A Day In Town Andy Berry

Before We Start… This is about a day in a city in Great Britain - it really doesn't matter where it is. We must record our grateful thanks to: – Richard Trelfa – The City Council - who developed the pictures – John Embling - who scanned the pictures – The people and visitors of the City - who allowed us to photograph them

We’re Off!

We‘ve started at the luxurious headquarters of the local Shopmobility where we pick up a scooter and a wheelchair - yes, we're disabled. (For people who don't know about Shopmobility, it's a scheme (operating in most towns and run either voluntarily or by local councils) whereby manual and electric wheelchairs and scooters are available for hire or loan so you can get round town. It's a great idea!)

I’m going Shopping I’m going to show you some of the things I noticed as I went for a day out. You’ll be amused, shocked and, maybe, a little more understanding of what it’s like to be a person with a disability.

Automatic Door

Yippee, first shop I went to had an automatic door. Why doesn't every shop have one? After all, everyone leaves shops laden down with their purchases so why not make it easy for everyone, not just people with disabilities?

Stack ‘em High

That is what a stacked shelf looks like from a wheelchair. Fine if you want something from the bottom shelves. If you want something from the top shelf or something from a shop you can't get into, well, you just ask someone - Don't you? Um, perhaps not, as we'll see later...

Low Level View The low-level world viewed from a wheelchair is strange. It's a funny thing, a feeling of being invisible and almost 'child-like'. I took many pictures to try to capture it, the next slide shows the only one that nearly works. Next time you go out, try looking down at the pavement. It looks a lot further away than in my picture, doesn't it?

Low Level View

At the Bank I need some cash so I find a bank... Oh dear... It's up some steps.

‘Help’ at the Bank Where's the problem, this friendly person offers to get my money. Um, I think not!

Onwards, ever Onwards… Luckily, I find an entrance (round the back off a pavement with a dangerous slope) so I get my cash, finally. All that fuss in the bank made me thirsty. Let's get a cup of coffee...

A Cup of Coffee

How do I get up the stairs? OK, the handrails may represent a 'reasonable adjustment' (whatever that means) - grovel, grovel, thanks a lot! But, at least, there on both sides and the right size. (UK Disability Discrimination law merely requires businesses to make 'reasonable adjustments' and not much else)

Staff Only I think I'll go and buy a book to cheer myself up. I find a shop and a friendly assistant points out where the lift is...

Staff Only Just in case you can't see the 'Staff Only' notice and the combination lock…

Staff Only Eventually, after being suspected of loitering by the security guard, I find someone who knows the code so in I go. Into a grotty goods lift that it creeks it's way upward. (I’ve been in several ‘funny’ places – like being trapped in a corridor in a museum with not enough space to turn my wheelchair)

Unreachable Books

Special Offer This special offer looks interesting. Pity I can't see what it is...

It’s not just Shops…

Did you notice the waste-bin down the steps? Oh dear, what a surprise (!), there's no handrails on the steps. Well, disabled people are all in wheelchairs aren't they, so there's no point in providing them, is there? Um, no, actually we aren’t.

‘Kids will be Kids’ I bet he doesn't consider people who can't move out of his way!

The Bright Side

Yes, this lady is smiling. She’s a fellow Shopmobility customer and is enjoying herself shopping. Just like anyone else! Then, there’s a particular shop…

My Favourite Shop

Uh, hu, it's got a step, I hear you say! Indeed, but they've got a portable ramp and each time I've shopped there, they've helped me without me having to ask. A good example of where staff training overcomes the limitations of the building.

The Moral of this Tale On my way back to Shopmobility, I see a nice set of table and chairs. I think, I've been looking to buy these for some time. I go into the shop...

The Moral of this Tale

Shopkeepers may say "It's not worth the hassle of making our shops accessible". I say: Well, you've just lost my custom! And, to town planners, I say: I'll come back and spend money in your town if you make it easy for me!