It is true, most of us do not appreciate change. Whether change comes about spontaneously or predictably, the promptness in which we adapt and embrace the change at hand determines our success both in the long term and short term, in our private affairs and in our careers/businesses. Furthermore, in this rapidly changing world we live in today with technological and social attitude changes at the forefront drivers, it is inevitable that change will come to whatever industry you are in and accessibility is not immune from it.

This is no different to the built environment and accessibility. So often, I have met with builders and contractors onsite that either are not aware of changes to such codes as the BCA and DDA Premises Standards, or, are often unwilling to embrace the change even though they are aware of it. They often say; “I have done this line of work for 30 years and I have never done it that way” or “Why is it done that way now, I have always done it this way”. The unintentional or sometimes clear reluctances to adapt to change often takes both time and resources away from the potential project deliver time.

Well! no more. I am here to tell you; embrace change whether you are a lift company, a handrail contractor or a builder to name a few. Turn the challenges of change to your greatest advantage.   While your closest competitor struggles to accommodate the changes, you can promptly adapt. This will be noticed by all stakeholders to your final product finishes. This is the difference in you or your company getting that phone call or email asking you to join the next tender team. Successful and promptness adaption to change means the project delivers are met ahead of schedule.

To get ahead of the curve, one must get in touch with changes to the codes at draft stages at the compilation and completion of the codes. Register in forums, associations or simple ask the specialists questions within their scope and clear any doubts or misinformation you might have. It is the outlook of MGAC that no question is too trivial, however your final product or finishes might look ‘ordinary’ if you do not get your doubt answered by experts or are not aware of changes. So, next time you think of the word ‘change’ think of the words ‘potential, success, efficiency etc.’ as a follow on. Get the edge, and change the changeable, you.

Shak Wais