Council responds to needs of disabled people

Herefordshire Council has pledged to improve services for disabled people in its Disability Equality Scheme which sets out actions and targets for 2006-09.

The scheme has been drawn up after consulting with local disabled people, professionals and carers to find out what it is like to be a disabled person living in Herefordshire and what improvements could be made.

The findings indicate that public toilets are the most frequently reported facilities considered difficult to access, and as a result, the council intends to refurbish and improve accessible toilet facilities at Hereford’s Town Hall and in other public toilets across the county.

In response to difficulties expressed by wheelchair users, the council will investigate the possibility of fitting automatic doors to the rear of Hereford’s butter market.

Registration will become available on-line alongside a review of how and why people register as disabled.

There are also plans to review how the council involves disabled people in the decisions which affect their lives; working across the authority to ensure that consultation is comprehensive and consistent across the whole organisation.

By the end of 2007 the council plans to have created new work placements for disabled people in each Directorate, and to review how jobs are designed and promoted so that disabled people are in a better position to apply.

Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of the council, said “We have listened to the disabled community and are responding to their needs. 

“This is a council-wide scheme and is about making sure all people are treated fairly and equitably, and that the needs of disabled people are included when planning services. 

“Many of the actions listed are about involving disabled people in the planning and development of new schemes, including housing, transport, health and leisure activities and facilities.”

The Disability Equality Scheme is available to download from this website via the Disability page, or on request by calling 01432 260244.  A variety of formats are available including easy-read.