Dunedin accessibility issues discussed
A LOT of work is needed to make Dunedin more accessible for all, advocates for people with mobility issues, say.
About 40 people gathered at the Dunedin Public Library yesterday for the the Access for All Moving Forward forum to discuss accessibility issues.
The aim of the meeting was to encourage the Dunedin City Council and the Otago Regional Council to collaborate on a disability action plan, convener Disabled Persons Assembly secretary and community networker Chris Ford said.
‘‘Disabled people always experience access issues, but it affects other people too. It affects everybody.’’
Age Concern chief executive Debbie George told the group older people needed to be a meaningful voice regarding urban design so they remained engaged with the community.
‘‘They have to be able to access in order to fully participate.’’
Mr Ford shared his own experience of nearly being homeless last year when his landlord decided to sell the property he had rented for 20 years. His future was uncertain due to the present shortage of accessible or modified housing in Dunedin, but he was able to stay under a new landlord.
Other contributors spoke of uneven footpaths, partially accessible public toilets and dangerous kerbs.
Dunedin woman Fiona Russell talked of the several times she had found herself stuck at the corner of Hillside Rd and King Edward St, trying to get from the pedestrian crossing to the footpath.
She said they were extremely nerveracking experiences, as cars beeped at her and passed very closel to her until someone eventually helped her.
‘‘I wouldn’t have been able to free myself without help. I wouldn’t have known what to do.’’
The forum also heard from urban designers Kathryn Ward, Rachael Eaton and Crystal Filep.
Dr Filep said it was important to design a city by engaging all of the stakeholders, rather than focusing on cars and public transport.
The forum was organised by the Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand and other organisations, including CCS Disability Action Otago Inc, the Association of Blind Citizens and the Otago Deaf society.