The role of the access officer is a technical advisory one, with the aim of ensuring that all Shropshire Council-occupied buildings open to the public, or buildings from which the authority provides a service, are accessible and inclusive not only to disabled people but the wider population also.
A person is classed as disabled if they meet the following Equality Act (Formerly the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) definition.
“…a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term* adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day to day activities”
*long term is classed as 12 month minimum.
Shropshire Council, as a service provider, has a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to not treat a disabled person less favourably than someone else because of their disability, unless there is good reason.
To assist in meeting the required obligations, the access officer can advise on issues within the Equality Act, Building Regulations Approved Document M and BS8300:2009.
A guide to possible funding opportunities together with a list of useful websites can be found on this page.