Inspired by his own personal experiences Christian Drewitt Founded Access Glos in April 2018.
Christian believes that everyone should be able to have the same quality of life as others, access Glos has two aims: Its first being able to help Gloustershires's businesses understand the importance of accessibility. Through giving reports and advice on the matter and for business to see this is not always a costly task.
They hope that by doing this they raise awareness of the challenges many disabled people face.
uploading reports online makes the disabled community less afraid to leave the house as they know of accessible venues.
Accessibility isn't necessarily the obvious, for example:
•Emergency cords in disabled toilets can be tied up or have pull rings making them unusable. With some toilets not having one all
. 2010’s equality act states the size limit for toilets must be 1500mm by 2200mm or larger, many are smaller or without an accessible layout leaving people in an awkward position.
.Doors are another huge,automatic doors would be best but could be costly. A cheaper option would be wide, lightweight doors would allow for easy access.
• color schemes are super important as black,shiny or mirrored surfaces can be confusing for people with dementia or sensory issues.
. Many individuals don’t know the reason for the use of mirrors in lifts,mirrors enable wheelchair users to see what is behind them when they enter or leave a lift.
Christian hopes to improve the streets of Stroud Town and has recently audited every street in Stroud's Town, noting areas that need improvement, this in depth survey included. Quality of paving, dropped kerbs and pedestrian crossings and much more, his report will be shown as evidence to enable funding, improving the quality of Stroud's town.
Christian told me "This is hugely exciting and it is a great feeling to be doing work that is actually helping to make physical differences to areas in Gloucestershire."
The team have been working on improving Stroud's train station, as well as the much needed adjustments to disabled toilets. Discovering that few of Gloucestershire’s disabled toilets met the requirements.
Christian’s advice for anyone wishing to make their event, venue or shop accessible is to research accessibility, his team are always happy to speak to anyone regarding questions they may have.
He would advise people to tell others the changes made and the effort they make in order to become more inclusive. Access glos's surveys include advising businesses on how to cater for disabled employees, including making sure their business is accessible and that they have had the correct training.
Running access glos has put Christian and his team in touch with many incredible people,
One example being the owners of ADI Access, the producers of roommate, a small box that goes inside a diasabled toilet to aid the visually impaired. Roommate describes the surroundings meaning no assistance is required for them to use the loo. This is an amazing idea and would be a brilliant addition to any disabled toilet
Over the next few years, glos wishes to work with more of Gloustershire's repeating similar projects to Stroud's.
I for one found this blog helpful and informative. I have come against my own issues, my power chair is brilliant but being stuck in a disabled toilet is not. venturing to Stroud’s feels too dangerous. If I managed to get there many of its shops are very small or have steps
It’s going to be such a long time until I'm allowed shopping, but I hope when I can things will start to change.
If you want to get in touch click the
link below:
http://www.accessglos.co.uk/
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