Centre for Accessible Environments

The Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) has led thinking on inclusive design in the UK for over 50 years.

The organisation - which is part of Habinteg Housing Association - works across the UK, and internationally, with corporate organisations, the public sector, and cultural and heritage organisations. It's one of the leading providers of access and inclusive design consultancy and training in the country.

CAE has a shared mission with Habinteg to drive greater accessibility and inclusivity of all buildings, environments and services, so that disabled people can be part of an inclusive society and have choice and control over daily life. Its work in the housing sector includes supporting Habinteg developments, local authorities, developers, housing associations and statutory bodies through housing design appraisals, and providing support to plan and deliver accessible homes.

CAE offers technical consultancy and training in inclusive design. This includes access audits, design appraisals, and a wide range of technical training courses from inclusive design awareness to more in-depth technical access standards.

CAE launched the Pathways Academy in 2020. This fully-funded training programme supports young disabled people into inclusion-related employment while helping to grow the next generation of access talent.

CAE provides free advice and support on access through its  Access and Sustainability Advisory Service (ASAS) and can offer clients the chance to book time with its Access Panel which can advise on best practices concerning access and inclusion of the built environment and services, as well as how to mitigate potential barriers using the social model of disability.

Services

CAE’s services include:

• Access consultancy, including housing design appraisals, bespoke inclusive design standards, support through Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stages, access statements and inclusive guidance, as well as compliance checking for the building regulations access standards (Part M)
• Access audits
• Training on disability awareness, inclusive design and technical standards for  public and in-house delivery
• Pathways Academy and supporting the next generation of access talent with training and mentoring
• Access and Sustainability Service (ASAS) for London’s voluntary and community sectors seeking to improve the access
• Access publications and guidance, including CAE publications and design guides
• Expert by experience Access Panel
• Research on inclusive design and consultation with disabled people.

Find out more about CAE, its consultancy, training, research and resources.