England has millions of people who are either disabled or find it hard to walk everywhere, especially with an ageing population and not too many walkable communities. Of course it helps to keep fit as you age, so you can walk more anyway.
Accessible communities simply mean that places are easy to navigate for most people of any age or ability. We’ve all cringed, seeing shop assistants have to struggle with people in wheelchairs, with people rushing in to help them over doorways, without good ramps etc.
It’s difficult especially in England. As many old buildings are never going to be accessible, due to small doorways and steep staircases. But small shops and the like can always help by offering home delivery (or popping goods outside the door), something supermarkets can’t do.
Surprisingly, the most accessible city in England (Wells, Somerset) is also the smallest (although some local residents disagree). Also read how to make use of disability benefits and make places more dog-friendly.
If you’re late back to a parking space due to disability or age (even an old dog!), it’s worth appealing a parking fine. Due to a ’10-minute government grace period’. Usually councils halve fines to make you pay immediately. If you can afford to take the risk, you may not have to pay it all.
Understanding Inclusive Design
Inclusive design is about making spaces inclusive for all. For instance, there is not a ‘separate area’ for disabled children to play’, as the design is so good that everyone plays together.
Far more than just ramps and signs, inclusive design creates welcoming environments to cater to diverse needs. In Portland (Oregon), volunteers take blind and disabled passengers around the public transit unit (which include Braille signs) until they are confident to travel independently. That’s a great example of inclusive design.
Good elements of inclusive design are:
- Smooth wide ramps
- Tactile pavements and Braille signange
- Motion-sensor lights (that turn off when not in use, also good to reduce light pollution and stop birds flying into windows).
- Surveys and forums (if you’re a councillor, are you asking local people what they want?)
Challenges and Solutions in Inclusive Design
Councils of course always say they have no money. But that’s no excuse, it’s vision that’s needed. They could hire out empty parking spaces on weekends with JustPark to make thousands of pounds, as just one example of raising funds.
A few birthday books for your town planner may not go amiss, as councils worldwide have come up with ideas, needing no extra cash.
We Need More Accessible Public Bathrooms
Enter places you wish to travel at AccessAble to public bathrooms that are easy to access. Not providing good free public toilets means many elderly and disabled people don’t go out, as they are frightened of not finding somewhere. Even worse, many go out and then don’t drink any water, leading to dehydration.
A £5 Radar key is a worthwhile investment, as it lets you into accessible toilets nationwide. Another idea is a Uribag (possibly free on NHS, ask your GP). This little latex canister is a portable urinal for men (just pee, empty on the kerb, then wash at home). The female version is designed for bedbound patients.
Other options are Shewee (pee without undressing) which also makes QeeZee (an easy-to-recycled vomit bag! Just seal and dispose of in the bin).
Popaloo (ideal for churchyards and allotments) uses dry powder in a biodegradable bag that turns to gel on use. Natsol composting toilets are modern, hygienic and affordable, and accessible for everyone.
How to Make Indie Shops More Accessible
Offer foot or bicycle home delivery. If customers live nearby, deliver yourself (or hire someone) to deliver to those unable to visit in person. In the US, DoorDash employs people to earn good income by walking or cycling orders in local towns. They receive activation kits (food-warming bags, hand sanitisers and facial masks) and keep all the tips.
Install a doorbell! Ask disabled customers to ring the doorbell and answer, just like you would at home. You can then take orders, your customers can go for a cuppa somewhere, and return for their groceries later on. Keep a tab, take the cash or bring the cash machine to the door.
Set up an online shop. This happened during the pandemic lockdown, when small shops realised people loved to support small shops, so simply ordered online. Code & Coconut themes (run on self-hosted WordPress) includes compatibility for free plugins to add a simple online shop.
Make your shop more accessible. Remove floor clutter (this also helps prevent ‘hidden corners’ to prevent theft). Don’t stuff counter areas full of clutter, as people in wheelchairs need space to write cheques etc.
Buy a good quality portable ramp, so people in wheelchairs can navigate small steps to your shop. This post offers good guidelines on correct width and height of ramps (that are safe and easy to use).
