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14 April 2004 D3/2004
Downland supports the valuable work of local access group
Downland Housing Association has pledged its support for the valuable work of East Grinstead Access Group with a donation of £500.
The funds will go towards the day to day running costs of the voluntary group which relies on grants to enable it to carry out its mission - to make life in the built environment more comfortable for everyone.
East Grinstead Access Group was formed in 1997 with the idea of heightening awareness amongst the able bodied of the difficulties encountered by people with disabilities and mobility problems. During their seven years of existance they have been consulted from County Council level downward and have carried out access audits in churches and village halls, doctors' surgeries and even hospitals.
“Here at Downland we were delighted to make a financial contribution to the work that the Access Group is doing across the county and we would also value the benefit of their expertise ourselves,” said Chief Executive, Mary Coburn.
“We will be seeking their advice on any improvements we can make on our own offices to make them accessible to all as part of our ongoing commitment to equality and social inclusion,” she added.
The Disability Discrimination Act came into being in 1995, setting out targets for various types of service providers to enable them to provide a better level of service than had previously been available to people with disabilities. This has meant that the Access group, like many others around the country, has been alert to the shortcomings of our local built environment and has been able to make helpful suggestions to the right people.
“We have given the once-over to many service providers' properties,” said the group’s Chair, Sue Hull.
“We have also had a good rapport with many shops and even the head office management of many chain stores have been grateful for our reminding them of their duties under the Act.
“The good thing is that everyone benefits from the improvements, not just those with disabilities.
“We would love to recruit new members, especially some able bodied ones, to help us in our work. Interested people are welcome to visit our office in the foyer of East Grinstead Library,” she added.