talk audit/route appraisal takes place the auditor discusses the main positive and negative accessibility features and a short report will be sent to the client after the meeting. For example; an organisation may wish to carry out a walk and talk audit/route appraisal if they are holding a seminar in a new hotel or if a small organisation (such as local shop, garden centre, hairdressers etc.) wants to investigate their accessibility.

While carrying out a walk and talk audit/route appraisal the auditor should be making the client aware of general ease of use of premises; provisions in place for people with various disabilities; obstacles/hazards; means of escape provided; wayfinding systems in place; circulation (horizontal and vertical, level changes) and quality of fixtures, surfaces lighting etc.

3.2 Design Appraisals

A design appraisal looks at the proposed design of a building and assesses the potential usability/accessiblity of the finished building. The report should make recommendations on improvements, highlight positive accessibility features, provide information on accessibility features that may have been missed and advise on any relevant changes that need to take place.

A design appraisal is only one step in the process of designing a new building. It is worth noting that professionals with accessibility experience should be involved in all stages of the design process including:

• design appraisals at all stages throughout the project;
• advising during the construction (what fixtures and fittings to use, ensuring equipment is placed in correct position, etc.);
• post-occupancy evaluation (ensuring signage in correct position, loop systems in working order, revising safety statement, etc.).

While design appraisals are beyond the scope of these guidelines further details can be obtained in section 8.2.

3.3 Acquisition Audit

For any organisation considering the leasing or purchase of a property an acquisition audit will identify any physical adjustments that may be required. Typically this information is useful when negotiating terms with freeholders, managing agents or sellers. (http://www.accessmatters.com/html/access_audits.html)