(CQL) where the original Equalizer locker was developed in conjunction with the IFI and has a registered design number 3012926. T is locker, specifi cally designed for wheelchair users, provided a well-organised space for the storage of hanging clothes, holdalls, shoes, accessories, wallets and keys, as well as prosthetic limbs and walking aids. To accommodate the requirements of the ambulant disabled, or carers, CQL also incorporated a locker registered design number 3012927 which provided similar accommodation. T e advent of the DEA heralded changes to the IFI
accreditation system that did away with the specifi c recommendation of certain products and instead brought in the best practice baseline, which laid out a size and specifi cation aimed at establishing what was necessary for disabled users. ‘Our advice is in line with the Sport England
accessible products guide, which means all bodies associated with providing good disabled access are now singing off the same hymn sheet,’ explains Gideon Feldman, projects offi cer for the IFI. ‘Any site that applies to the IFI for guidance on
access for the disabled will be given help to ensure that they meet the new requirements in providing the best possible accessible environment. T is gives the provider a big thumbs-up by discussing their requirements with the IFI, yet it’s important to stress that those that don’t do so can still off er a good service and meet the necessary requirements,’ he continues. Sport England itself has commented that, in many
cases, changing areas are inadequate and poorly designed – particularly for disabled users. T e design of an area will often aff ect a user’s
perception of the facility and, if done badly, can restrict or prevent customers using part or all of it. Fit- for-purpose locker provision, for example, is becoming more important than ever and products such as CQL’s Equalizer are well placed in meeting the IFI’s and Sport England’s mission to see standards rise. Sport England states that village changing should
consist of large open plan changing areas with benches, and enclosed rooms for families or small groups of users, together with a selection and style of locker to suit each individual group. T is ranges from families, parents with one child and adults utilising the facilities before or after work, to the casual swimmer who comes pre-changed. Meanwhile, the needs of disabled people should be considered at the early stages of design. Sport England stresses a need for adequate space in
all changing areas for wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments to transfer to self-propelling skeleton waterproof chairs. Finally, a minimum of two self-propelling skeleton
waterproof chairs are required, for wheelchair users, and for the ambulant disabled who become less mobile without their aids.
ALL BODIES... PROVIDING GOOD DISABLED ACCESS ARE SINGING OFF THE SAME HYMN SHEET
T e IFI echoes many of these requirements,
insisting that to meet its best practice guidelines, disabled access lockers should have tactile and braille numbering. ‘What we’ve set out is the best practice ideal, giving
the leisure providers the best possible opportunity to tick all the boxes,’ explains Feldman. ‘Importantly, it is hoped that by providing advice and guidance, providers will now have a high percentage of units that meet these requirements, which highlights just how important access and changing facility environments have become. ‘T e fact that these requirements now also come
under Part M of the building code means they carry more weight than previously and show that providers are serious about delivering not just basic but good disabled facilities.’
www.imspa.co.uk
Sportphysical activity &
May 2011 »39
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