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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Accessible Premises and Disability Inclusion Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides an inclusive, accessible, and safe environment for all residents, staff, and visitors, regardless of disability. We are committed to eliminating barriers that may prevent full participation in daily activities, care provision, and social engagement. This policy supports {{org_field_name}} to meet its duties under the Equality Act 2010, the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, as amended, and the Welsh Government statutory guidance for service providers and responsible individuals, Version 3, March 2024. The policy also supports compliance with CIW’s inspection expectations, including the themes of Well-being, Care and Support, Environment, and Leadership and Management, by ensuring that premises, facilities, equipment, communication, information and reasonable adjustments are suitable to meet residents’ care and support needs and support their personal outcomes.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, residents, visitors, and external professionals within {{org_field_name}}. It covers:

• The physical accessibility of the premises, including adjustments to facilities and infrastructure.
• The implementation of reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities.

• Assessment of whether the premises, facilities, equipment, staffing arrangements and communication methods are suitable before and during a resident’s placement.
• Recording accessibility needs, communication needs, risks, reasonable adjustments and agreed support within the resident’s provider assessment, personal plan and relevant risk assessments.
• Provision of accessible information, including information in a resident’s preferred language, style, format and method of communication.
• Accessibility of communal areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets, outdoor areas, visitor spaces, lifts, signage, call systems and specialist equipment.
• The Active Offer of Welsh language care and support for residents whose first language or preferred language is Welsh.

• Staff training and awareness regarding disability inclusion and accessibility best practices.
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to accessibility, equality, and safeguarding of individuals with disabilities.
• The responsibilities of staff in ensuring accessibility and promoting inclusivity.

3. Principles of Accessibility and Inclusion

{{org_field_name}} is committed to the following principles:

• Dignity and Respect: Every individual has the right to live and receive care in an environment that promotes respect and dignity, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
• Person-Centred Care: Support and accommodations are tailored to each individual’s specific needs, preferences, and aspirations to promote autonomy and well-being.
• Rights-Based Practice: {{org_field_name}} will promote and uphold residents’ rights, including dignity, privacy, autonomy, independence, equality, communication, family life, cultural identity and access to the community. Where restrictions, environmental controls or safety measures are required, these will be proportionate, risk assessed, lawful, clearly recorded and reviewed.

• Equal Access: All services, activities, and facilities should be accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the same opportunities as others.
• Legal Compliance: Our care home strictly adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring full compliance with accessibility and inclusion standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Accessibility is regularly reviewed to identify and remove barriers, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and evolving care environment.

4. Physical Accessibility of the Premises

4.1Entrance and Exit Accessibility

• Entrances, exits and internal routes will be assessed to ensure that residents, visitors and staff can enter, leave and move around the premises safely and as independently as possible. Where step-free access is not available at a specific entrance, a suitable alternative accessible entrance will be clearly identified, risk assessed, maintained and communicated to residents, visitors, staff and emergency services where relevant. Any required ramps, handrails, door controls, signage, lighting or assisted access arrangements will be recorded within the premises accessibility audit and action plan.
• Accessible parking spaces are clearly marked and located close to the main entrance.

4.2 Corridors and Doorways

• Corridors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walking aids without obstruction.
• Doors are designed to be easy to open, with automatic or push-button options where possible.

4.3 Lifts and Stairs

• Passenger lifts are available to provide access to all floors, with clear signage and audio announcements for individuals with visual impairments.
• Staircases have handrails on both sides and contrasting markings on steps for added visibility.

4.4 Bathrooms and Toilets

• Accessible bathrooms include grab rails, emergency pull cords, height-adjustable sinks, and spacious layouts to accommodate mobility aids.
• Hoists and adapted bathing facilities are available for residents requiring additional assistance.

4.5 Signage and Wayfinding

• Signage throughout the building is clear, high-contrast, and includes Braille and pictograms where necessary.
• Wayfinding support will be tailored to residents’ needs and may include clear signage, colour contrast, pictorial prompts, memory cues, orientation aids, staff support, environmental adaptations and digital tools where these are available and appropriate.

4.6 Suitability of Premises, Facilities and Equipment

{{org_field_name}} will ensure that the premises, facilities and equipment are suitable for the service provided, having regard to the statement of purpose and the care and support needs of residents. This includes ensuring that:

• residents’ needs and, where possible, their views are considered when premises are designed, maintained, renovated or adapted;
• residents can access relevant areas of the home safely, including bedrooms, communal rooms, dining areas, bathrooms, toilets, visitor areas and outdoor spaces;
• communal areas are suitable for social, cultural, religious and recreational activities;
• bedrooms and personal spaces allow privacy, dignity, safe use of equipment and freedom of movement;
• toilets, bathrooms and showers are sufficient, suitably located, appropriately equipped and accessible to residents;
• external grounds are accessible, safe, suitably seated and designed to meet the needs of residents with physical, sensory or cognitive impairments;
• furnishings, lighting, heating, ventilation, call systems, moving and handling equipment, signage and specialist equipment are suitable for residents’ needs;
• specialist advice, aids or adaptations are sought where required from relevant professionals or statutory agencies.

