An accessibility audit makes it possible to assess whether a physical space and the services provided there can be used independently and safely by people with different needs. For companies seeking AIS certification, preparing their facilities in advance helps identify potential barriers and better organize the evaluation process.
The inspection should not be limited to checking for the presence of ramps and elevators at entrances. It is also advisable to analyze the routes, signage, available services, and evacuation procedures, in accordance with the criteria of Standard AIS 1/2023.
What can a company do before an accessibility audit?
Before beginning the certification process, a company can conduct a preliminary review of its facilities to assess their condition and gather useful information. This preparation makes it easier to identify potential challenges, although it does not replace the technical evaluation or guarantee a specific outcome.
Check entry points and common routes
The first step is to observe how people enter the space and how they move to the services they need to use. It is important to pay attention to entrances, doors, hallways, changes in level, and connections between the different areas of the facility.
It is also helpful to explore the space from the perspective of those who use it, without assuming that a route that is easy for one person will be easy for everyone. This initial assessment helps identify obvious obstacles that can later be analyzed using the appropriate technical criteria.
Identify barriers and user needs
A company should assess whether there are any difficulties in accessing, navigating, receiving information, or using the available services. Barriers may be physical, but they may also relate to signage, communication, or understanding the environment.
This analysis must take into account a variety of needs, including those of people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. The goal is not to make a technical diagnosis on one’s own, but rather to identify situations that should be examined during the professional evaluation.
Gather information about the space
The available documentation can help in understanding the characteristics of the facilities. Floor plans, records of renovations, and information on utilities or emergency procedures may be useful in providing context for the assessment, depending on the characteristics of the project.
What aspects are reviewed during an accessibility audit?
The AIS assessment covers five functional areas that help organize the analysis of the space: horizontal circulation, vertical circulation, services, communication and information, and evacuation. This classification helps to examine the environment in an organized manner and prevents accessibility from being reduced to a single architectural element.
Physical Accessibility and Mobility
The horizontal route allows for an analysis of movement across surfaces and paths located on the same level, while the vertical route considers changes in level and the available solutions for navigating them. Depending on the space, doors, flooring, ramps, stairs, elevators, and other circulation elements can be reviewed.
The assessment must consider how the different areas are connected and whether people can reach the intended services. It is not enough for an accessible solution to exist at a specific location if the route to it presents other barriers.
Wayfinding, Signage, and Sensory Accessibility
Communication and information are also part of the assessment. Signs, markers, points of interest, and call systems can influence a person’s ability to find their way, locate a service, or ask for help when needed.
Therefore, the company should verify what information is available and how it is presented to users. The technical review will determine whether the existing elements meet the applicable criteria and what improvements may be necessary to facilitate navigation and communication.
Understanding the Environment, Comfort, and Safety
Accessibility also relates to how easy it is to understand and use a space. The layout of areas, the labeling of services, and the conditions of use can influence the independence of people with different needs.
Evacuation is another of the functional areas covered by AIS. This section analyzes the relevant elements and procedures to ensure that people can safely leave the space, either independently or with assistance, as appropriate. The review must be tailored to the characteristics of the environment and comply with applicable documentation.
How is the audit integrated into the AIS certification process?
The audit is part of a broader process that begins with a request for information and the opening of the case file. Evidence is then collected and analyzed, potential improvements are identified, and a technical review is conducted before a final decision on certification is made.
Evidence Collection and Technical Analysis
During the assessment, authorized professionals gather physical and documentary information about the space. This work may include inspecting existing elements, taking measurements and photographs, and recording evidence using the tools provided by the AIS system.
The information is analyzed in accordance with the requirements of Standard AIS 1/2023. The purpose is to determine which conditions are met, which require improvement, and what level of accessibility could be achieved based on the criteria applicable to the space being evaluated.
Audit, Assessment, and Proposed Improvements
Once the results have been analyzed, the procedure calls for an action plan aimed at improving accessibility. The organization can use the recommendations to decide which actions to take, taking into account the identified needs and the characteristics of its facilities.
Next, an audit technician from the ARS Foundation reviews the study and the corresponding proposal. It is important to distinguish between these functions: the collection and initial analysis of data do not constitute an audit, nor does the proposed opinion in and of itself constitute approval of the certificate.
Assessment and Issuance of the Certificate
Following the analysis and audit phases, a draft opinion on the level of accessibility is prepared. Approval of the certificate is the responsibility of the ARS Foundation’s Certification Committee, in accordance with the procedure established by AIS.
The result is expressed on a scale of one to five AIS stars. Prior preparation can facilitate the assessment and help identify areas for improvement, but it does not guarantee the award of a specific category: the result depends on the conditions observed and the applicable requirements.
Conclusion
Now you know: an accessibility audit allows you to assess the conditions of a space and identify barriers that may hinder access, movement, communication, or the use of services. Preparing the facilities involves reviewing the routes, identifying potential difficulties, and gathering useful information—without confusing these preliminary checks with the official technical evaluation.
In the AIS procedure, evidence collection, results analysis, the action plan, the audit, and the report are all part of a process that culminates in the approval of the certificate. For a company, understanding these phases makes it easier to organize the project and allows it to use the results to plan improvements and maintain accessibility over time.
