Improving Access for Everybody. Direct Access has steadily become a global force in the accessibility and inclusion field since its inception in 2004.
Established in 2004, Direct Access is a DOBE (team of disabled people) operating out of the United Kingdom, U.S., and Middle East providing design consultancy, access audits, accessible products, and inclusive media. A DOBE® certified Disability Owned and Operated Business Enterprise, we provide accessibility consultancy based on our team's real lived experience of disability. Delivering architectural projects in the UK, United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Oman, Ireland, France, and Switzerland, we deliver reliable and informed consultancy based on the common practices and philosophies of our host nation - dedicating ourselves to our clients on all levels from strategy, benchmarking, guidance writing, access appraising architectural designs as well as accessibility audits for already established sites. https://directaccessgp.com/uk/
16/03/2026
A lot of autistic traits tend to show up in everyday habits people don’t think twice about.
Not everyone is autistic, but sensory sensitivities, communication differences, or a need to control one's surrounding environment often vary from person to person, so we should design environments that accommodate those variations.
For me, as an autistic person, I work best in environments where I have total control of the lighting and acoustics, and where there is some understanding of autistic traits from those around me.
I also believe that even for non-autistic people, whether they're neurotypical or have a different disability, everyone has their own preference that deserves accommodation. That way, we get the best work out of everyone.
And that's why when we help our clients design environments for autistic people, we’re really helping them design for everyone ✅
Happy !
11/03/2026
Accessibility isn’t just about removing barriers, it’s about designing better experiences for everyone.
As part of the project, we worked closely with Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council to ensure accessibility was embedded into the design, planning, and future operation of the The Harris Museum from the outset.
Now, we’re now proud to have installed one of our tactile map boards installed at the museum. Designed to support blind and sight-impaired visitors, but are convenient and usable by everyone, the map will help people navigate the ground floor more independently and confidently from the moment they arrive. We have also provided swell maps for the upper floors.
Projects like this show what’s possible when accessibility is treated as a core part of the design process, not an afterthought.
05/03/2026
March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month 💚
What if designing for cerebral palsy didn’t just improve accessibility for some people, but actually created better environments for everyone?
In this short video, Tom explores how universal design makes spaces easier, safer, and more inclusive for all. From automated doors and lever taps to clear access guides and thoughtful layouts, small design choices can remove barriers that many people face every day.
Cerebral palsy affects thousands of people across the UK and millions worldwide, yet many barriers still exist in the built environment. The good news? Many of the solutions are simple, and they benefit parents with prams, people carrying bags, older adults, and anyone who values a space that just works better.
Watch the video to see how designing with accessibility in mind creates environments that work for everyone.
02/03/2026
Cerebral palsy affects millions of people worldwide, shaping daily experiences in ways most of us rarely see. For those living with CP, simple barriers, uneven floors, inaccessible entrances, or poorly designed workspaces, can limit opportunities to contribute, engage, and thrive.
Creating accessible, inclusive environments for people with CP isn’t just the right thing to do; it represents a strategic advantage. Physical access audits, workplace adjustments, and inclusive design consultancy can help organisations unlock the potential of diverse talent of people with CP, improving employee and customer well-being, and creating welcoming spaces for everyone.
This month, understand the challenges, remove the barriers, and champion inclusion, for employees, customers, and communities alike with CP.
26/02/2026
Inclusion isn’t a statement; it’s a system.
The 2026 BAFTA Awards shone a spotlight on what happens when inclusive policy stops at intent.
At the 2026 ceremony, John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome activist whose life inspired the film I Swear, experienced involuntary vocal tics (coprolalia) during the ceremony, including the utterance of a racial slur while Black actors were presenting. Both BAFTA and the BBC apologised afterward, but the incident highlighted a key problem: inclusion was policy-deep but not operational.
Operational inclusion would have involved proactive communication, environmental planning, trigger mapping, and clear editorial protocols. When done correctly, it strengthens institutions, ensures safety, and signals that cultural spaces can responsibly hold complexity.
Inclusion is hard work that requires anticipating discomfort, supporting people thoughtfully, and embedding systems, not just issuing statements. With proper operational inclusion, BAFTA could have avoided the controversy while demonstrating leadership in accessibility and cultural sensitivity.
You can read our full thoughts (including how this could have been anticipated, avoided, and the benefits of true operational inclusion) over on the Direct Access blog:
With debate growing around the future of the Equality Act 2010, it’s easy to get swept up in headlines about cutting red tape and rolling back regulation. But before accepting the idea that repeal would simply mean “fewer rules,” it’s worth asking a more practical question: who actually relies on this law? The answer is far broader than many assume. Far from protecting a small minority, the Act forms part of the legal framework that most of us will depend on at some point in our lives.
Much of the public conversation is shaped by myths. It’s often framed as legislation designed only for wheelchair users or as a product of “identity politics.” In reality, it covers age discrimination, pregnancy and maternity rights, and a wide definition of disability, including non-visible and acquired conditions that affect millions of ordinary families. These aren’t fringe categories; they’re everyday life events. From starting a career to starting a family, from illness to ageing, the Act underpins situations that touch nearly every household.
At Direct Access, we approach this issue not as a political slogan but as a practical reality. Accessibility is not a culture-war talking point, it’s a demographic fact in an ageing nation where one in four people lives with a disability. If you want to understand what the current framework actually covers, and what potential changes could mean in operational terms, we invite you to read the full analysis of Equality Act myths on our website. 👇
In conversations about the future of the UK’s railways, one critical issue is still too often sidelined: meaningful accessibility for disabled passengers.
