THE Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) has now become part of government legislation in order to deal with unjustified discrimination against disabled people, who, because of their disability, are often treated less favourably than someone else.
There are many forms of disabilities, as we have been able to see from the Para Olympic Games recently.
Some disabilities are more obvious than others, such as the blind, amputees and paraplegics (wheelchairs users), but others are less obvious ? partially sighted, those with impaired mobility due to arthritis, MS etc, those with learning difficulties, mental illness and the frail and elderly, all of whom need easy access. Not forgetting, of course, parents with young children in prams and buggies.
The Tavistock Access Group was formed in September 1990 to address the access problems of those with physical, sensory or mobility problems.
We have worked with Devon County Council to get more dropped kerbs in place, have finally gained more dedicated parking places, have worked with the town council to provide new toilets in the market (the best in town!) and finally the council offices and Registry for Births, Deaths and Marriages are now fully accessible.
We are at present updating our Access guide for the town that means checking all the shops and businesses in the town and on the industrial estates.
Over the years improvements have been made, but we would ask everyone to look at their premises again to see how they can conform to the new Act ? this is difficult with listed buildings, but even hand rails, good lighting, opening double doors, a bell to ring and a sign in the window saying assistance is available, would be a step forward.
We are holding our annual meeting on Monday October 18 at 6.30pm at Social Services. Abbey Rise and would invite anyone who is interested in our work or who is experiencing any problems to come and join us.
Angela Bradford
Tavistock Access Group