SDEF newsletter february 2004

We held a very well supported AGM on 8^th December in Stirling and would like to say thank you to all those who came and made it such a success.� We were delighted that our patron, George Reid MSP, agreed to be our speaker on this occasion.� He spoke �off the cuff� for over 45 minutes and during this time you could have heard a pin drop in the room as his talk was so interesting, based as it was on his personal experiences.� I think we were all inspired and filled with enthusiasm, and he left us with a great deal to think about and lot to do.� However, from little acorns giant oaks grow. �For those unable to join us, his speech is enclosed by request.

Again, especially for those who could not attend, I would like to explain the position regarding the removal of the item covering the election process.� Even after all the papers were sent out, we were still hoping up to the last minute we would have received confirmation of the position regarding our bid to become the Umbrella Body for Access Panels.� However, this did not happen, and we actually only received the news in early January.� On legal advice, we therefore decided at that last minute to hold this item over until a later date.� We are currently updating our Memos & Articles of Association, and when all plans are finalised we will send out full details to everyone of the Extraordinary General Meeting which will deal exclusively with this one issue.�

Thank you also for completing the evaluation forms, or for your verbal comments.� These were very useful and have been taken on board.

As you know SDEF has openly and consistently supported the need for a strong Access Panel Network. �After a long time, and a great deal of hard work, we are pleased to report that the Scottish Executive has accepted our costed Business Plan to become the Umbrella Group, and has agreed to fund us over a three year period.� Unfortunately this does not cover our submitted figure in its entirety, but apparently it is usual for voluntary bodies not to be 100% funded, given the demands on Scottish Executive funds.

We have always promised that the Access Panels themselves would decide the support they require. To this end we have invited representatives of all Access Panels to a meeting in Stirling on 8^th March to discuss setting out priorities for the work. �This occasion will also offer the opportunity to agree the election procedures for the Access Panels� representatives as Directors on the SDEF Board.� They will be expected to assume the role of representing Access Panels and be responsible for ensuring the business plan is carried out in the manner and to the costs laid down.

�� Mr. Reid said it was a pleasure to be present, and opened by referring to Article I of the Universal Declaration of Rights which states that �we are all born equal in rights and dignity�, but asked �are we?�

�� His deep interest in disability issues was fostered during childhood, one of his great memories, as a boy in Clackmannanshire, being of preparing a gift box each Christmas for an elderly lady with learning difficulty.� His father, Manager of MacLay�s Brewery, started the first employment in 1950 for people with learning disability, regularly taking people into work which included a large proportion of Polish people who had remained in the area during those post war years. Through these experiences Mr. Reid became aware of the issues concerning people with disability, which has remained with him throughout his life and work with the Council of Europe and at Westminster.

�� Mr. Reid said that he was honoured to be Patron of SDEF and would endeavour to add value to its work.�� He referred to the recent visit to the Holyrood site by SDEF directors, and the Convenor�s comments to an officer� �if you do not know what is required, just ask�, and he stressed the need for increased communication.� He referred to the survey being carried out on accessibility to MSP�s premises and the fact that access should be available to all, and advocated the use of the Press and media, persistence being the key to success.� He commented that work on the Toilet Survey is valuable, with progress ultimately providing service to all as a basic human right.� He commented similarly on the work being done on the Special Needs Transport.

�� Mr. Reid referred to the need for good governance within organisations.� A competitive situation exists now, where many organisations are seeking funds, professional leadership and staff guidance are most important for success.

�� Mr. Reid�s career progressed from working in television on disability programmes, he then moved to ITN, and at that time was asked to stand for

�� election for Clackmannanshire and won his seat.� A social democrat, SNP, Mr. Reid has a basic commitment to achieving a just, caring country.� He is a gradualist, believing in careful step by step progress, building trust and confidence.� He believes strongly that now we are Europeans we must see ourselves as such.

�� He quoted an example of success from grass roots, user led, level when, in 1975, a woman from Dunfermline with an autistic son needed help.� At that time diagnosis was difficult to obtain.� Through her persistence a house was purchased in the area, Struan House, which is now, according to the New York Times, a world centre for excellence in autism, caring for 2.5k people in the community.

