Having Problems with
Accessibility?
Let us show you the way to
go.
How to sort out those
problems that prevent you living your life to the full.
Want to know more? Then
read on.
HOW WE WORK
Over the past five years we have worked closely with both Norfolk County
Council (Planning & Transportation Dept) and North Norfolk District Council (who
support our group).
Our work with the respective councils involves such things as disabled
parking spaces, ensuring that there are sufficient spaces of the correct size for orange
Badge Holders. These badges are shortly going to be changes to Blue Badgers. The
changeover will be phased in over the next few years, to come into line with Europe. We
have surveyed all the car parks in the NNDC area and we are now waiting the repainting to
take place, subject to finance.
We are gradually working our way around all of the market towns in North
Norfolk, both large and small. Within this survey we are dealing with the problem of
dropped kerbs and obstacles placed on the pavements. These obstacles consist of such
things as advertising boards and displays placed on the pavements by shops and businesses.
Poles for holding street lighting and road signs also cause a problem for the
blind/partially sighted and for wheelchair users, especially where pavements are extremely
narrow.
ADVICE AND
ASSISTANCE GIVEN
We also give advice and assistance, both to the disabled and businesses.
Over the years, we have been asked for assistance and advice from various companies,
organisations, village halls, churches and schools.
We were asked for advice by Norfolk Wildlife Trust when they were giving
Cley Bird Reserve a face-lift. Our suggestions were taken on board and can now be seen by
anyone who visits the reserve for themselves. We have also had input into projects at
Hickling Broad and Horsey Mill to name but a few.
Other places of interest and relaxation that have asked for our advice are
Fakenham Gas Museum, Fakenham Regeneration Scheme, Holkham Hall, various hotels, public
houses and restaurants.
As we work towards a better quality of life for the disabled this
automatically improves access for parents with prams and pushchairs. We also help to
advise these people with any problems that they may have with accessibility.
Our Chairman and Vice Chairman sit on other committees concerning
transport, Quiet Lanes, a new venture being tried out in North Norfolk, the new Norfolk
and Norwich hospital and other disability related committees.
THE DISABILITY
DISCRIMINATION ACTION
What is The Disability
Discrimination Act?
This act introduces new laws aimed at ending the discrimination that many
disabled people face. It gives disabled people new rights of access to goods,
facilities and services as well as in employment and buying and renting property.
When does Part III
of the Act come into Force?
Since December 1996 it has been unlawful for service providers to
treat disabled people less favourably than other people for reasons related to their
disability.
From 1 October 1996 service providers have to make reasonable
adjustments for disabled people such as, providing extra help or making changes to the
way they provide their services.
From 2004 service providers will also have to consider making
reasonable adjustments to physical features of their premises to overcome physical
barriers to access.
Extracts taken from the Department for Education and Employment’s
document for small businesses and medium sized businesses, with thanks.
PROBLEM WITH ACCESS?
If you have problems with access, we have a few simple steps for you to
follow. These may help to solve your problem, however if they do not you can always
approach the A.N.N.A. Group for advice. The steps we advise are as follows:-
First write to the person or company concerned, setting out the problem
that you have with access to their premises. Always keep a copy of any letters that you
write for future reference.
Wait for their reply, which could take some time with larger
organisations. Your next move will depend upon the response you receive. If it is negative
or you receive no reply at all, then we suggest that you come to the Access Group for
further assistance. If however you get a positive reply and the work is carried out
enabling you to gain access to the place in question, then you have succeeded in your
Task.
Having unfortunately got no reply or a negative response to your letter,
we suggest that you contact A.N.N.A. sending copies of all correspondence relating
to the problem. We will then look into it on your behalf, writing to all the relevant
people.
Another Great
Site: www.kidsactive.org.uk
or e-mail: ntis@kidsactive.org.uk
If you are interested in finding out more about the access group, Access
North Norfolk Action, then why not come to one of our meetings. They are friendly and
quite informal. The meetings are held at the offices of North Norfolk District Council,
Holt Road, Cromer.
To find out more, and the
time of the next meeting, telephone one of the numbers below:-
For more information
please contact
Maurice Argent –
Chairman
Access North Norfolk
Action
Tel: (01263) 761425 |
