Disabled Access Day happens every other year on 16 March, and it is an initiative to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive access. Inclusive access ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate fully in society without barriers. This awareness day promotes better accessibility, equal opportunities and inclusivity and allows for better access to education, transportation and public spaces. Held in March as the weather starts to warm up, Disabled Access Day is a great time for people to get out and visit various venues, test their accessibility features, and see how well they meet the needs of people with disabilities. The event reminds society that accessibility should not be an afterthought, but a priority in everyday life.

Whilst Disability Access Day is a moment of celebration and progress, it is important to recognise that accessibility is a year-round concern. Ongoing efforts, policy changes, and investment in better infrastructure are necessary to close the significant gaps in accessibility. This is something that needs to be addressed as public spaces evolve.

Euan’s Guide Promoting Accessibility

Disabled Access Day was created by Paul Ralph, a power chair user, after he attended an initiative to ‘try it out’ from his local bus company. Prior to this, he did not use the bus network as he did not know about the accessibility, but following the trial, he now is a frequent bus user. From this arose the idea of encouraging disabled people to try something new. The Day was then sponsored by Euan’s Guide; this charity has a website which provides a place for disabled people, and their family and friends, to share Disabled Access Reviews.

The platform serves as a user driven guide where people with disabilities can share their experiences of places they’ve visited. The reviews include restaurants, hotels, attractions, and other public spaces. The reviews focus on practical aspects of accessibility, such as wheelchair access, the availability of accessible toilets, parking, and how accommodating staff are to people with various types of disabilities.

Euan’s Guide aims to help disabled individuals find locations that meet their specific needs, making it easier for them to plan outings, travel, and engage in activities with confidence. It is essentially a “TripAdvisor for accessibility,” providing honest insights about how accessible different places are. The site also has a helpful feature that allows users to filter places based on the specific needs they have, such as accessible bathrooms, hearing loops for those with hearing impairments or whether service animals are allowed at the venue.

The website is used to enable disabled people, and those around them, to find accessible venues around the UK and beyond. The website is part of a charity of the same name, founded in 2013 by the late Euan MacDonald MBE, a powerchair user, and his sister Kiki after Euan was diagnosed

with Motor Neuron Disease. They discovered first-hand how the lack of disabled access information made everyday experiences stressful. Euan’s Guide was born after discovering that other disabled people experienced the same challenges to bridge the gap in formation about accessible spaces.

Clinical Negligence and Accessibility

Those who have suffered Clinical Negligence may be affected by a lack of accessibility. Medical errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, birth injuries, or delayed treatment can often result in long-term disabilities. In some cases, negligence in providing proper care to existing conditions can also worsen a person’s health, leading to permanent impairment. Disabled Access Day can assist those who have suffered to attempt to live as independently as they would, had negligence not occurred.

The Clinical Negligence team at Williamsons are committed to ensuring those who have suffered from negligence and subsequently struggle with new impairments get the compensation they need. This may not just be for the pain and suffering but for medical treatment such as rehabilitation. The Clinical Negligence team also have a wealth of experience in instructing experts, for example those who deal with accommodation, to ensure that Claimants are able to live independently in their own homes.

If you, or a family member, have suffered from Clinical Negligence which has left you with a permanent impairment or disability, contact Williamsons on 01482 323697 to explore if we can assist with a claim.