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/
09/09/2025
Flying is about more than just getting from place to place—it’s about freedom, new experiences, and staying connected with the people who matter. But for many travelers with disabilities, airports and airlines still come with extra hurdles. From tough boarding processes to a lack of accessible facilities, the journey isn’t always as welcoming as it should be.
Check out Direct Access' latest blog to see how making air travel more accessible benefits everyone! 👊
In Direct Access' new blog, we tackle what is possibly the most pressing and vital subject of our modern era; artificial intelligence and the ongoing erosion of artists, creatives, and disabled people's careers.
This subject is extremely close to the hearts of our team. As such, we were overjoyed to collaborate with William Coppock of Datawing on this article, who has himself published a full Research paper "AI and the Disappearance of Accessible Work" - which is linked at the end of the article, along with a petition against AI vendors who are knowingly deploying systems that disproportionately eliminate accessible employment pathways.
If you are yourself or care about anyone who has a disability, works in the creative industries, or even works a regular desk job - we encourage you to read what we have to say and join our cause.
By definition, artists are creative people. Whether the trade is graphic design, filmmaking, or architecture.
04/09/2025
We’re growing our team!
Join a disability-owned and operated business where lived experience isn’t just valued—it’s at the heart of everything we do.
We’re looking for passionate Access Consultants (U.S. applicants only) who want to make a real difference in creating spaces, products, and services that work for everyone.
Preference will be given to individuals with knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please note that this role will require regular travel.
You’ll be working alongside a team who bring both professional expertise and first-hand insight to every project.
If you believe accessibility should never be an afterthought, we want to hear from you.
We offer roles for new positions at Direct Access regularly, as the demand for our accessibility and inclusion services has continued to increase. If you think you have what it takes to be part of the team, apply for positions listed below!
01/09/2025
The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library is Grade I listed and a landmark building in Preston. As part of the 'Harris Your Place' project, Direct Access have been working on the redevelopment to ensure that its new design features are accessible and inclusive to all.
As with all of our consultancy work, our approach was informed by the fact that our team consists largely of disabled people - with lived experience of the challenges faced by people like ourselves in built environments.
Already, the museum features several inclusive resources, including Large Print Guides, Hearing Loops, Virtual Tours and full-time staff members trained in level 2 British Sign Language.
Join a disability-owned and operated business where lived experience isn’t just valued—it’s at the heart of everything we do.
We’re looking for passionate Access Consultants (U.S. applicants only) who want to make a real difference in creating spaces, products, and services that work for everyone.
Preference will be given to individuals with knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
You’ll be working alongside a team who bring both professional expertise and first-hand insight to every project.
If you believe accessibility should never be an afterthought, we want to hear from you.
30 years after studying at the University of Brighton Dr. Steven Mifsud MBE returns to the stage to receive an honorary Doctorate of Arts for his work in accessibility and the continued success of Direct Access.
His message to graduates and young people? Stay resilient and don’t fear what comes next.
31/07/2025
We hope you will join our entire team in congratulating Steven Mifsud MBE, founder of Direct Access, who’s just been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts by the University of Brighton — the very place he studied architecture 30 years ago!
From launching Direct Access in 2004 to reshaping accessibility on a global scale, Steven has:
🔹Built a disability-owned, globally recognised consultancy.
🔹 Revolutionised inclusive design in the UK, US, Europe & the Middle East.
🔹 Championed accessibility as a human right, not an afterthought.
This honour celebrates not just Steven and our team's trailblazing work, but represents a future where no one is left behind; embodying the very ethos of what we aspire to achieve as a team every day.
Congratulations, Steven!
University of Brighton
16/07/2025
July is 🧡
As a proud disabled people’s organisation, our work is deeply rooted in lived experience. It’s this insight that drives our mission to build accessible, inclusive environments for everyone.
This month, we’re highlighting voices from our team — consultants with disabilities — who share personal stories of resilience and how meaningful, year-round conversations about disability can shape a more equitable world.
🎥 Watch the full interview and join us in celebrating disability pride, advocacy, and action — not just in July, but every day.
15/07/2025
✨ We’re stoked to announce that Direct Access are now on on TikTok! ✨
We'll be using the platform to share our journey with you and give you a closer look at the work we do to make the world more inclusive, one project at a time.
If you're a TikToker yourself, we'd appreciate a follow! You'll be able to catch behind-the-scenes videos of how we create our accessible and inclusive products, stories from our team, and much more.
Connect with us here 👉 https://shorturl.at/ne26e. And while you're at it, let us know what you’d love to see!
05/06/2025
Thank you to everyone who joined our accessibility consultation for the Tate Museum!
Your voices, stories, and feedback were invaluable. We learned so much from you, and we're excited to carry those insights forward as we work with the Tate to co-create an accessible, inclusive bio-garden—a space designed for everyone to enjoy in the future.
03/06/2025
Have you ever visited SeaCity Museum, Tudor House & Garden, or Southampton City Art Gallery?
Southampton City Council wants to hear from you!
Take our short, anonymous survey to help improve accessibility and inclusivity at these historic venues.
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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.
