Qualifications:
- Accredited Barrier Free Advisor in August 1999, re-accreditation February 2010
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
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)
Professional understanding and ability
- Understanding of the legal obligations and liabilities associated with offering expert advice
- 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
