If you want to improve access for disabled people, then where
better to go for advice than to disabled people themselves. That
advice is freely available by consulting members of the City of
London Access Group. The Group is made up of volunteers, most of
whom have varying degrees of disability who live, work or have an
interest in the City of London and who give their time each month
to advise the Corporation on access to the built environment.
The Group meets each month (except August) to discuss national
and local issues involving disabled people such as new and updated
legislation, publications or events. There is usually a speaker at
each meeting who gives a presentation covering a great variety of
subjects of relevance to those with a disability. The views of the
Group are regularly sought on matters out for consultation - from
the City of London Corporation, the Government or such bodies as
Transport for London , and their opinions have influenced major
initiatives.
During the course of the year, street surveys are carried out by
the Group on approximately six occasions, looking at access issues
including lighting, signage, dropped kerbs and pedestrian
crossings. The surveys have proved successful in highlighting areas
for improvement and helping the City of London in creating an
‘Accessible City’.
There are two Sub-Groups to the Access Group:
Planning which meets to look at large planning
applications with the architects or designers of the scheme, to
look at how access in and around the building has been addressed.
These meetings help architects understand just how diverse are the
needs of disabled people and, on many occasions, have resulted in
revisions to the original scheme, ensuring that the building is
inclusive for all.
Highways and Transportation which meets to
discuss any alterations or improvements considered necessary to the
street environment or to public transport and its circulation
around the City.
If you or someone you know has a disability and lives or works
in the City, and are interested in becoming a member of the group,
please email, write
to the Access Office, City of London, PO Box 270, Guildhall, London
EC2P 2EJ or telephone 0207 332 1995.