Accessibility is a big buzzword at the moment and many would assume that it’s a good thing. However, what happens when places claim to be accessible but they’re not?
False Advertising
The talk of accessibility and inclusivity is everywhere, but often this ends in an anti-climax and can be considered false advertising. Raya, a disabled journalist, has shared his frustrations at turning up to ‘accessible’ places and finding them unsuitable for wheelchair users. He details experiences where there hasn’t been enough space to move around in a wheelchair, or where 2-3 steps is considered ‘accessible’, rather than a ramp. The fact is, many places may be suitable to those with minor mobility issues – but not for those in wheelchairs or with more serious mobility problems. Raya talks about the worries of socialising as a wheelchair user;
“I wish a day would come where I can spontaneously go to any cafe, restaurant, theatre, gallery etc without worrying whether there will be access, whether the lift is working and if the place is spacious enough.”
Accessible – to an Extent
A lot of attractions, restaurants, transport etc. claim to be accessible, but do not specify to what extent that is. This can leave people feeling angry, lied to and upset when the accessibility levels don’t live up to expectations. For example, a mother in Preston took her disabled son to a trampoline park which was labelled as ‘accessible’, only to find out that this meant entry to the building only. She was forced to carry her son up steps to have a go on the trampolines and even more to sit in the cafe.
A Lack of Understanding
There has been concerns raised by multiple disabled bloggers about the lack of understanding of what accessibility actually means. They detail days out in which accessible cafes have had no space for wheelchairs or venues have a limited number of allocated wheelchair users allowed. When wheelchair entrances are hidden through the back of buildings or doorways too thin and counters too high – the thought of accessibility is there, but the understanding isn’t.
Truly Accessible
Adapting older buildings to be accessible can be challenging, however, as there is a lot of development going on around the country – it’s hoped that new venues will all be truly accessible. Being able to understand the needs of all users is important and companies who wish to serve the public should be thinking ahead. Wheelchair users and those with mobility issues deserve to enjoy the same experiences as everyone else, without having to worry about whether the venue will actually be accessible or not.
