Access and London Access Forum
Call for information
mapping excercise
The London Access Forum and Inclusion London are carrying out a mapping exercise to identify local Access Groups or Access Forums in London and the regions.
The purpose of this exercise is to identify where these groups are and to identify what information they have and what they might need to enable their Access Group to continue. Local Access Groups could also get involved in the London Access Forum or exchange information.
The London Access Forum have a page on Inclusion London’s website and will be offering information that would be of interest to local Access Groups.
Please email the details of your Access Group or Forum together with contact name and email address to peter.lainson@virginmedia.com or geraldine.ohalloran@inclusionlondon.co.uk
Access Group Resources
Access Group Resources is the information and networking website for local access groups. The aim of this project is to develop the capacity of local access groups – and other disabled people's organisations involved with promoting accessibility – across England and Wales.
The website aims to help groups link up with each other to share issues, stimulate discussion and develop good practice approaches to accessibility and inclusive design. Visit the website at www.accessgroupresources.co.uk
The London Access Forum
The London Access Forum is a voluntary group that provides opportunities for local Access Groups, and other organisations with an active interest in Access issues, to exchange information and ideas, and to work together on matters of common interest. The Forum networks mainly via e-mail but does continue to meet monthly at City Hall, courtesy of the GLA, to review and discuss strategic London Planning applications that have been referred the Mayor’s office. The London Access Forum is coordinated by Peter Lainson who would welcome contact by other local groups with an active interest in promoting the values of inclusive design and management. The London Access Forum depends on disabled people making a commitment to improving the built environment for London’s Deaf and disabled people. There are two ways you can get involved:
- Contact Peter about linking-up the London Access Forum (peter.lainson@virginmedia.com)
- Join your local Access Group and work with Deaf and disabled people locally to improve access to the built environment etc.
Inclusion London will be promoting the work of the London Access forum this will include dates of future meetings, links to resources and details of access groups in London this information will be of use locally as well as regionally.
London Access Forum and Inclusion London are carrying out a mapping excercise to find out where local Access Group are and who running them. If you run a group please let us know your details and we will add them to our data base.
Please get in touch with your details by emailing
Geraldine.ohalloran@inclusionlondon.co.uk
or peter.lainson@virginmedia.com
Minutes of LAF meetings
Update from LAF 9 Feb 2012
The GLA has published for consultation draft supplementary planning guidance on children and young people's play and informal recreation.
The draft SPG includes information and advice on providing for disabled children, see section on inclusion and diversity on page 23 and Appendix 3. The document can be downloaded at www.london.gov.uk/consultation/shaping-neighbourhoods
The consultation period runs until 27 April 2012. To make comments on the document please email play.spg@london.gov.uk.
Recent links from Peter Lainson of the London Access Forum
– if you want to comment please do so directly.
LAF is grateful to Jane Wilmot & Keith Gray for drawing attention to the link below:
www.transportforall.org.uk/news/a-matter-of-urgency-crossrail-must-install-accessible-toilets
Members may also wish to view and comment-on accordingly: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/consultation-and-engagement/accessibility-plan
Visit the link below for details for the DCLG’s recently published guidance on Lifetime Neighbourhoods’.
Read Terry Deere's email about the Consultation on proposed changes to the laws governing powered mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs (DfT 2010-10)
The eAccessibility action plan:
Making digital content accessible by everyone
Latest updated action plan to support the improvement of public websites, IT equipment and online content to suit the needs of disabled people.
Aims to contribute to an inclusive digital economy for people with specific needs. Covers regulation, accessible consumer technology and digital equipment, website services, accessible content, and awareness and promotion.
For more information and to download the June 2011 update visit www.culture.gov.uk/publications
Housing
London boroughs and housing associates are in the process of implementing the London Accessible Housing Register (LAHR).
The LAHR enables social housing landlords to make best use of scarce accessible housing. The effectiveness of the LAHR was established in an independent evaluation carried out by Heriot-Watt University researchers. The newsletter outlines the key findings of the research and gives practical tips for social housing landlords who have yet to begin implementing the LAHR
Free training is now available in e-learning modules. One module gives an overview of the LAHR including the access categories. The second module focuses on how to accurately collect access information in property surveys. These modules, as well as a training manual and sample property survey form, can be accessed at www.london.gov.uk/priorities/housing/housing-need/lahr
A press release marking the end of a project to promote the LAHR is available at www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing/movinghome
The LAHR can make a real difference to the housing opportunities for disabled people and improve the efficiency of lettings processes for social housing landlords.
draft Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance
published by GLA
Mobility
Please see the 3 links below which will be of particular interest to those following the recent debate regarding wheelchair & scooter user in public areas.
www.dft.gov.uk/publications/mobility-scooters-road-guidance
