ACCESS INTEREST GROUP NEWSSHEET

Newssheet Issue 1 - September 2006

Welcome to the first issue of the Access Interest Group news sheet. This news sheet is being produced intermittently as a result of feedback received through the recent survey as one way of keeping the group members up to date with information regarding the Access Interest Group's ongoing work within Darlington .

Access Interest Group Meeting

The next meeting of the group is taking place on Tuesday 14th November in Committee Room 2 at the Town Hall between 1.00 - 4.00pm.

At this meeting will be John Saxby, Chief Executive of Darlington NHS Acute Trust and to discuss access to the rail network will be from GNER, Graham North, Intermodal Access manager; Chris Mepham, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Team Manager and Carol Timlin, Station and Travel Centre Manager.

If you can't attend but have any relevant question please let us know and we will do our best to raise these at the meeting. Please also let us know if you have any access requirements so that we can accommodate these.

Access Interest Group Web Page

The Access Interest Group has its own web page. On this page you will find information about the group, details about future meeting and general information.

The page is hosted on the DAD website and the link can be found by looking down the menu bar on the left hand side.

A-Boards

The group continues to carry out a weekly audit of ‘A’ boards and goods on the pavement within Darlington Town Centre. This vital piece of work helps to ensure that the pavements are kept clear of obstacles.

If you would be interested in helping carry out these audits or you come across any obstacles then please contact us.

Contacting the Police

At the last meeting people were concerned that after ringing the Police on the 0845 6060365 they were not getting any satisfactory response owing to the Police not being local and not knowing the disability issue in question. If you experience this could you please contact Gordon at D.A.D. of when you phoned and the details.

Future Topics

We cannot tackle disability issues if we don't know what they are. So if there are any physical or attitudinal disability access issues you would like as an agenda item at a large meeting or at a themed meeting please let us know.

Dropped Kerbs

Following on from the drop kerb prioritisation survey, we will be going out with a Council Representative to mark up all previously missed dropped kerbs.

Darlington Access for all Award 2006

Once again the Access Interest Group is working in partnership with Darlington Borough Council to organise this prestigious event.

The award itself will be made to a business or organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to ensure that their buildings or open space are accessible to all, and that their organisation's culture embraces accessibility in all of its forms.

If you would like a nomination form please contact DAD on 01325 489999 or alternatively call into the DAD office or the Town Hall reception.

Cycle Paths

A themed meeting was held on 24th August to discuss Cycle Paths in Darlington, their impact on disabled people in particular people with a visual impairment. The Access Interest Group and Darlington Borough Council representatives agree that a small sub-group be set up to set out clear guidance for Darlington Cycle paths.

Produced by Darlington Association on Disability

Registered Charity No. 518265

Tel: 01325 489999

www.darlingtondisability.org e-mail: gordon@darlingtondisability.org