Accredited disability access consulting for architects, building surveyors, developers, councils, facility managers and property owners across Melbourne and Victoria.
Accessibility requirements can affect planning, building approval, design, construction and the ongoing use of a property. Engaging a disability access consultant early helps identify compliance risks before they become approval delays, redesign work or costly rectification onsite.
Access Solutions National (ASN) provides practical advice on the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), the National Construction Code (NCC) and the AS 1428 suite of Australian Standards. Our advice is tailored to the project, clearly documented and focused on workable outcomes.
Request a fee proposal or call 1300 276 222 to discuss your Melbourne project.
Disability access consulting at every project stage
ASN can assist from early feasibility through to construction and completion. The earlier access requirements are considered, the more opportunity the design team has to resolve them efficiently.
- Concept and schematic design: early review of access pathways, entrances, circulation, sanitary facilities and other key accessibility provisions.
- Design development: detailed assessment of drawings against relevant NCC and Australian Standard requirements.
- Building approval: clear reporting to support discussions with the building surveyor and project team.
- Construction: responses to design changes, shop drawings and access issues identified onsite.
- Existing buildings: onsite access audits, due diligence advice and prioritised recommendations for improvement.
Our Melbourne disability access services
Depending on the project brief, our disability access consultants can provide:
- Desktop access audits of architectural drawings and documentation
- Onsite access audits for existing buildings and completed works
- Accessible design advice and design solutions
- Performance Solution reports where a suitable alternative approach is required
- Luminance contrast testing for building elements and finishes
- Advice relating to accessible paths of travel, ramps, stairs, handrails, doorways, circulation spaces, sanitary facilities, signage and tactile ground surface indicators
Who we work with
ASN supports building surveyors, architects, designers, developers, government departments, local councils, education providers, business owners, facility managers and community organisations. We understand that each client needs advice presented in a form that can be acted on by the wider project team.
Our reports identify the relevant issue, explain the applicable requirement and provide a practical recommendation. Where design options are available, we work collaboratively to help the team find an appropriate path forward.
Why engage ASN?
- Accredited expertise: ASN consultants are qualified and Accredited Members of the Association of Consultants in Access Australia (ACAA).
- Established experience: ASN has provided disability access and inclusion advice since 2002.
- Lived experience: Director Dale Sheppard brings more than 20 years of lived experience of disability alongside academic qualifications and industry experience.
- Practical reporting: advice is written to help project teams understand the risk, requirement and recommended response.
- Independent advice: our focus is an accessible, compliant and workable built environment.
What we need to prepare a fee proposal
For a prompt and accurate proposal, send us the project address, a short description of the development, the current project stage, available drawings or reports, the service required and any approval deadline. We will review the information and confirm the proposed scope.
Not sure which service you need? Send the available documents through our fee request form and explain the issue you are trying to resolve.
Frequently asked questions
When should I engage a disability access consultant?
Ideally, engage an access consultant during concept design. Early input gives the team more design flexibility and reduces the risk of accessibility issues being discovered during approval or construction. ASN can also assist at later stages and with existing buildings.
Does DDA compliance replace the NCC?
No. The DDA, NCC and referenced Australian Standards operate differently and need to be considered in context. A project may need to address building compliance requirements as well as broader discrimination risk. ASN can explain which requirements are relevant to the project brief.
Can ASN review drawings before a building permit application?
Yes. A desktop access audit can identify issues in the documentation before submission and provide a clear schedule of findings for the architect, designer and building surveyor.
Do you work outside Melbourne?
Yes. ASN provides consulting services across Victoria and can assist clients elsewhere in Australia depending on the service and project requirements.
Discuss your project
Get practical disability access advice before an issue affects approval, construction or operation. Request a fee proposal, review our pricing information or call 1300 276 222.