The Office for Disability Issues, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a progress report for the CIAT-supported Built Environment Professional Education (BEPE) project two years on from its inception as part of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic legacy.
CIAT has been actively involved in the project. The report outlines the project to date and the next steps in passing the baton from government to industry, via the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the industry representative body of which CIAT is a member. These next steps are to embed inclusive design into education and training for built environment professionals at all levels.
The BEPE vision is that every newly qualified built environment professional will have the skills and knowledge to deliver accessible and inclusive buildings, places and spaces; that students will learn the skills that make inclusive design second nature; that educators will inspire students to acquire the know-how, confidence and commitment to make inclusion the norm not the exception and; that professionals will integrate the principles of inclusive design into all projects.
Professor Sam Allwinkle PPBIAT MCIAT, one of the Institute's key participants in the project, said 'CIAT has been actively involved in the Department of Work and Pensions’ BEPE project, and recognises the importance of inclusive design and environments within the design function of Architectural Technology, aligned to the Institute’s core values and ethics of our members.'
'CIAT has also demonstrated commitment to inclusive design by ensuring its inclusion in the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Architectural Technology which directly links to the Institute’s own educational standards. In addition, the criteria for CIAT Awards now make explicit reference to inclusivity.'
Click here to view the report
For information on how CIAT is involved with the project please click here.