Access Consultancy has provided an invaluable voice in the construction and property sectors over the years, guiding the industry toward a more holistic goal of creating environments which are inclusive to all potential users. Almost by necessity, the advice provided has hinged on the codified requirements documented in the relevant referenced standards.
Scratch the surface however, and it becomes clear that the evidence base for these codified requirements has long been outdated and may have even lacked the validity necessary to apply them so generically. Functional Access Solutions are motivated to progress common practice to ensure that buildings being constructed or refurbished are achieving their desired outcomes.
Universal Design and the seven underlying principles, as formulated by The Center for Universal Design (North Carolina State University), provide a mechanism to achieve this. Universal Design presents a process rather than a codified segregating set of requirements, drawing directly on the knowledge and needs of the end users.
We invite anyone with an interest in applying these principles in their projects to contact us to discuss and tailor an approach for you.
Scratch the surface however, and it becomes clear that the evidence base for these codified requirements has long been outdated and may have even lacked the validity necessary to apply them so generically. Functional Access Solutions are motivated to progress common practice to ensure that buildings being constructed or refurbished are achieving their desired outcomes.
Universal Design and the seven underlying principles, as formulated by The Center for Universal Design (North Carolina State University), provide a mechanism to achieve this. Universal Design presents a process rather than a codified segregating set of requirements, drawing directly on the knowledge and needs of the end users.
We invite anyone with an interest in applying these principles in their projects to contact us to discuss and tailor an approach for you.
George Xinos - Principal Consultant
George is an Access Consultant with fifteen years of experience in working across a number of services in the disability sector. As an occupational therapist he has worked with people with disabilities with a wide range of diagnoses and abilities including physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, and across all age groups. Combined with a background in design, access consultancy and home modifications for people with disabilities, George is well equipped in developing, managing and delivering specialist projects in complex environments and conditions.
George has acted as a seasonal lecturer / tutor across all Occupational Therapy schools in Victoria (LaTrobe, Monash, Deakin and Charles-Sturt Universities), as well as the Schools of Architecture at Deakin and Melbourne Universities. He has presented at a number of national conferences in the area of Assistive Technology (includes Environmental Modifications) and was a regular contributor to Award Magazine in the area of accessibility and Universal Design. More recently George has also facilitated workshops for training providers such as Yooralla's Assistive Technology Learning.
His high level communication skills and understanding of the complex nature of disability, assist George in delivering outcomes which meet the expectations of all stakeholders.
Click here to download a brief CV.
George has acted as a seasonal lecturer / tutor across all Occupational Therapy schools in Victoria (LaTrobe, Monash, Deakin and Charles-Sturt Universities), as well as the Schools of Architecture at Deakin and Melbourne Universities. He has presented at a number of national conferences in the area of Assistive Technology (includes Environmental Modifications) and was a regular contributor to Award Magazine in the area of accessibility and Universal Design. More recently George has also facilitated workshops for training providers such as Yooralla's Assistive Technology Learning.
His high level communication skills and understanding of the complex nature of disability, assist George in delivering outcomes which meet the expectations of all stakeholders.
Click here to download a brief CV.
