What challenges do we solve?

We bring lived experience of disability to every design challenge we encounter. The voices of real people are vital in developing inclusive environments for all. Empathy is a key component of our research, so we are committed to understanding in detail the unique perspectives of customers, passengers and other stakeholders so that we can build and curate experiences that empower everyone, regardless of how they identify, and enable them to connect better with people and places.

We focus on disability and all other protected characteristics under the Equality Act (2010) to ensure solutions are not only accessible from a physical, sensory, and cognitive perspective but inclusive to all users. Whilst this varies from project to project, we’ve worked with museums on the importance of easy-read formats, advised airports on the design of their multi-faith areas, and ensured event planners have considered the socio-economic barriers that might arise from increased ticket costs.

Our work doesn’t stop with the customer, guest or passenger; we believe change starts from the inside out and have worked with the likes of VisitEngland, Ashford Borough Council, the National Railway Museum, SeriousFun Children’s Network and COP28 to ensure that staff and volunteers have improved awareness and empathy and can work within inclusive internal cultures.

Importantly, we help our clients to better understand those who use their services and give them the confidence to become better advocates, providers and employers. Most people want to do the right thing; we give them the tools and resources to get started and continue moving in the right direction. 

Why work with us?

What sets our team apart is their kindness and quality. We truly care about the projects we work on, and often have first-hand experience of the barriers faced, which can ‘humanise’ the process of finding solutions.

A cornerstone of our approach at Mima is the ‘nothing about us, without us’ ethos and we support the Social Model of Disability in all we do. Our team is led and run by access consultants with lived experience of disability and other protected characteristics under the Equality Act (2010). We pride ourselves on designing equitable experiences (physically, socially and digitally) to those with permanent, temporary and situational impairments and access requirements, whether customers or staff members.

Our work is always varied and interesting. We’ve authored inclusive design standards for Heathrow Airport, advised on inclusive exhibitions for the National Science and Media Museum, delivered training sessions on social and operational accessibility for Expo 2020 staff and volunteers, audited dozens of outdoor sites for Forestry England, and were the access consultants for COP28 in Dubai.

As our clients, we bring you on this journey with us. We never have, and never will, have a militant approach to accessibility and inclusive design, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t able to challenge perspectives and test boundaries when needed. If you’re looking for consultants to simply help you achieve compliance, we probably aren’t the team for you. Best practice and beyond? We’ve got you.