5. Reasonable Adjustments and Assistive Technology

5.1 Customised Care Plans

• Each resident undergoes an individual needs assessment to determine necessary adjustments to their environment and daily activities.
• Reasonable adjustments will be identified through pre-admission assessment, provider assessment, ongoing review, resident feedback, family or advocate involvement, professional advice and day-to-day observation. Agreed adjustments will be recorded in the resident’s provider assessment, personal plan and relevant risk assessments, and will be reviewed whenever the resident’s needs change or at least as part of scheduled personal plan reviews.

5.2 Reasonable Adjustment Decision-Making

When considering reasonable adjustments, {{org_field_name}} will assess whether a resident, visitor or staff member with a disability is placed at a substantial disadvantage and what steps can reasonably be taken to remove or reduce that disadvantage. This may include:

• changing a practice, process or rule;
• providing auxiliary aids or services;
• adapting communication methods;
• making physical alterations where reasonable and practicable;
• changing room layout, furniture, lighting, signage or equipment;
• arranging specialist assessment or advice;
• adjusting activities, mealtimes, visiting arrangements or routines;
• supporting access to advocacy, technology or communication aids.

Where a requested adjustment cannot be made, the reason will be recorded, alternative options will be considered, and the resident and/or their representative will be informed in an accessible way.

5.3 Assistive Devices and Equipment

• A range of mobility aids, including wheelchairs, walkers, and hoists, are provided to enhance residents’ independence.
• Hearing loops and speech-to-text technology are available for residents with hearing impairments.

5.4 Alternative Communication Methods

• Where a resident requires British Sign Language, Makaton, Picture Exchange Communication System, objects of reference, communication passports, assistive technology, large print, audio, easy read, interpretation, translation or other communication support, this will be identified, recorded and provided or arranged as far as reasonably practicable. Staff will receive training or guidance relevant to the communication needs of residents they support.
• Accessible written materials in large print, audio, and easy-read formats ensure all residents have equal access to important information.

5.5 Flexible Meal and Activity Arrangements

• Adaptations are made to dining areas and meal plans to accommodate dietary needs and mobility restrictions.
• Recreational activities are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all residents can participate regardless of physical ability.

5.6 Welsh Language and Active Offer

{{org_field_name}} recognises that language is an important part of dignity, identity, safety, well-being and person-centred care. Residents will be asked about their preferred language and communication needs before admission, on commencement of the service and during reviews.

Where a resident’s first language or preferred language is Welsh, {{org_field_name}} will work towards actively offering care and support in Welsh rather than relying on the resident or their representative to request it. This may include:

• recording Welsh language needs and preferences in the provider assessment and personal plan;
• matching Welsh-speaking staff to residents where reasonably practicable;
• providing key information in Welsh where required;
• supporting Welsh language activities, cultural identity and relationships;
• ensuring signage, notices or resident information are available bilingually where appropriate;
• using translation or interpretation support where needed;
• reviewing Welsh language provision through feedback, quality assurance and the accessibility audit.

Where Welsh language support cannot be provided immediately, the reason will be recorded and alternative arrangements will be explored.

6. Staff Training and Awareness

6.1 Mandatory Disability Awareness Training

• Staff will receive induction and ongoing training, proportionate to their role, on disability awareness, equality, reasonable adjustments, accessible communication, dementia-friendly practice, sensory impairment, mobility support, safe use of equipment, dignity, privacy, safeguarding, positive risk-taking, Welsh language awareness and the specific needs of residents using the service. Training needs will be reviewed through supervision, appraisal, incidents, complaints, resident feedback, audits and changes in residents’ needs.
• Training covers communication techniques, reasonable adjustments, and supporting individuals with varying disabilities.

6.2 Recognising and Responding to Additional Needs

• Staff are trained to identify mobility, sensory, cognitive, and communication impairments and to provide appropriate support.

6.3 Promoting Inclusive Communication

• Staff use respectful, inclusive language in all interactions and ensure that communication barriers are minimised.
• Guidance is provided on how to effectively communicate with residents with dementia, sensory impairments, and learning disabilities.

7. Emergency Evacuation and Safety Measures

7.1 Accessible Emergency Exits

• Emergency exits are designed to be accessible for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility impairments.
• Fire alarms include both audible and visual alerts to assist individuals with hearing impairments.

7.2 Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

• Each resident who may need assistance to evacuate, move to a place of safety, understand an alarm, follow instructions or remain safe during an emergency will have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, where required. The PEEP will be based on the resident’s mobility, cognition, sensory needs, communication needs, equipment, staffing support, bedroom location and risks. PEEPs will be reviewed following admission, any significant change in need, room move, incident, fire drill, equipment change or premises alteration.

