About AAP
The AAP process is a two fold course of action designed and developed to ensure accessibility issues are taken seriously. The first element of the process is a training programme (Access Audit Practitioner) covering the fundamentals of premises accessibility through to the complexities of communications media (including web sites) and service accessibility. The second element is to ensure the quality of standards are maintained and the profession improves and advances using a method of continuous professional development.
Access Audit Practitioner Training Programme
This training programme is designed to create new possibilities and opportunities for individuals and organisations interested in disability issues and disability access auditing. It is a combination of Professionalism, Social Enterprise and Personal Experience in the issues relating to disability. It goes much further than most access auditing programmes to produce a powerful unique process using tools and techniques designed and developed by our experts, aimed at raising the standards of accessibility practices.
The Access Audit Practitioner programme consists of six units of competence. These units are split into nine days of tutored input coupled with coaching.
The assessment process consists of the individual successfully completing the following
- seven marked assignments
- One, practical building and service audit assessment
- One report on the building and service assessments
The training programme has been designed to raise the standards in access auditing, ensuring the work carried out by the trained and accredited auditors is professional and maintained to a high standard. In turn by raising and maintaining the standards it will encourage and promote the benefits of accessibility to businesses and organisations. The programme goes beyond other standards of accessibility by focusing in the three areas of inclusivity buildings, Communications media (including web sites) and service provision using the AAP standards of accessibility.
Investment
The investment required to become a Gallant Access Auditor is £1,900 + Vat.
Please contact us for any current offers or discounts which may be available.
After recieving your award you will have an opportunity to join DAPA (1st year membership included with the cost of the training programme). In return what we give is branding, marketing and delivery channels.
Built Environment
This element of the programme focuses on the standards required for ensuring accessibility in the premises and buildings. This includes the whole spectrum of disability issues. The measurements are based on BS8300, Part M of the approved documents amendments 2004 (these will be updated as appropriate).
Service
This element includes auditing staff attitude, training needs analysis, information management, use and appropriateness of enabling technology; user needs analysis, policies and procedures (including PEEPs plans). The standards for this are based on the requirements of the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act)
Communications Media including Web auditing
Not everyone who uses the web is a young athlete with perfect health, immaculate coordination, and 20-20 vision. On the contrary, estimates suggest that 13 percent or more of the population have a disability that can affect their use of the web.
Such disabilities include:
- seeing and hearing (affecting to some degree most people over 50)
- physical co-ordination
- manual dexterity
- learning and understanding
Web accessibility aims to enable people with such disabilities to have full and equal access to the content and services of a web site, whether that is simply being able to read (or listen to, or feel) a page — or, in a more complex example, being able to conduct online banking or shopping.
Not everyone uses a standard computer and browser to access the web. Web accessibility, as well as enabling its core target audience, also enriches the experience of uses accessing the web via a PDA, phone, B&W monitor, old and low powered computers, and non-standard browsers.
Under the DDA, web accessibility is a legal requirement in the UK for all organisations offering a service via the web. The definition of a “service” is wide-ranging: it could, for example, include a web page giving contact information.
The UK legislation does not specifically define Web Accessibility. It is assumed that legal requirements are met if you:
- can demonstrate a commitment to engage
- are aware of and working towards best practice
- are complying with frameworks such as the W3C WCAG 1.0 and the ADA Section 508
The DAP standard is more rigorous than, but based on the WCAG / 508 frameworks. It has a greater emphasis on best practice and a genuine commitment to providing a rich and equal experience of the web for all.
The Delivery
The programme will be delivered by expert tutors and coaches, over a minimum of six months (nine days of tutored delivery). The programme will also incorporate individual sessions with a tutor/coach who will mentor the individual if appropriate or required.
This course is for you if you are
Interested in gaining a professional award in Disability and Access Auditing
Interested in gaining insights into the disability issues involved in meeting the Disability Equality Duty
Working in the Social Inclusion, Diversity or Disability issues field
Interested in setting up a Social Enterprise business
Already involved in Access Auditing but wishes to widened your perspectives and area of influence
Involved in regeneration activity
The Access Audit Training Summary
- Accreditation
- 6 month programme
- 9 days (over 6 months) tutored input (plus 2 optional web days)
- 7 assignments
- 1 practical assessment
- 1 report on practical assessment
- 1 interview
- Professionalism in accessibility standards
- Introduces the DAP web standard (incorporating the W3C WCAG 1.0)
- British standards of accessibility, Part M
- Introduces the DAP service standard (incorporate DDA requirements)
- Measurements against the standards
- Building plan appraisal
- Customer focused practices
- Reporting to produce the framework
- Covers appropriate legislation
- Social Enterprise (branding)
- Social Inclusion (inclusive design)
What is the DAPA (Disability Access Practitioner Association) Network.
The DAPA is a professional association consisting of members who have had training on the Access Auditing Practitioner Programme. DAPA is a network of individuals, whose common purpose is to develop their knowledge and professional abilities in Disability Auditing. As a network we have interests in the issues surrounding accessibility, inclusion and disability auditing.
There are many benefits associated to this membership. The initial membership fee (for the first year) is included as part of the Access Auditing Practitioner Programme.
What does DAPA give you?
DAPA standards
The Standards (BS8300) for compliance to the Disability Discrimination Act are constantly changing and therefore it is difficult for any auditor to keep up to date. As a member of the DAPA you will receive regular updates of the standards at no extra cost. If training is required for the standards this will be carried out. The training may be in the form of written information or workshops. Coaching support and advice will be available if required on different issues relating to accessibility this will include information on accessibility and inclusive design.
The DAPA brand
The branding of DAPA will ensure that all customers will receive an outstanding service by the DAPA auditor. The customer can be assured that the audit and service they receive from a DAPA Auditor is second to none and the auditor has been received training, is skilled and qualified to carry out the audit to the highest standards. The auditor will receive a certificate to say the audit has taken place along with a report containing issues and recommendations from the work carried out.