Hackney,
02
June
2017
|
10:26
Europe/London

Help make Hackney an Accessible Place for Everyone

dalstonhighstreet.jpg

Being disabled can sometimes make getting around difficult, but in Hackney the Council is trying to change that, by working with disabled people to make Hackney accessible for everyone, and they are now searching for more people to get involved.

Having limited mobility, vision, hearing, a learning difficulty or other type of impairment can sometimes mean signage on the road, no ramp access or no specialised facilities can make even a trip to the shops challenging.

Hackney Council is launching a campaign, Hackney an Accessible Place for Everyone, this month to highlight and address the access needs of disabled people.

As part of this campaign the Council is organising five guided visits to Stamford Hill, Abney Park, Hackney Central, Dalston and Shoreditch - areas experiencing rapid change and development. During these visits local residents Councillors and council staff will have the opportunity to explore the areas and make suggestions on how access can be improved.

Over 15 local disabled people, Councillors and Council staff who work in relevant departments like planning, transportation and town centre management have received training over the last few months to lead the visits.The visits run from Wednesday 21 June to 17 July.

The Council is looking for up to 20 Hackney residents who are disabled or have difficulty moving around to participate. Each visit will last around 3 hours.

Rob Murthwaite, one of the disabled residents who will be leading the tours said: “As our population gets older, the numbers of people with mobility problems will increase. This is a great initiative that will help ensure that Hackney amenities and services are accessible for all residents into the future.”

 

Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Equalities
Hackney an Accessible Place for everyone is an initiative to highlight and address the needs of people who have difficulty moving around, including disabled people, older people those with young children. This programme will be an opportunity for the Council to hear their views, first-hand experiences and recommendations for future improvement and to help shape the borough to make it an accessible place for everyone.

 
Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Equalities

If you would like to participate please e-mail: rachel.salmon@hackney.gov.uk, or call 0208 356 7732, text: 07941 687 153, stating which visit you would like to attend. If you need any support to help you participate such as information in large print, or British Sign Language, please let the team know when you make contact.

 

Tour Dates

· Shoreditch – TBC

· Hackney Central – Wed 28 June, 10.30 – 1.00

· Abney Park – Tue 4 July, 6.00 – 8.00

· Dalston – Wed 12 July, 5.30 – 8.00

· Stamford Hill – Mon 17 July 1.30 – 4.00