Re-accredited May 2012
Qualifications:
- Accredited Barrier Free Advisor in 2004, re-accreditation February 2010
- Has completed a wide range of audits
Understanding of user needs
- Understanding of the needs of a range of users and potential users of an environment
- Understanding of the importance of consulting with users and/or potential users of an environment
Problem identification and solving
- Ability to identify barriers and hazards to accessibility within an environment by physical inspection, and from, drawings and specifications
- Ability to recommend access solutions to barriers and hazards identified above, in line with current guidance and best practice
- Ability to identify situations not covered by current guidance and best practice, and make recommendations accordingly
- Appreciation of aesthetic aspirations and technical, time and cost implications and constraints faced by design teams and clients and the ability to take these into account when recommending solutions
Experience in the access field
- Experience of comprehensively identifying barriers and hazards to accessibility within an environment by physical inspection
- Experience of using the Barrier Free Checklist
- Experience of carrying out design appraisals for new buildings and building alterations
- Experience of consulting with users and potential users of the built environment
Knowledge of construction process
- Understanding of the construction process and construction related issues
- Ability to read and understand technical drawings and specifications
Knowledge and understanding of good practice and standards in relation to access
- Knowledge and understanding of current guidance and best practice in the access field, including NZS 4121: 2001 and the Acceptable Solutions to the Building Code
- Understanding of the technical and structural constraints of access
- Appreciation of the non-physical issues which may impact on the accessibility of an environment, such as management issues
Legal understanding
- Understanding of The Building Act 2004 and The Building Code and Acceptable Solutions (In relation to access issues)
- Understanding of the implications of The Local Government Act 1974, The Human Rights Act 1993, The Fire Services Act 1975 and The Fire Safety and Evacuation of Buildings Regulations 2006 (In relation to access issues)
Professional understanding and ability
- Understanding of the legal obligations and liabilities associated with offering expert advice
- Understanding of the need for professional agreements and terms of appointment
- Ability to prepare reports to an appropriate technical and professional level
- Experience of communicating technical access issues to both technical and non-technical groups and individuals.
- Competent written and verbal communication skills
