Getting to meetings A Disability Perspective

2 Introduction Thanks for asking me to your meeting today. I was really keen to come along because I believe everyone should get involved in things in their local area. It’s no good us complaining about politicians if we never take them to task about the decisions they make on our behalf I have 2 children and am very concerned about their education and would also like to get involved in some of the regeneration projects where I live. I have just received information about joining Stockton Council’s Home Safety Association and am hoping to attend their next meeting to find out more

3 About 5 years ago I began to have health problems due to a long standing condition. I have my good days and bad days- like anyone- but it is often difficult to do things that most people take for granted. This is because our world isn’t always geared up to make sure that everyone can take part in everyday activities. To make my point and help you think about how accessible the places are that you book for meetings, I would like to share the things I needed to consider before coming here today.

4 Getting Here Can I find the name of the person who I need to ring to find out about access? Can I read and understand the papers? – the blooming type is always so small and squiggly Have I got enough time to book Community Transport to help me get there? Have I had details of the meeting in a way that I can understand?

5 Getting In Are the doors wide enough to get through, do they open automatically and if they are glass are the edges marked so I can see when they are opening and closing? Is there a ramp with a handrail into the building? Is there somewhere safe to park my mobility scooter if I take it? Are there dropped kerbs between the car park and the meeting venue? Is the disabled parking or bus stop nearby?

6 Inside the Building Do the staff have a positive attitude to making things easy or do they emphasise how difficult it is to accommodate the things I need? Will the signs be well lit, at the right height and with big enough text for me to read? If the meeting isn’t on the ground floor is there a lift? Will there be a hearing loop so I can hear what the receptionist says? Where is the accessible toilet if I need it? Am I able to open the internal doors which are often very heavy?

7 In the meeting room Is there room for me to manoeuvre my way in to get a seat? Will I be able to see everyone who will be speaking? Is there a hearing loop in the meeting room? Oh no! A Powerpoint presentation where I can’t see what is on the screen or those fiddly little notes Will I be able to read the papers distributed at the meeting?

8 Time For A Break What a lovely cup of coffee, shame there is no sweetener to put in it and eating those biscuits won’t do me any good so best not have one. Is there a cup I can use and straws if I need them? Is the accessible toilet I saw downstairs the only one- it might be a while before I get back!

9 What If I Need to Get Out in a Hurry? How will I know the fire alarm has gone off if I can’t hear it? Who will be responsible for evacuating the meeting in an emergency? Will the lift still work if there is a fire?