Buggys, pushchairs and access

This is Action Week and we are delighted to be Mumsnet's campaign of the week. Access is an issue that affects a lot of people in the UK but by working together we can help make it a more accessible place for everyone.

To highlight some of the access problems faced my parents I asked Julie and Clare to tell us a bit about the main challenges they have experienced. Clare is a mum from London with two children under five and Julie lives in Swansea with her son who is wheelchair user and knows first hand what a difference good access can make.  

Clare, London

"It was n't until I had my first outing with a buggy, two children and about five bags with everything possible I could need for our first trip out to meet friends for coffee that I realised what a hurdle high kerbs, steps into shops  and heavy doors could be. I was exhausted with the effort of going 10 minutes up the road. Saying that some places are great, they have electric doors and space to move your buggy and staff who ask if you need help, what a difference. It is only through this experience that I now realises how difficult it must be for disabled people on a regular basis and I wanted to join the campaign to help change this for everyone."

Julie, Swansea 

"The main issue we have found is that my son has had difficulties in accessing some shops, restaurants and services in Swansea. Old Buildings or those built before wheelchair access was required are the main difficulties.

Sometimes access could be good but a poor shop layout or internal steps cause problems. Small businesses are not expected under the 'reasonable adjustments' to pay out large sums of money to improve the accessibility of their business but bigger businesses should. All shops and services should be required by building regulations and the Equality Act 2010 to make access an essential part of providing a good services to all.

Thinking about how things could change, perhaps the local councils or the Welsh Assembly should provide financial aid to the small businesses to ensure they comply with the Equality Act. In addition, standards in disabled toilets are extremely variable and some toilet facilities are very poor for disabled people. Planning for disabled toilets should be standardised to ensure a good facility is provided. I do not use public transport with my son as not all buses have ramps fitted or even ramps that are in working order.

All Local Councils have a duty to provide access to all public buildings. Swansea Leisure Centre and the new Swansea Bus Station have excellent access and facilities for disabled people. Parents, carers and the local Access groups all were involved in their planning.

I have been involved in campaigning for better access and think it is really important. Previously I have challenged any shops etc if they were not accessible. But often I would get too upset and stressed and therefore I now would contact Swansea Access For Everyone (SAFE) and pass the details and comments to them. Parents can also contact their local Assembly Member or local Councillor to look at any access issues. 

If everyone gets involved and works together we can make it better for everyone."

If you have ever experienced any of these issues, join the campaign today and take Action for Access in your area!