Having disability access is not only a must but a right. However, this is not always seen, there needs to be major change surrounding access to ensure that this is carried out in the UK and around the world so that diverse needs are met.

The Public sector equality duty states that all public organisations are to consider and think about how their policies and decisions affect those who are protected under the Equality Act. The Equality Act 2010 promotes equality in every aspect of work, including the access to buildings and various services. Failure to make changes leads to failure of independence and increases difficulties faced by disabled people.

Public places are required to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people are not discriminated against or placed at a disadvantage.

A lack of understanding leaves people unaware that there is not one type of disability. Therefore, it is important that society is altered to ensure that each person can be as independent as possible. There is a clear divide in many areas that do not live up to the individual needs of those who need extra support in day-to-day life. Many feel neglected and alone when consistent pressure is added just by leaving the house for example.

The added pressure on disabled people from society can cause a variety of different mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Sometimes a lack of money stops different businesses and public services from adding or changing certain parts of their buildings or work guidelines but not always, sometimes it is due to ignorance or a lack of understanding.

Some possible things to add and change that can be made at a relatively low price are:

• Staff or customer bathrooms to be refurbished so that everyone can easily access and use them
• External and Internal lighting to be upgraded

• Business websites to be adjusted so that visually impaired people have access to any added services they may need, such as a text-only version/immersive reader options etc
• Local disability and access groups can be contacted on their views of what they think should be altered as well as asking disabled visitors/employees on their views of what could be added to make it easier

How can you help someone with a disability?

Invalidating people and their disability causes a lot of harm, you can help towards steering away from this, here is how:

• Be polite and patient when helping

• Look and speak directly
• Don’t patronise, or talk down, use normal tone of voice
• Identify barriers to review systems
• Know the long term affects that are created from society for an individual to carry out day to day activities
• Always make sure you are promoting independence in whatever way that looks like

• Start difficult conversations with people you know and show them what you know and how they can help too
• Be aware of the rights disabled people have and which ones they don’t have

An example of helping someone: If someone needs a ramp to get them off a bus or train, just do it. Don’t say or ask anything. Just be nice.

One of the major changes that need to take place is the recognition that everyone has diverse needs, and some people need more help than others and that’s okay. When people don’t understand this, it often leads the individuals to feeling neglected and as if they are not important within society, the changes that need to be made should include making disabled people a priority so that these feelings are no longer felt.

There is still hope! a day that celebrates the good access that is already in place is Disabled Access Day. This day is dedicated to celebrating good access and creating opportunities for disabled people to try something new. Highlighting the access that already exists and ways it is improving.

Paul, the founder of Disabled Access Day shares his experience of wanting to try getting on a bus with his powerchair for the first time. Often, activities such as the one he describes are surrounded by anxiety and fear for disabled people.

Each year this day encourages people to try something new and to focus on new opportunities.

Disabled Access Day was created from Paul’s original idea and supported by Euan and the team at Euan’s Guide, the disabled access charity used by thousands of disabled people to review, share, and discover accessible places to go.

Charities such as Euan’s Guide that are dedicated towards taking the stress away of visiting new places for disabled people is something worth celebrating. As said by the organisation, A series of focused ‘try something new’ events and opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be so easy to arrange.

With time and with the right attention access for disabled people can be improved.

Make sure your organisation is accessible, find out more HERE