As a facilities manager, ensuring that your building is accessible to everyone—regardless of their physical abilities—is a key responsibility.  An accessibility audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your physical spaces (and even digital assets) to ensure they meet accessibility standards and legal requirements.  These audits identify barriers that could limit access for people with disabilities and recommend necessary improvements.

Conducting accessibility audits is not just about ticking boxes for compliance—it's about creating an inclusive environment that everyone, including people with mobility, visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities, can use comfortably and safely.  Whether you're managing office buildings, schools, hospitals, or any public space, an accessibility audit helps you stay ahead of regulations and fosters a welcoming environment for all.
In this blog I wanted to briefly explain what an accessibility audit entails, why it's critical for facilities managers, and how you can conduct one to ensure your building is accessible to all.?

Ready to Conduct Your Own Accessibility Audit??

Ideally a full accessibility audit should be carried out by people with lived experience at the centre.  Otherwise, we risk shallow solutions that don't address real barriers.?However, approaching the audit with a genuine intention can go a long way towards achieving a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
An accessibility audit can feel like a big task but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much easier. 
We've created a Facilities Manager's Accessibility Audit Checklist that you can use as a starting point.  This checklist covers all the major areas of accessibility—entrances, bathrooms, signage, and more—so you can ensure you're meeting legal and compliance standards.

Here are the key components usually included in such an audit:

1.  Building Exterior & Approach

Parking: Accessible parking spaces (number, width, signage, van-accessible spots, routes to entrance).
Pathways: Clear, level, slip-resistant surfaces; curb cuts/ramps; adequate width; obstruction-free routes.
Entrances: Step-free access, automatic doors or appropriate handles, clear signage, weather protection.

2.  Entrances & Doorways

Door width (typically ?32 inches clear opening).
Thresholds flush or bevelled (<½ inch).
Door hardware usable with one hand (lever handles preferred).
Automatic or power-assisted doors where needed.

3.  Interior Circulation

Hallways & Corridors: Minimum width, turning space for wheelchairs, unobstructed passage.
Ramps & lifts: Slope, handrails, landing spaces, elevator controls (reachable height, tactile/Braille markings, audio signals).
Signage: High contrast, tactile/Braille signage at key locations.

4.  Toilets

Accessible toilets with grab bars, turning radius, and transfer space.
Sink accessibility (height, knee clearance, lever/touch faucets).
Mirror and dispenser height.
Adequate signage.

5.  Common & Public Areas

Reception areas, waiting rooms, meeting spaces: Accessible counters, seating with space for wheelchairs.
Classrooms/auditoriums: Accessible seating integrated (not isolated), assistive listening systems.
Kitchens/cafeterias: Counter heights, self-service accessibility.

6.  Emergency Egress

Accessible exits (not just entrances).
Visual and audible alarms.
Refuge areas or evacuation chairs where stair use is required.

7.  Lighting & Acoustics

Adequate, glare-free lighting.
Noise control for people with hearing aids.
Assistive listening systems in large assembly areas.

8.  Technology & Communication Access

Accessible kiosks, intercoms, ATMs.
Captioning, induction loops, or alternative communication methods.

9.  Outdoor & Recreational Areas

Playgrounds, gardens, or fitness facilities with inclusive design.
Seating, paths, and amenities accessible to all.

10.  Compliance & Policy Review

Conformance with legal codes
Policies on reasonable accommodations.
Staff training on accessibility awareness.

A good audit doesn't just check compliance, but also usability: ensuring people with different disabilities (mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive) can independently and with dignity access and use the space.