�� Mr. Reid had introduced the first Bill to Parliament on domestic violence.� It had become clear to him that women with disability suffered most, not necessarily from direct physical violence, but threats and refusal to assist.

�� From parliamentary business he was offered a position with the International Red Cross, set up in 1859.� There are a billion people with disability throughout the world which remains one of the major economic and social issues.� In Europe and USA most people of 75+ will develop some form of disability;� who pays for it and provides the extra care?� He contrasted this statistic with the situation in Africa and Asia where the young suffer more, due to lack of food and water, high incidence of war, and high levels of AIDS.� Civil wars, e.g. in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq, where women and children suffer most.� In Addis Abbaba in 1984-85 the Red Cross had fed 7.5 million people.� The people had to walk to a food source, when enormous decisions had to be made about who to feed.�� Disabled people, the elderly and the innocent came at the bottom of the rung.� It is a universal matter to create equality.

�� Mr. Reid also spoke of the enormous loss of life and drastic damage to people caused by landmines that were made of plastic and difficult to detect.� They can lie for many years undetected.� There are 22k people killed throughout the world every year due to this.

�� He was present after the Armenian earthquake in 1988/89, having gone there for three days and stayed eighteen months.� 35.5k people dead, many

�� thousands displaced and 800k homeless.� He said that in the West disability was not addressed properly, with funds put into kidney machines which were

�� only successful if provided instantly and with appropriate infrastructure. Loss of limbs was a far more urgent situation.� Other European countries e.g. Norway giving 30%, provide funding to the Third World.�� It is important that consciousness is raised within the UK to these issues.

�� Mr. Reid said he had observed that women in these dire situations of war and famine can be trusted to share equally and e.g. keep seed for next year�s sowing.� He referred to work that is done by himself and his wife in sending out hand operated sewing machines to Afghanistan, thus providing a source of provision of clothes and income for communities.� Mr. Reid quoted examples of government provision for disability groups in other parts of the world e.g. Russia, where money went to the Union of the Deaf, and in Spain where, after the Civil War General Franco�s wife had granted blind people benefits from their lottery.� Conversely wheelchair users and deaf people in Spain did not receive these benefits.

�� Mr. Reid then referred to SDEF�s work in gathering information about accessibility to MSP�s premises.� He assured members that the new Parliament building in Edinburgh would be totally accessible.� He stressed that persistence would be essential for results, commenting that carers organisations were currently far more successful than disability organisations.�

�� Mr. Reid said that many options were available to pressure government for assistance.� Pensioners had formed a party as had Highland groups, disabled people could do this also.�

�� In closing, Mr. Reid stressed that persistence would be essential to success in gaining mainstream consideration for those with disability.

Further to our Convenor�s Report, we are pleased to tell you that Margaret Curran, M.S.P., Minister for Communities, has announced that �525,000 would be made available to Access Panels in Scotland.

This news has only come as we were preparing to go to press, so how these funds are to be administered, will be an item for further correspondence.

Raigmore Hospital Pilot

This was a pilot project at Raigmore Hospital which was funded by the RARARI initiative.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cost and benefits of carrying out planned preventative maintenance on wheelchairs issued to patients in remote areas.� This was in the form of a mobile workshop which visited the wheelchair users at their homes instead of their having to travel to a distant Centre.� Unfortunately this funding has come to an end, and this innovative approach is being assessed at present.

We await the report with interest as we can see great benefits if this were extended to other similar rural communities.

It can be estimated from the DRC�s Open4All Campaign that the annual spending power of disabled people in Scotland is over �4 billion, but a

national survey for the DRC found that more than 70% of disabled people find it difficult to get into shops or use high street services.

All businesses need customers. If high street shops and services are not accessible, then, if possible, they should not be used. Owners and

managers will get the �message� quickly enough if their customers go elsewhere.

Disabledinscotland.com is an accessible website that is operated by the company Disabled and Able Ltd. The web site provides disabled people with relevant information about products and services. The areas covered include: accessible holiday accommodation, travel, daily living aids, mobility, sources of legal advice and a discussion page.

The site will be used to give companies the message that things are not good enough, that there is a choice and that we�ll take our money elsewhere until they do get better.

Conversely some companies are good. Those companies that are on the site and do provide a good service to disabled people will have the benefits of doing so reinforced. Companies that provide a service for, or sell products that are of use to disabled people will be invited to advertise on the site. �People can also nominate companies that they feel should be on the site.

