In the next few weeks we’re setting up an interest panel to provide feedback to major retailers and transport companies about how to best serve the less able community. We need people, who are opinionated and passionate about making experiences better for less able people, to get involved and join the panel. Whether it be expressing your views on suitable products for less able customers, disabled facilities at supermarkets or accessibility of public transport, we’re looking for people with something to say.
We find that, even when it comes to places that are trying to provide good disabled access, they’re often getting the execution wrong at the moment. These places need to hear from people with real-life experience of the problems that less able people have, in order to adjust. For instance, we’ve had enough of the so-called quasi-khazis – where a toilet that is supposedly accessible has either a handrail that is out of reach from the toilet or no handrails at all. A big toilet cubicle is not a disabled toilet unless it has handrails!
Or what about the phenomenon of situating a disabled toilet up or down a flight of stairs? Almost unbelievable though it is, this occurs all the time. Whether it’s just poor attention to detail or a more cynical way of circumventing accessibility legislation, it’s flatly ridiculous. Actually there’s nothing flat about it at all!
Or how about this? It just leaves one lost for words…
We want to be rid of all of these sorts of problems which is why we’re setting up our interest panel to address them. We’re looking for like-minded people to join in and help rectify the situation.
If you are less able or you are a carer/attendant to somebody less able and you want to have your voice heard, then please get in touch with us. It should give us a really good chance to advise research companies on the needs of less able people and for you to have your voice heard on the matters that matter to you.
Of course, we will also be able to provide a certain level of remuneration for anybody who participates. The details aren’t totally confirmed as of yet so we don’t know for sure if it would be online or in person – the likelihood is that it would be a bit of both. If you do have to travel to take part in the panel then we will be able to reimburse your expenses.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in taking part in, please get in touch with us by emailing info@bluebadgestyle.com or calling us on +44 (0) 208 568 7353. This is a chance to get disabled voices heard and let people know what is working and what needs to be changed.
I am a university lecturer in Law. I teach discrimination as part of my subject areas. I also used to work as a Disability Liaison Officer for our students. I have extensive knowledge of some of the ways in which our society can be developed and improved to further access to all who live in it.
I am very passionate about the issues surrounding discrimination and access. I am very keen to be a part of this project.
Thanks for this opportunity.
Hi, I am a new wheelchair user and constantly amazed – and not in a good way- at the poor execution and interpretation of “accessible ” . I am also a consultant physician who looks after young adults, many of whom are disabled. They are an unheard voice most of the time but I’m sure we could get them interested! Happy to get involved 🙂
Thanks Victoria. We agree totally. Please get involved and the more the merrier, we particularly need young adults to take part.