Free publications

We have a few publications which are free to download and read.  Below are the current publications we have available for you to download.


Legal Update: FirstGroup plc v PaulleyFront cover of CAR Legal Update showing CAE logo and image of a London bus and a pedestrian pushing a pushchair

The recent case of FirstGroup plc v Paulley has been widely covered in both disability media and the national press. In this legal update, Vivien King sets out the facts of the case, the views of the judges and the implications for service providers.
Download CAE Legal Update: FirstGroup plc v Paulley (PDF)


Sensory Access in Higher EducationFront cover of the 2009 Sensory Access in Higher Education guidance front cover featuring a stylised design on two grey rectangles on a green background

This guidance has been developed in response to evidence from research into the experience of disabled students, commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) during 2008.

This research, along with other sources, suggests that there are cases in which students who are blind or partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing, or within the autistic spectrum are disadvantaged by their campus environment.
Jean Hewitt, previous Director of the Centre for Accessible Environments, was an author of this report.
Download Sensory Access in Higher Education (PDF)


Easy Access to Historic Buildings Front cover of the Easy Access to Historic Buildings publication, featuring a photographs of visitors using a touch-screen computer, and photographs of three historical buildings including the following adaptations for level-access and a lift for a wheelchair user

These guidelines focus on physical access issues because these often pose the greatest challenges as well as opportunities for historic buildings. Other issues such as lighting, tone, colour contrast and signing are touched upon, while acknowledging the excellent guidance on these aspects of good access design which exists elsewhere.

This guidance note text has been prepared by Ann Sawyer, Centre for Accessible Environments, based on first edition (2004) text by John Adams and Lisa Foster
Download Easy Access to Historic Buildings (link to Historic England website)


Managing Accessible Toilets factsheetFront cover of the CAE Managing Accessible Toilets Factsheet

Under the Equality Act 2010, all organisations have a duty to provide accessible goods and services. The provision of accessible toilet facilities is a fundamental and crucial part of inclusive service delivery and their design and management warrant careful attention.

This factsheet provides an overview of the key issues around provision of accessible toilets including staff training and management recommendations.
Download the Managing Accessible Toilets factsheet (PDF)
Download the Managing Accessible Toilets factsheet (Word file)


Changing Places 10th Anniversary SpecialDownload and read the Changing Places 10th anniversary

A booklet celebrating the incredible accomplishments of Changing Places campaigners over the past 10 years to have over 840 facilities installed across the UK! A brief history of how the Changing Places specifications were established, and real stories of how access to inclusive WCs has impacted people’s lives.
Download the Changing Places 10th anniversary special


Access for All: Opening DoorsDownload and read Access for all opening doors

CAE’s Director, Jean Hewitt, was the main contributor and author of a 2015 EFDS guide to improve access for disabled people in sports clubs. The guide aims to break down one of the main barriers for people with a range of impairments – venue accessibility.

This guidance document is available FREE to download via EFDS. To purchase a printed version, please visit the CAE shop.
Download the Access for All guidance 


Briefing: Accessible Housing Standards 2015Download the accessible housing standards briefing

A new briefing from Habinteg compares the technical specification provided in the 2015 Building Regulations M4 (2), ‘accessible, adaptable dwellings’ with the sixteen design criteria set out in its predecessor, the Lifetime Homes Standard (2011).
Download the Accessible Housing Standards 2015


Briefing – Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) 2015Download the Disabled Facilities Grants briefing

A new briefing from Habinteg explains recent changes to the ways in which Disabled Facilities Grants funding is organised. It presents evidence on why adaptations are needed and the vital importance of continued DFG funding to support disabled people to live independently.
Download the Disabled Facilities Grants briefing


‘Changing Places’ Information

Changing-Places-Information-Kit

Aveso is a joint sponsorship between Astor-Bannerman and OpeMed. Changing Places is an initiative and campaign across the UK that allows carers, families and loved ones to have access to changing facilities that are both appropriate and promote human dignity.

Changing Places are found in locations such as museums, airports, supermarkets, stadia and service stations.
The technical, event planning and PR guidance is helpful for organisations, businesses, service providers or potential campaigners interested in getting involved in Changing Places.

These guidance documents are available FREE to download and print
Download the Changing Places guidance


 View the online toolkit for planning policyTowards accessible Housing: A toolkit for planning policy

Towards accessible housing, is an online toolkit for planning policy compiled by Habinteg and the TCPA. The resources within the toolkit aim to help planners, those involved in planning policy and local authorities understand the implications of the new housing standards, support accessibility within planning, and ensure an increased supply of accessible homes.
You can access the toolkit via Habinteg’s website where you will also find a free downloadable version.
View the online toolkit for planning policy


Access to Hotels for People with Hearing Loss

The Inclusive Hotels Network is pleased to present the first of a series of guidance documents about making hotels more inclusive. Access to Hotels for People with Hearing Loss provides practical guidance for the hospitality sector to enhance services for all guests, particularly those with hearing loss or hearing impairments.

Download Access to Hotels for People with Hearing Loss (PDF)


The Use of Hoists in Guest Accommodation

Picture of front cover of hoist guidance document
The Inclusive Hotels Network is pleased to present the second document of a series of guidance documents about making hotels more inclusive. The use of hoists in guest accommodation provides practical guidance for the hoteliers to be able to offer accessible and inclusive hotel rooms.

Download The Use of Hoists in Guest Accommodation (PDF)