It is a new web site that is still being developed. The way that it develops will be guided by users. If people reading the site find that a topic that they are interested in is not covered then please let me know (using the email address on the site � [email protected]).� We will try to get it changed.� The site will largely focus on Scotland. It is intended to be useful both to people living here and visitors to Scotland.

�4 billion is a lot of money and a lot of power. This site is a tool that we can use to make that power improve society.

A PILOT SCHEME BRINGING BSL TO �FIRST MINISTER�S QUESTION TIME� (FMQT) and �QUESTION TIME� will take place in the public gallery at the Mound on the following Thursdays: �26^th February;� 4^th March;� 11^th March and 18^th March.� Members of the public who use BSL are encouraged to come along and provide feedback on these pilot sessions.� If successful, this could become a permanent feature at Holyrood.

Fieldfare Trust � Kielder Challenge Final 2003

��

I have just finished watching a DVD of the above which was made last year.� I found this extremely well produced and it was great to see how much all the children got out of the whole challenging experience.� It was wonderful to see everyone working together to achieve a common goal and was a true example of how young people can accept their differences without question, and just get on with the job in hand.� The adult world could well learn from their example.

If you are aware of any schools or youth groups who might be interested in participating in the Challenge in 2004 please contact the address below and details will be forwarded.

Submitted by SDEF Convenor � Miss E. Mitchell, MBE

Dr. Ian Newman - Chief Executive,

Fieldfare Trust

7 Volunteer House��

69 Crossgate

Cupar - KY15 5AS

Telephone 01334 657708;� Fax 01334 657978;� e-mail� [email protected]

Congratulations

�to�

East Renfrewshire Access Panel launched its Access Guide on all public buildings within East Renfrewshire at a special ceremony on 23^rd February.

The guide can be accessed on East Renfrewshire Council�s website � www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/accesser.� A wide variety of properties are included, such as office, libraries, schools, sports centres, doctors� surgeries, banks and railway stations, and it is hoped eventually to include all shops in the area.� The Guide gives useful information on each property with regards to parking, external

and internal access and the availability of toilet facilities.� The Chairman of the Panel, Gordon Shepherd, paid tribute to all the many disabled volunteers and

Council staff who had worked on the preparation of the Guide over several years, and emphasized that this had been a good example of disabled people working in unison with the Council to make a difference for local people.� He added also that the benefit of an electronic access guide was that this could be regularly updated to take account of improvements to buildings as they take place in compliance with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.

�

European Parliament of Disabled People

Please Note that the European Commission, sitting in Brussels, has not given any Directive so far on Disability.

The following is a summary of the Manifesto and Resolutions adopted by the E.P.D.P. on Nov. 11, 2003.

The Manifesto reads:- �From the European Parliament of Disabled People to the European Parliament (and all prospective election candidates) regarding the 2004 European Parliament Elections.

(i)�� Elections for a new enlarged European Union will take place in June 2004. This is a turning point for Europe. It is an opportunity for future members of the new European Parliament to make strong commitments to concrete changes that will ensure that disabled people can fully enjoy their civil, social, economic and political rights;

(ii)�� Disabled people make up at least 10% of the population and at least one in four people has a disabled family member. Allies such as families, friends, colleagues and assistants are also concerned that society should take the concerns of disabled people into account. Disability issues are issues for everyone and the European Parliament of Disabled people calls on prospective MEPs to listen and address our demands;

(iii)�� Europe has developed without adequately taking into account the needs and the rights of the whole of its population. As a result, there are many types of barriers to the full participation of disabled people in society. The consideration of issues related to disability concerns everyone because their resolution will benefit the whole population;

(iv)�� We the delegates of the European Parliament of Disabled People, 200 official disabled representatives of 50 million disabled people and parents of disabled people unable to represent themselves, call upon all candidates running

(v)�� as prospective members of the European Parliament and all political parties

to adopt the following commitments which are crucial to respecting the human rights of disabled people and to ensuring equal opportunities for disabled people in society;

(vi)�� The European disability model should be based on a broad definition of human rights and consist of a combination of comprehensive anti‑discrimination legislation that outlaws all forms of discrimination faced by disabled people and positive action that provides disabled people with the support they need to ensure a real integration in society;

(vii)�� The decentralisation of responsibilities from central governments to regional and local authorities is advancing in the whole of Europe and increases the need for national planning of local disability policies, also it increases the need for a nationally monitored,

local human rights-, or UN-Standard Rules based programme on disability policy planning, such as Agenda 22.