7.3 Evacuation Equipment

• Evacuation chairs, hoists, and other necessary equipment are available for assisting residents with mobility impairments.

7.4 Regular Fire Drills and Training

• Staff receive training on inclusive fire drill procedures to ensure that all residents can evacuate safely in an emergency.
• Emergency procedures will take account of residents with physical, sensory, cognitive, communication and mental health needs. Staff will know how to support residents who require mobility aids, evacuation equipment, reassurance, visual prompts, hearing support, communication aids or additional time. Any learning from drills, incidents or near misses will be recorded and used to update PEEPs, risk assessments and staff training.

7.5 Accessibility Incidents, Repairs and Notifications

{{org_field_name}} will ensure that accessibility-related risks, defects, equipment failures, premises damage or environmental hazards are reported, risk assessed and addressed promptly. This includes faults affecting lifts, ramps, call bells, hoists, specialist beds, pressure-relieving equipment, bathroom adaptations, lighting, heating, ventilation, fire alarms, door access, signage, flooring, handrails and emergency equipment.

Where a failure, defect or environmental issue affects or may affect the safe provision of care and support, interim control measures will be put in place immediately. The Responsible Individual and Registered Manager will ensure that required notifications are made to CIW, the local authority, health board or other relevant bodies where the regulations require this.

8. Involvement of Residents and Families

8.1 Resident Feedback

• Residents are actively consulted on matters related to accessibility and disability inclusion, ensuring their voices are heard.
• Residents will be supported to contribute to decisions about accessibility, premises, equipment, information, communication and activities in a way that meets their age, capacity, communication needs, language needs and level of understanding. Where appropriate, representatives, families, advocates, placing authorities, commissioners and relevant professionals will be involved. Feedback will be analysed and used to inform accessibility audits, quality-of-care reviews, premises improvement plans and updates to this policy.

8.2 Family and Advocate Involvement

• Families and advocates are encouraged to participate in discussions about accessibility measures and care planning.
• Open channels of communication allow for suggestions and concerns to be addressed effectively.

9. Compliance and Monitoring

9.1 Regular Accessibility Audits

• The premises undergo routine assessments to identify and remove barriers to accessibility.
• Recommendations for improvements are actioned to ensure ongoing compliance.

9.2 Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

{{org_field_name}} will monitor this policy through accessibility audits, resident feedback, complaints and compliments, incidents and near misses, maintenance records, equipment checks, care plan reviews, provider assessments, personal plan reviews, staff supervision, staff training records, health and safety audits, fire safety checks and Responsible Individual oversight.

The outcome of monitoring will be reviewed by the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual and will inform the six-monthly quality-of-care review, the service improvement plan and any required updates to the statement of purpose, written guide, risk assessments, personal plans and related policies.

9.3 Continuous Improvement Strategy

• Regular policy reviews, resident feedback, and accessibility assessments drive improvements in service provision.

9.4 CIW Ratings and Public Information

{{org_field_name}} will comply with CIW requirements relating to inspection outcomes and ratings. Current CIW inspection reports and ratings will be made available to residents, representatives, visitors and commissioners in accordance with regulatory requirements. Where ratings or inspection findings identify improvements linked to accessibility, premises, equipment, communication, inclusion or resident experience, these will be added to the service improvement plan and monitored by the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual.

9.5 Statement of Purpose, Written Guide and Accessible Information

Accessibility arrangements described in this policy must be consistent with the service’s statement of purpose and written guide. Where accessibility arrangements, facilities, equipment, specialist provision, staffing arrangements or the environment change significantly, the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual will consider whether the statement of purpose, written guide, personal plans, risk assessments and related policies need to be updated.

The written guide will be available in plain language and in formats that meet residents’ needs, including large print, easy read, audio, electronic format, Welsh, translated versions or communication-supported formats where required. Residents will receive support to understand the written guide, including information about complaints, advocacy, facilities, activities, health and safety, fire procedures, assistive technology and access to their own records.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• CHW08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
• CHW30 – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
• CHW42 – Communication and Engagement with Service Users and Families Policy
• CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy

• Admissions and Commencement of Service Policy
• Assessment and Personal Planning Policy
• Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy
• Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy
• Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation Policy
• Moving and Handling Policy
• Maintenance and Premises Safety Policy
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Welsh Language and Active Offer Policy
• Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy
• Duty of Candour Policy
• Accessible Information and Communication Policy
• CCTV, Surveillance and Privacy Policy, where applicable

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner where there are changes in legislation, Welsh Government statutory guidance, CIW requirements, the statement of purpose, premises, facilities, equipment, resident needs, inspection findings, incidents, complaints, safeguarding concerns, fire safety findings, accessibility audits or organisational arrangements. Updates will be communicated to staff and, where changes affect residents or representatives, information will be provided in an accessible format and residents will be supported to understand the changes.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.