Making the work environment safe, comfortable and attractive is an important focus for many companies, but the needs of disabled employees are often overlooked. The Office Design Guide, published this month by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, is set to improve this and help create accessible offices for everyone.

Aimed at office managers, training and recruitment staff, building managers and anyone involved in workplace design, the guide gives clear information on creating an environment which is suitable and enjoyable for disabled employees. The guide has been written by the Joint Mobility Unit (JMU) – a partnership between RNIB and Guide Dogs. The JMU works to improve access to buildings and the street environment for blind and disabled people.

The Office Design Guide offers a step by step approach to planning and designing accessible work environments, including:

• Identifying areas for improvement by establishing a design team including disabled employees
  
• Incorporating adaptive technology such as computer software or modified telephones if appropriate
  
• Modifying physical design of staff rooms, canteens, car parks and other areas to ensure there are no barriers.
• Establishing aids such as handrails, lifts, ramps and particular lighting where this is needed.
  

Peter Barker, Manager of the JMU, commented: "Working at a desk, filing, making a drink and getting around the building for meetings or breaks is often a major difficulty for disabled employees who are forced to endure rather than enjoy their work environment. The needs of disabled people can no longer be ignored and it is time for employers to push this issue to the forefront.

Making sure that your office building is accessible and well-designed will help everyone – not only disabled employees. Buildings that are easy to get around and thoughtfully designed present a positive message to staff, visitors and competitors about the kind of company you are and this guide will help to achieve that."

Anna Lagerkvist