We the delegates of the European Parliament of Disabled People representing the diversity of the disability movement which consists of 50 million people in Europe, call upon all candidates in the June 2004 European Parliamentary election campaign to commit to realise the following:

Campaign for Human Rights Legislation

1.�� Adopt Disability Specific Directive -- to enable people to achieve their full potential.

6.�� Funding Conditions -- Involve disabled peoples� representatives in the development of the criteria for the allocation of Funds.

7.�� European Parliament for All -- Ensure that the E.P. be an example of good practice.

Demonstrate Commitment to Disability Issues

8.�� Endorse Madrid Declaration and Agenda 22 for local community disability policy planning.

9.�� Join Disability Intergroup of the European Parliament.� Become a member of this informal group of M.E.P.�S from all nationalities who work with the E.P. on disability policy.

10.�� Consult disabled constituents.�� To include constituents, their representative organisations and parents of disabled people.

Full and Equal Access to Democracy.�� This will include fully accessible 2004 Elections.

11.�� Consultations.�� Before the election campaigns are finalised, disabled people or the parents of disabled people who are unable to represent themselves and members of European or National disability movements are consulted regarding what their issues are.

12.�� Accessible and Inclusive Campaigns.� The campaign should reach all voters with disabilities, e.g. by way of accessible formats of information.

13.�� Accessibility of Information about Procedures.�� The whole election procedure be made fully accessible to disabled people including those with

�� complex needs, e.g. how to present oneself as a candidate, how to register as a voter and where and how to vote.

14.�� Disabled Candidates.� That candidate lists are representative of society and that disabled people are encouraged to run as candidates.

The Resolution -The European Year of People with Disabilities and beyond

A Vision for the Future

(i)�� This European Parliament of Disabled People (EPDP) is of historic importance. It has brought together the European disability movement in plenary discussion with Members of the European Parliament and other key EU decision makers to consider the legacy of the European Year of People with Disabilities (EYPD) and the future for EU disability policy.

(ii)�� The EPDP made up of 200 official delegates of different organisations of people with disabilities and parents of disabled people unable to represent themselves demonstrates the diversity of the disability movement in Europe which consists of 50 million people.

(iii)�� The EPDP is outraged at the fact that disabled people and their families continue to be discriminated against and have their rights denied every day.

(iv)�� The EPDP considers that the dynamic generated by the EYPD 2003 must continue after 31 December 2003 and be quickly realised through the implementation of concrete and sustainable measures to combat discrimination and bring down barriers which disabled people and their families face in all areas of life. We want clear targets for this with deadlines for implementation of these targets.

(v)�� The EPDP demands that disability policy and issues relating to discrimination and human rights of disabled people are placed among the top priorities in the political agenda.

(vi)�� The EPDP considers the Madrid Declaration and the 22 UN Standard Rules (1993) as a valid framework on how disability policies should be designed at all levels of governmental and non-governmental policy planning. As the Madrid Declaration has stated, non-discrimination plus positive action results in social inclusion. The Standard Rules state the importance of equal partnership of disability organisations, authorities and service-providers.

(vii)�� The EPDP considers disability not as a problem of the individual, but as a problem of society lacking in accessibility or services. Human rights apply to all disabled persons, regardless of the nature of the disability being intellectual, physical, mental and chronic or 'hidden'. Whereas the 22 UN Standard Rules refer to the former International Classification of Disabilities, Impairments and Handicaps of the World Health Organisation, EPDP now takes the International Classification of Functioning as the basis for the working of the Madrid Declaration, the Standard Rules and the Agenda 22.

2.�� The E.U. Member States to produce National Law relating to combating of discrimination.� This to happen as soon as possible.

3.�� Member States to use the opportunity to promote comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation covering all aspects of life and all levels of government.

5.�� Support the positive measures already in the Draft Constitutional Treaty

6.�� We call on the E.U. to continue to support the process for a comprehensive Convention which will protect and promote all rights of disabled people through enforceable anti-discrimination legislation as well as positive action

Mainstreaming Disability

7.�� We call for an E.U. Action Programme to be established and request the European Commission to produce an annual report on how disability has been into account in all policy issues.

8.�� Call on E.U. Institutions to set up the following process which should result in better policies

(a)�� The E.U. Member States agree to provide structured information on national disability policies

(b)�� The European Commission after discussions with member States and having consulted the European Disability Forum will produce a comprehensive report highlighting examples of good practice.

(c)�� These reports will be presented to the last Council of Employment and Social Affairs, every second year and will also be presented to the European Parliament.

Priority Policy Issues

Employment and Social Inclusion Policy

9�11.�� Give much greater prominence to the status of disabled people -- to mainstream disability -- to compile regular statistics on the living and employment situation experienced by disabled people.

12.�� The family of disabled people play a vital role in their education and social inclusion.� Adequate measures for families need to be established by public authorities in order to allow families to organise their support in the most inclusive way.

Freedom of Movement

13.�� We urge all European institutions to encourage the Freedom of Movement of disabled people through all member States.� To achieve this, benefits need to be exportable and personal assistance services move with individuals.

Transport

15.�� Accessible transport systems need to be consistent over Europe to give people the confidence to travel.

Access to the Built Environment

16.�� Accessibility to the built environment is a fundamental right and central to securing free movement of disabled people.

Information Society

17.�� Request that work is started on an IT�directive which shall prevent exclusion of persons with disabilities.

18.�� E.U. Legislation in the field of electronic communication requires the provision of accessible services and equipment

Domestic Product Design and Assistive Technology

19.�� Research into development of domestic products with a view to improving the usability of everyday products for all.

Co-ordination of Access Initiatives

20.�� In the fields of ICT, Transport and Built Environment and Tourism through close and regular communication and information exchange between the European Commission Directorates-General and other EU institutions, and in consultation with representatives of the disability movement.

Public Procurement Legislation

21.�� Legislation to allow public authorities and other public contractors to include among the award criteria of public tenders, the bidding companies� practices towards disabled people.

22.�� Call for legislation to include Design-for-All and accessibility requirements in the provisions on technical specification of tendering documents.

Media

23-24. Provide advice on how to become more effective in working with the media in communication work.

Culture, Education and Youth

26.�� In Education, Youth and Culture, promote the inclusion of all disabled children, young people and adults.

Research

27.�� Give greater priority to social research in relation to the quality of life of disabled people and in areas where there is an impact on their lives.

Bioethnics

28.�� Representatives of the disability movement to be members of bioethnic committees and working groups.

Development Co-operation and Disability

29.�� A specific European Commission Communication on Disability to be drawn up to address the needs of disabled people.

Disability Communities for Positive Action

Structured Consultation

41.�� We call for a clear recognition of the European Disability Forum as an umbrella organisation of the organised disability movement in Europe.

The European Disability Forum cannot fully function without input from European disability specific organisations.

We, the E.P.D.P. encourage and urge E.U. Institutions and Member States to disseminate this Resolution widely.

We call on the above to commit to actions that will bring about real equality for all disabled people and their families.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

Please Note�� The full Manifesto Document and Resolution Document can be obtained on request from the S.D.E.F. Office.

Have you ever watched a TV programme and noticed that the person�s voice was �out of sync� with the sound?� What you were doing was lipreading:� your eyes were telling you that the person�s words did not match up with their lip movements.� We all lipread to some degree but, when you are hard of hearing, the skill of lipreading becomes very important.�

One in seven adults will experience hearing loss at some stage in their life.� Loss of hearing, either through old age or as a result of illness or industrial injury, can have a devastating effect.� It can cut people off from their family, friends, work colleagues and the wider community.� They may experience difficulties on the phone, watching TV, gaining access to information, shopping or when talking with friends and family.� Many people feel embarrassed by their hearing problems:� families and the wider community generally have little understanding or empathy and often think of deaf people as stupid because of their slowness in understanding conversations.� It is little wonder that many deaf people withdraw from company and become socially isolated.� Lipreading classes can do a lot to improve their situation.

Qualified lipreading tutors do much more than encourage lipreading skills.� Within a relaxed and friendly class they also

�� Give information about the support services available to people with impaired hearing

�� Alert learners to the wide range of technical devices available: special phones, flashing doorbells, smoke alarms etc

�� Introduce relaxation techniques to help minimise the stress caused by deafness and especially tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Rose Goodacre runs a class on Wednesday mornings at the Park Street Community Learning Centre in Falkirk and a second class at the Mayfield Centre, St Ninian�s on Tuesday evenings.� Janice Vamplew runs a class on Thursday mornings at the Camelon Community Project and on Tuesday mornings at the Victoria Halls in Dunblane.

The Falkirk classes are free and are funded by Community Education, Falkirk Council.� The St Ninian�s class is administered by Clackmannan College in partnership with Community Learning and Development, Stirling Council:� there is a charge of �42 for ten two-hour lessons with a 50% discount for pensioners and fee waivers for those on benefits. Places are still available in all of these classes.�

Anyone interested in learning more or in joining a class should contact Rose on 01786 833313 or Janice on 01786 825354.

Motability has announced changes to its scheme for disabled drivers.� Contract hire customers can now keep their old car until the new one is ready for collection, and those with highly adapted cars or wheelchair accessible vehicles may be able to extend their agreement by up to five years.� Call 0845 456 4566 for further information.

Some comments on Disabled Toilets in public places from A. Fielding in Glasgow.� �Why is it that designers of these toilets quite often put the washbasins on one wall and the drying facilities on the other side of the room?� Sliding doors should be a must for disabled people.� The best I�ve come across is at The Farm Museum, Kittochside, East Kilbride�.

Have you had a good experience to share with readers of �OPEN DOORS� or one that you would prefer not to experience again?� With the holiday season ahead of us, this is a good time to share with one another.� Please don�t hesitate to contact the S.D.E.F. office.

The Government recognises the crucial contribution to the diversity agenda already made by the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission and the need for a single body to build on and protect the programmes they have put in place.

The working title of the body will be the Commission for Equality and Human Rights.� It will promote an inclusive agenda, underlining the importance of equality for all in society, as well as to combat discrimination affecting specific groups.� It will promote equal opportunities for all and tackle barriers to participation.� It is not expected than any changes will be operative before 2006.

Don�t forget

MOBILITY ROADSHOW

Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh

9^th � 10^th July 2004

�

Telephone 0570 770 3222 for further details

www.justmobility.co.uk/roadshow

�

The Royal National Institute of the Blind is looking for Dare Devils to take part in their "Jump for Charity" abseil event.

The 100ft Thistle Shopping Centre, on Goosecroft Road, Stirling, is the location for the first such event in the city in 2004 and is happening over the weekend of 13^th and 14^th March.

Mhairi Pearson, Area Fundraising Manager for the RNIB said,� "Visual impairment can affect anyone at anytime. The money raised will bring enormous benefits to blind and partially sighted people in Scotland and the UK. Abseiling is great fun and really memorable - anyone from students to pensioners can take part. No previous experience is necessary, as fully trained instructors are on hand to guide you.� So why not rise to our challenge and contact us for a registration pack?

It's a great way of having fun as well as making a contribution to a good cause.

For further information and registration details please contact:� Mhairi Pearson, Tel. 01355 30 1279/E. [email protected]

Ryanair at Stansted

A disabled man who was forced to pay to use a wheelchair at Stansted Airport has won his case against Ryanair.

It was the first case that the D.R.C. had undertaken against an airline.� They have another thirty five people who have complained about paying the wheelchair charge and want Ryanair to pay compensation.

Ryanair have now imposed a 50p wheelchair levy on all passengers from Stansted and Gatwick Airports.

�

Aberdeen Disability Consortium is planning a full-day event on various aspects of

the D.D.A.� This event is being made possible by the generosity of the Lord Provost and Aberdeen City Council who have granted Civic Hospitality.

It is expected that 120 delegates will attend to hear a range of speakers at the Beach Ballroom on Friday 12^th March 2004, from 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m.

Amongst those taking part will be Disability Rights Commission, Capability Scotland, Grampian Society for the Blind, Council officials and others.

As you may have read in earlier editions, SDEF has been asked to conduct a survey into the community transport service operated by Dial-a-Journey. This should be completed by the end of March 2004 and a report compiled for the Mobility Access Committee Scotland (MACS).

SDEF was delighted by the numbers of service users who offered to take part. We sent out over 550 letters inviting participation and received around 190 replies from willing interviewees. This is a very healthy response and actually exceeds the number we had planned to speak to.

We have drawn a sample from the respondents to give a good geographical spread to the survey. At the time of writing, service users have been interviewed in various locations served by Dial-a-Journey, including, Stirling, Bannockburn, Falkirk, Camelon, Bridge of Allan, Doune, Dunblane, Callander, Alloa, Strathblane, Crianlarich and points in between.

It would, of course, be premature to indicate what the customers think about the service. However, certain themes are emerging which will probably be borne out in the final report. It is hoped that the work will help Dial-a-Journey respond to the needs of passengers and also give MACS an insight into how other community transport services might operate. We will give details of our findings in a later edition.

SDEF is extremely grateful to all those who offered to take part. At our Annual General Meeting in December a raffle was held, and prizes were awarded to three lucky winners drawn at random from the 190 potential participants.

Survey shows �shocking� parking abuse rises as competition launches to highlight the best and worst supermarkets.

A survey published on 16^th February shows the abuse of parking bays allocated to disabled people has increased.� Supermarket management at local store level has failed to respond to the parking needs of disabled customers, despite the clear guidance given by the Baywatch campaign.

The findings of the survey, organised by the Baywatch campaign, show that the rate of abuse � cars parked in disabled bays without a valid badge � has risen from 18.5% in January 2003 to nearly 21% in January 2004, or more than 1 in 5.� The survey of more than 800 car parks belonging to the �big four� supermarkets (Asda, Safeway, Sainsbury and Tesco) across the UK also shows:

�� In more than one third (37%) of the stores, disabled people were unable to park in a designated space because of abuse by non-badge holders;

�� Those who complained to stores say the response has worsened, with only 30% saying stores responded well to complaints, compared to 32% in 2003.

Ed Passant, Chief Executive of the Disabled Drivers� Motor Club, was shocked by the result.� He said:

�Disabled people are sick to death of not being able to park.� Despite all the efforts of the Baywatch campaign, there remains a fundamental problem at local level which needs to be tackled now.�

�The supermarkets must put in place proper mechanisms to police their disabled parking bays and ensure lazy and selfish people stop abusing them.�

The results come as Baywatch, run by the British Polio Fellowship, Disabled Drivers� Association, Disabled Drivers� Motor Club and campaigning newspaper

Disability Now, launch a new annual competition which invites disabled customers at the �big four� supermarkets � Asda, Safeway, Sainsbury and Tesco � to nominate their favourite store when it comes to disabled parking.� The competition runs until mid-March.

The competition is supported by the �big four� supermarkets, as well as the Disability Rights Commission.� An awards ceremony, sponsored by RAC, will be held in July, where winning stores and employees will be announced.

�There are some individual stores out there doing really well, but there are many seriously failing to meet the needs of disabled customers.� Parking at supermarkets is not a luxury;� it�s a basic necessity to maintain independence.�

Customers can pick up nomination forms in their local Asda, Safeway, Sainsbury or Tesco, or online at www.baywatchcampaign.org

1.�� The 2004 Baywatch survey was carried out over the week 12-19^th January 2004, and covered 808 stores across the UK.

2.�� Local spokespeople from around the UK are available to comment on parking issues.� Please contact Ben Furner for local contact details.

3.�� Baywatch has also been commissioned by the Department for Transport to research the most efficient ways of enforcing parking for disabled people.

Articles submitted are not necessarily the views of Scottish Disability Equality Forum

The Editor, Mrs. Agnes Stewart, �either c/o SDEF, or directly to:�
72 Riverside Drive, Aberdeen AB10 7LE, or e-mail to :�
[email protected] or [email protected]�
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Scottish Disability Equality Forum, 12 Enterprise House, Springkerse Business Park, STIRLING, FK7 7UF�
Tel: 01786 446 456� Fax: 01786 450 902� email: s[email protected]�
www.sdef.org.uk�
Scottish Disability Equality Form�
Working together with people affected by disability�
SDEF is a recognised Scottish Charity: No. SCO31893