Minutes, 30th August 2005
Chair: David Foster – Tel: 01788 544991
Secretary: John Burrell – Tel: 01788 533796
Rugby Disability Forum – Minutes of an Ordinary meeting held at Hamilton House at 10:00 am on Tuesday 30th August 2005
Present: Gloria Lawley Ord, Pam Jones, Pat Clarke, Tony Woffenden, Sheena Corbett, Anne Clark, Clem Griffiths, Derek Hillman, Ian Haxton, Cliff Dennis, Martin Eversfield, Joanne Roberts, Krys Pietrecki, Jack Lawton, Geoff Wilde, Enid Blencowe, Jan Dunseith, Steve Bunyan, Rosemary Nduicuba, Eileen Cowen, David Foster
Apologies: Sue Hillman, Diane Enefer, Paul Tolley, John Burrell, Tim Margerison, Nicholas Warton, Daphne Johnson, Joyce Carter, Teresa Sharp and Chris McGaffney.
Welcome: David welcomed all new members to the meeting, including Enid Blencowe
1) Minutes of 26th July 2005 meeting.
Accepted.
2) Presentation from Eileen Cowan, Equality and Diversity Adviser for RBC.
Eileen gave her contact details as T: 01788 533608,
e-mail Eileen.cowan@rugby.gov.uk.
Eileen explained that this was a new role both for the council and for her and that her background is as a Service Manager in Domiciliary Care. At the moment the council are working on an Equality and Diversity policy, strategy and action plan, which is going to Cabinet in September; a Race Equality scheme is in draft for consultation and training for Equality and Diversity is currently being set up for council staff and members.
Eileen went on to explain that the council website now carries more information about the Disability Discrimination Bill, shows detail about services for disabled people on the A-Z listing and has more relevant links to other organisations that may be useful.
There is now a duty on all public authorities to ‘promote disability equality, in relation to al policy and practice including planning, policymaking, service delivery, regulation, inspection, enforcement and employment.’
Eileen’s role is to promote equality and diversity within and outside of RBC. One of Eileen’s first tasks in relation to disabilities is to prepare and publish a Disability Equality Scheme and Action Plan, and she will ensure that RDF are involved at the draft stage.
The council’s goal is to ‘narrow the gaps in the outcomes and experiences of disabled people’ and Eileen will be working towards that goal by firstly, ensuring that all Rugby residents have equal access to the services provided by RBC. Secondly, using this good practice and example, she aims to guide and advise other businesses in how they too can provide equality of access.
Jack clarified that Eileen’s position had no ‘real teeth’ when it comes to changing the way that businesses operate. Eileen confirmed that, whilst she may be unable to force other businesses to provide equality of access, she is able to offer guidance and advice.
David stated that RDF is a group that is already making things happen and suggested that Eileen meet with the committee to talk about what’s happened so far.
3) Matters Arising.
a) Table Top Sale: Was a success, raising around £150. Gloria would like to organise another for Hamilton House, as RDF no longer needs the funds. This led on to a wider discussion about the future of RDF, what it is about and the long-term vision for the Forum.
b) Discussion On The Forum: Referring to correspondence received from Paul Tolley, Council of Disabled People, and John Burrell from RBC, David explained that there are 2 standpoints that can be taken in relation to disabled people.
David said that if there is too much emphasis placed on number 1. then far less importance is given to number 2.
Paul’s letter agrees with this and suggests that the Forum draw up a list of activities that it would not want to be associated with and rigidly stick to it. He is also concerned that the standing that RDF has achieved with RBC and others could be unwitting undermined by the Forum if it does not decide now which of the ‘models’ it wishes to be seen to promote.
This view is echoed in the email from John Burrell who expressed concerns about the Forum having a social fund as this was not what the Forum was created for. He concludes by saying that if the focus of the group was to change from a practical, get things done, group to a fund raising organisation, then he would have to re-consider his involvement.
Krys agreed with all comments made so far and stated that RDF is unique in this area and needs to keep its campaigning status. She would like to be able to use RDF as a good example when helping other groups set up around the area.
David suggested that fund raising activity being arranged by Gloria would focus on raising funds for Hamilton House.
Jack said that the Forum must be very clear in that Gloria and anyone else involved in fund raising, is doing so ‘off their own back’ and not in the name of RDF. He reminded everyone that there is a constitution in place.
Martin asked how the Forum would raise money if funds run low. David explained that the forum raised funds from the Wheelchair Race i.e. sponsorship and the self-financing of that particular project, would be used. Jack added that when funds run low he was sure that grants will be found.
Jack proposed that RDF would not become a fund-raising organisation. Martin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
c) Social Function: left until next meeting when David would report back.
d) Service Call: Pam reported that she had asked for leaflets which were on their way. She suggested that the organisation be invited to talk to the meeting and explain the service. David will talk with John, Jack, Pam and Tim and come back with either a date for a discussion or an invitation to address the meeting.
Eileen asked what Service Call was, Pam explained that it’s a scheme whereby assistance with access from the car is provided by some businesses like Tesco. Some but not many companies are signed up.
Jack suggested that this should be part of the Forum’s campaign plan and reminded the group that there is a lot to be learned from attending national exhibitions.
4) AOB:
a) John’s Spot: (by e-mail)
JB *ACTION JOHN – To report back at next meeting
b) Steve: Reported that Ian has reviewed the book to help people over 50 with computers and found it very helpful. The book is owned by and available to the Forum – Lionel has it at the moment and Joanne will look at getting a copy into the Library.
He advised the group that he will be resigning from the committee at the AGM as he will soon be attending college full time.
Steve stated that the college are very helpful and will do whatever they can to help people with disability who want to enrol. Contact there is Maggie Michale, Inclusions officer on Tel: 01788 338671.
d) Gloria: Any news on the pavements? David responded that they were likely to be done between October and February because, to get a better deal, Rugby, Nuneaton and Bedworth were being looked at together.
e) There followed a short discussion on the fact that roads and pavements in Europe generally are quite bad; Twycross Zoo is very ‘disabled friendly’; Airlines are now very good; there is a phone on the wall at the main entrance to Rugby Railway Station for disabled travellers to call on arrival, for assistance; the ‘disabled persons railcard’ carries the benefit of half price fare for carers and, if travel arrangements are made in advance, then the service is excellent; concern about the charges and availability for disabled parking at Rugby Station – no longer designated spaces.
ME ACTION MARTIN – Check on spaces and report back.
f) Pat: Pavement outside Café Uno is badly sloping, as is Dunchurch Road. David has a meeting with the engineers about all these issues.
g) Ian: Briggs’ shoe shop has poor access but the staff are very helpful.
h) Martin: Drop Kerb Survey now done in the main. The majority are found to be too high.
i) Pam: Klickers’ hair dressers now has a ramp – thanks to RDF
j) Jack: give apologies in advance of the AGM – 25th October
5) Next Meeting 27th September at 10 am @ Hamilton House
There will be a talk from Nick Wharton about the Voluntary Sector in Rugby
Page last updated: November 7, 2005