RDF BLOG FOR DISABLED ACCESS
It will soon be time for members of Rugby Disability Forum to start checking what changes have been made recently to provide access to premises in the town. Whilst most of the businesses in Rugby are aware of the need to help, there is still a hard-core set of people who flatly refuse to accept that they need to do anything.
We have had a huge success with our softly-softly approach to the problem; and a few people who ‘went that extra mile’ have received thanks, and a Certificate from the RDF. Members will also be recommending more premises this year, so that we can thank those businesses for their efforts.
However, the Access Co-ordinator for Rugby Disability Forum will soon be visiting shops and premises of non-conformists, and if and when necessary, legal action may be taken against them. Access to shops is not just important for disabled people. People with prams and pushchairs also find a difficulty … and, let’s face it; anybody can find themselves on crutches or in a wheelchair come tomorrow morning.
A local Bank was forced to provide a ramp and then did not stay in Rugby for long afterwards. A Newspaper tried to refuse, and has subsequently had to fold.
This is not what we want; but it is a consequence of defying the rules and regulations of the DDA. (and the council.)
Some local towns are already jealous of our dropped kerbs and ramps. Let us hope that Rugby will soon be able to show the rest of the county what a really disability-friendly town looks like. Help us, and let’s create a town for every body, that we can all be proud of.
The RDF has achieved so much in such a short period of time. We at Rugby First and the Rugby BID completely support you in your efforts to gain better access to Town centre businesses. There are some instances where it is unreasonable to expect complete compliance due to the number of steps and the distance from the street level. However we are all aware of some businesses that only need to feather their step to comply and we just don’t understand why they would resist.
We continue to wish you all the very best and of course we will endeavour to assist wherever possible.