With 14.6 million disabled people in the UK ( around one in five of us) accessible rail travel is not a niche consideration. It is a commercial opportunity.
Inclusive rail design improves customer experience, builds trust, increases ridership, and drives socio-economic value across local economies.
At Direct Access, we’ve seen this first-hand through our work with rail operators including TransPennine and Avanti West Coast. By embedding accessibility across stations, services, and digital platforms, operators don’t just support disabled passengers, they create better journeys for families, older travellers, tourists, and everyday commuters.
And yet, systemic barriers remain:
• Inconsistent step-free access
• Unreliable boarding support
• Inaccessible ticketing systems
• Services designed without disabled voices at the table
The shift toward inclusive, Equality Act-aligned transport isn’t simply about compliance. It’s about growth, resilience, and long-term customer loyalty.
Our latest blog explores the financial and social case for accessible rail networks and why designing with disabled passengers in mind benefits everyone, including operators themselves.
Mary from Horniman Museum and Gardens shares how they tackled accessibility barriers within their Nature & Love project, ensuring disabled staff and visitors could fully engage with the experience 🌿
Working with Direct Access the team:
• Identified physical and communication barriers
• Reviewed inclusive design across interpretation and programming
• Strengthened staff confidence through practical guidance
• Embedded long-term accessibility improvements, not just quick fixes
The result?
A more inclusive visitor experience, improved accessibility for disabled learners and staff, and a team better equipped to deliver accessible cultural programming going forward. Proof that inclusion isn’t extra… it’s essential!
16/02/2026
Neurodiverse employees bring creativity, unique problem-solving skills, and fresh perspectives that drive innovation and growth. Yet many workplaces unintentionally create barriers that prevent these employees from reaching their true potential through inaccessible work environments, communication channels, and traditional working structures.
We want to draw attention to small, intentional changes, like workplace needs assessments, inclusive training, and neurodiversity-friendly design that can make a profound difference.
Most, if not all, people, employees, and customers alike, will benefit directly from the adjustments in this carousel. Accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have, it represents a strategic advantage over your competitors. Inclusive environments strengthen your brand, enhance customer experiences, and drive loyalty, positively impacting revenue and long-term business growth.
1. Workplace Assessments
Identifies hidden barriers in workflow, communication, or the physical environment, enabling tailored adjustments to help neurodiverse staff perform at their best.
2. Quiet & Sensory Rooms
Provides a safe retreat to manage sensory overload, regulate emotions, or take restorative breaks, improving focus and productivity.
3. Adjustable Lighting
Reduces sensory overload caused by harsh or flickering lights, helping focus, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being.
4. Height-Adjustable Workstations
Accommodate sensory sensitivities, focus needs, and physical comfort. Supports concentration and reduces fatigue.
5. Biophilic Design
Exposure to natural elements like plants, sunlight, or water features reduces stress, boosts mood, and improves cognitive function.
6. Snacks & Refreshments
Enhances comfort and hospitality, showing consideration for different preferences or sensitivities, and promoting positive experiences. Supports focus, energy, and well-being.
14/02/2026
Roses are red
Museums are cool
Victoria and Albert Museum is making
Inclusion the rule 💚
Extremely proud to support their new Storehouse in creating experiences that more people can enjoy!
14/02/2026
We love working with organisations that put inclusion first 💚
This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating partnerships that make culture, nature, and heritage more accessible for everyone.
Proud to support Horniman Museum and Gardens on their journey towards greater inclusion.
Accessibility is about people, and that’s something worth loving.
Expect big things from Horniman in 2027!
14/02/2026
Love shows up in so many beautiful ways. It lives in our relationships with partners, family, and friends. It grows through community, kindness, understanding, and the everyday moments where we choose to care for one another.
This Valentine’s Day, we’re also celebrating a powerful form of love that is sometimes overlooked, the love expressed through creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and included. When we design environments, services, and experiences that consider different needs and abilities, we show love to everyone, not just to individuals.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate all forms of love, especially the kind that makes the world brighter, kinder, and more accessible for everyone. ❤️
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Direct Access Consultancy advises organisations on how to improve physical access for disabled people. This is achieved through Access Appraisals working with architectural and construction firms to ensure accessibility is designed into new builds at the outset. Access Audits look at established buildings and services to make recommendations on accessibility. Both services draw on local disability legislation and building codes in the country of operation.
For over fifteen years we have worked on large scale, high profile events, construction, real estate and infrastructure projects. We go beyond just quoting regulations to providing a fully integrated service that takes into account different dynamics and aspirations of projects we work with - understanding, identifying and overcoming the barriers that impede change.
Direct Access Store (www.directaccess.store)
Direct Access Store supplies and installs a range of accessibility equipment. From initially supplying evacuation chairs and hearing induction loops, the range has grown following feedback from customers.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided for disability charities and Personal Assistants employed directly by disabled people.
Employment and training opportunities for disabled people are provided in warehousing and distribution operations. These create opportunities for those who may not have previously had the opportunity to gain employment.
Direct Access Media and Communications (www.directaccess.media)
Direct Access Communications builds an accessible world through captions, subtitles, sign language, audio description and print enlargement services.
From initially creating Access Guides for the Hereford Museum, Direct Access Communications has grown into a leading provider of solutions for people who are deaf, blind, dyslexic, non-verbal or have other communication needs.
