Breaking Barriers: Is Britain accessible?

Barnsley College Journalism student, Charlotte Pearce has produced a video looking into whether Britain is accessible for people with disabilities. Charlotte attended Cloverleaf’s Thursday’s Voice group and asked some of their members to share their thoughts and insights. 

 

It is estimated that 60 million people in the UK are disabled. Charlotte has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and has found life in a wheelchair and out, a little bit more complicated than it may seem. 

 

Navigating places in a wheelchair or with disability can be challenging, as many people often face obstacles such as stairs, narrow doorways and inaccessible ramps. 

 

Thursday’s Voice is a group for adults living with a learning disability, autism or both that live in Barnsley.  Several of their members also have a physical disability. The group meets every Thursday and discusses accessibility problems and wider issues facing those with disabilities in the local area. 

 

Charlotte attended one of the Thursday’s Voice groups and interviewed two of their members about the challenges they face when it comes to accessibility. 

 

Julie Gunn, Cloverleaf Advocacy volunteer and Thursday’s Voice Volunteer, said:” I have been diagnosed with Parkinsons, I started doing some voluntary work with Cloverleaf. Accessibility covers getting from transport and access to facilities and groups. It’s important I keep going as far as I can, and Cloverleaf is very supportive. 

 

As my disability increased, accessibly has become quite difficult. Parking is a problem and trying to park near a town centre is difficult. I also had a period of six months where I couldn’t get any public transport as taxi drivers were unable to take me. People like me would benefit more from accessible public transport.” 

 

John Gothard, a Thursday Voice member, said: “People like us must be able to get around easy enough and access different things. Ramps on train platforms as you must come down backwards and I don’t always have someone with me. I wish the platform would be flush with the train.” 

 

How to improve accessibility for disabled people in your area 

 

• Clear signposting 

Having clear signs to show where the nearest disabled access is can significantly enhance the travel experience for disabled people. These signs should be at regular intervals throughout public spaces and at eye –level for people in a wheelchair. 

• Keep disabled entrances and exits clear 

Keeping disabled entrances and exits clear is crucial to ensure that people with disabilities can access buildings safely without obstructions. This includes ensuring cars, temporary structures or objects (such as bins) are not causing a blockage. 

• Review buildings for accessibility 

Where possible, provide a lift in the building or access to a ramp and ensure doors are wide enough to fit a wheelchair. 

 

To watch Charlotte’s video visit: Breaking Barriers: Is Britain Accessible (youtube.com) 

 

 

 

For more information about Thursday’s Voice, visit:  Thursdays Voice (cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk)