Summary
Learn why Senior Access Advisor and National Register of Access Consultants member Teresa Rumble's passion for access and inclusive design has seen her celebrate 10 years with CAE.
Our Senior Access Advisor and National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC) member Teresa Rumble has just celebrated 10 years with CAE, which is a testimony to the passion she has for her work. “Inclusive design and accessibility should be equal for everyone, everywhere, all the time,” she says.
Teresa has a wealth of skills and knowledge on everything from inclusive design in museums, galleries and heritage buildings and environments, to human rights and trade union work. How does she bring it all together in her role at CAE? Read on to find out.
What inspired you to specialise in inclusive design and access?
With qualifications in 3-Dimensional and garden design and a background of human rights and trade union work, it felt like an obvious way forward to use my skills and experience.
Fourteen years as an exhibition designer at the British Museum also taught me a great deal about public accessibility of the space and visitor flow while 10 subsequent years as a Customer Services Team Leader for local government taught me how to be nice. (My repeat client and referral rate are testimony to that).
Teresa Rumble, CAE Senior Access Advisor
You’ve celebrating a decade with CAE this year; can you remember how it all began?
I started as NRAC Register Manager (when it sat within CAE) in February 2015, working part-time work on the register and part-time with CAE. I moved over to the CAE role full time in 2017 as I wanted to undertake more of the type of work CAE was doing.
What is your area of specialty for CAE & why did you choose it?
My specialty areas are museums, galleries, heritage buildings and environments, which includes heritage and modern landscapes, gardens and greenspace.
I’ve worked on bespoke accessibility guidelines and support CAE’s work with compatible organisations. I also work on modern commercial new builds, which should, in my opinion, be absolutely perfect, but sadly they are not…
How do you define inclusive design and accessibility?
Many people think that inclusive design and universal design are the same thing, but for CAE there is a distinct difference: inclusive design provides choice and flexibility. It places people at the heart of the design process, acknowledges human diversity and difference and offers dignity, choice and spontaneity.
Universal design is one design that works for as many people as possible, but the one-size fits all approach potentially excludes those that don’t fit!
Why would you recommend getting CAE in to support clients in achieving greater access in their buildings and environments?
The earlier we get involved in a project, the better. This is to ensure that accessibility is considered from the start, rather than as an add-on at the end or when it is too late. Then continued input throughout a project ensure that accessibility is embedded into a project to ensure that everyone can access and use the environment equally.
Wild flower meadow at RHS Wisely
What impact did the pandemic have on access and inclusive design and has this affected your work?
The pandemic proved that people can actually work from home in a productive and impactful way, something that many doubted before.
Access and inclusive design challenges appeared to have continued – issues relating to necessary space and consideration of all visitors and staff (particularly when one-way systems or outside facilities were being used) was a particular challenge during the latter stages of the pandemic, but now everything is back to how it was.
What do you see as the biggest hurdle facing older or disabled people in the built environment in the next 5-10 years?
Definitely the lack of accessible housing options.
If you could make or change one law today about inclusive design and accessibility, what would it be?
To make the British standards (BS8300 etc.) mandatory rather than advisory and ensure this is adhered to by inspection and sanction. Also, education – people need to understand the reasoning behind these things, i.e. understand the why, otherwise they will continue to make basic errors.
Why would you recommend a career in inclusive design and access to others?
There are many different ways of achieving accessibility. If people are at the heart of what you do, you have one thing already working. Keep the principles of inclusive design always at the front and centre and never forget who it’s for. If you’re a disabled person, we need you! See our free Pathways Academy training and apply.