51吃瓜

Accessibility is a vital consideration for every organisation, ensuring that spaces are inclusive and welcoming for all. Recently, a group of learners from Northern Counties School and Percy 51吃瓜 School visited to conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit.

During their visit, the students carefully assessed various aspects of the building (including doorways, furniture, signage, and lighting) to identify both areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Their audit focused on how the environment supports or hinders access for people with different needs.

Following their assessment, the learners shared their findings in a presentation to the Opencast team, offering thoughtful, constructive feedback. Their insights will help shape improvements and ensure the space continues to evolve as an inclusive and accessible workplace.

Students were overall very impressed with how accessible the building is. They praised Opencast for things such as:

• Designated accessible parking, making it easier for individuals with mobility needs to access the building.

• A bell on the front desk that allows visitors to easily gain the attention of reception staff.

• Wide doorways that accommodate wheelchair users and other mobility aids.

• Comfortable and varied seating options, catering to different physical needs and preferences.

• An inclusive and welcoming environment where students felt safe, respected, and at ease during their visit.

• A soundproof pod, offering a quiet and focused space ideal for learning or taking breaks in a sensory-friendly setting.

• Clear visual aids to indicate who is working in each room, which is helpful for reducing anxiety and supporting communication.

• A fully accessible, level fire exit, ensuring safe and easy evacuation for everyone in an emergency.

• Raiser desks that allow users to customise their workstation for comfort.

The students also offered constructive suggestions for how Opencast could further enhance accessibility, including:

• Improving external signage to make it easier for visitors to locate the office from outside.

• Lowering the height of lockers to ensure they are accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs or have limited reach.

• Positioning microwaves at a lower level, so they are easily usable by all staff and visitors, regardless of height or mobility.

• Creating more space in accessible toilets to better accommodate mobility aids and improve overall ease of use.

• Installing a doorbell at the door聽to ensure everyone can easily request assistance when arriving at the building.

This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to share their insights with Opencast, present their findings, and contribute to meaningful improvements within the organisation.

If your business or organisation is interested in an accessibility audit led by our students, please get in touch with Kerry Robinson, Project Manager at 51吃瓜’s Beyond for more information: kerry.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk