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Trained researchers for DisabledGo, a national initiative
to encourage disabled people to visit shops, leisure centres and
tourist attractions, have started a new initiative in
Tendring.
After a recent consultation meeting with local disabled people,
work in the district began yesterday (Monday July 21) to assess a
variety of businesses and service providers across the area.
Over the next few weeks, the team will visit and assess all the
premises to be included on the DisabledGo-Tendring website.
DisabledGo is the National Accessibility Project founded by
wheelchair user Dr. Gregory Burke and is committed to empowering
disabled people. The guide to the area will cover over 1,000
different venues and give objective information about access so
residents and visitors can access the community with
confidence.
Tendring District Council (TDC) is supporting the initiative,
allowing Tendring to join more than 50 other UK towns, cities and
areas on award winning website
www.DisabledGo.info.
The researchers met up with members of the Tendring Access Group
and the Tendring Disability Panel at Clacton Town Hall on Tuesday
July 22.
Cllr David Lines, Leader of TDC, said he was delighted the
scheme was off the ground.
"A comprehensive guide of this nature will be of great benefit to
so many people - both visitors and residents alike," he said.
The access guide is available free of charge and will let people
know about facilities such as hearing loops, large print menus,
home visiting services and accessible toilets.
All DisabledGo researchers will ask venues if they would like to
be included and will be carrying identification.
For further information please contact Rachel Felton,
Partnership Manager - Email:
rachel.felton@disabledgo.info
Telephone: 01438 842710, or Nigel Brown, TDC's Communications
Manager - Email
nbrown@tendringdc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01255 686338.
In the photo are, left to right, Vanessa Garrick (DisabledGo
researcher), Monica Butcher, Roy Charlwood, Wendy Bowers, Russell
Butcher, Joyce Coverley (all from Tendring Access Group and
Tendring Disability Panel) and Richard Beaty (DisabledGo
researcher). They are pictured at the top of a ramp for the
disabled at Clacton Town
Hall. |