Find out all about the ethos of Disabled Access Day, events held to mark this year’s event and how to support older people facing mobility challenges.
Disabled Access Day is almost upon us. And, for the very first time, this award-winning initiative will be held across an entire weekend (10 – 12 March).
Here, we’ll look at some of the initiatives arranged to mark this year’s event and what you can do to support older people with disabilities.
How does Disabled Access Day support older people?
Disabled Access Day encourages people with mobility issues to visit a new place or try a new experience they may have been unsure of previously.
Developed to celebrate and encourage good disabled access in public spaces, this initiative enables people with mobility challenges (including older people) to be more confident, active and engaged.
Kiki MacDonald, co-founder of disability-friendly access app Euan’s Guide, stated: “We hope many people get involved with the initiative, and feel inspired to see a part of the country they’ve never seen, or engage in activities that they don’t typically do.”
What events are planned for Disabled Access Day 2017?
A multitude of events have been scheduled to mark Disabled Access Day 2017, including:
- Disability-friendly and awareness events at nine major venues across London, such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Borough Market
- Windsor Castle offering free entry for people with disabilities from 11 – 12 March
- Discounted access for people with disabilities and free tours suitable for the visually impaired in County Durham
- An ‘Accessible Pedal in the Park‘ in Shrewsbury organised by campaign supporters Quest 88
- Manchester City Football Club conducting schools-based awareness events
- Brighton and Hove buses and Metrobus offering free travel for friends/family travelling with people who have a disability across the city
This is just a selection of the highlights. For more information on events near you, visit the the Disabled Access Day website.
Improving disabled access for older people
Disabled Access Day has proved both effective and popular since it was first introduced back in 2015. But, supporting people who face mobility challenges should be an all-year-round commitment.
In honour of Disabled Access Day, here are some of the basic features that can make spaces friendlier and more accessible for people with with disabilities:
- Adequate lighting
- Non-slip walkways
- Escalators/elevators
- Safety railings
- Ramps
- Pedestrian crossings
- Appropriate seating
- Disabled toilet
- Easy-to-read signage
- Simple, uncluttered layout
How live-in care supports older people with limited mobility
At The Good Care Group, we’re committed to supporting people facing mobility challenges.
Our specially adapted live-in care service includes a range of features designed to help older people stay as active and independent as possible, including:
- Home-based mobility equipment needs assessment with occupational therapist
- A supportive approach, designed to fill in the gaps rather than take over completely
- Physiotherapy support with medically trained professionals
- Specialist mobility risk mitigation initiatives, such as our Falls Management Programme
Find out more about how live-in care can help older people facing mobility challenges continue to play an active role in their daily routine.
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