Oban panel’s mission to boost access awareness
Two thousand fliers will soon be spreading the word about an access-for-all group making living with a disability easier in Oban, Lorn and the islands.
Oban Access Panel, a registered Scottish charity made up of people with varying disabilities and supporters, is on a mission to improve getting around, in and on streets, paths, businesses, buildings and transport.
Work by volunteers to keep people safe and encourage access awareness dates back to the 1970s in Oban but the need for the initiative to grow is now bigger than ever, says Marie Harrower, who joined the panel three years ago after concerns she had about the lack of distinction in pedestrian and traffic space in an area between the Esplanade and bus station where taxis also operate. Shared space is a no, no – certainly for people who have visual impairments like me,’ said Marie, who is blind and runs a private physiotherapy practice in the town.
From promoting social inclusion to encouraging businesses to better position advertising boards and street furniture, such as al-fresco tables and chairs, and advising on shop layouts and builds before they begin, the access panel is on hand to help.
It has a trained auditor who can carry out access checks for community organisations and businesses and there is the opportunity to take up the offer of organised awareness sessions and training to help people understand disability requirements, said Marie, who worked on the fliers with Argyll and
Bute Council’s development officer Laura MacDonald. ‘We can’t solve every problem and make everywhere accessible for everyone, but the panel does its best and achieves a great deal,’ she added.
‘We’re very happy for shops to put out signs around the town. We want businesses to flourish, but the signs and other street furniture have to be strategically placed so they don’t block people’s access. They shouldn’t become obstacles.’
The new leaflets, in semi-large and large print and some in braille, will soon be in tourist centres, hotels, guesthouses, public buildings and can also be picked up from the BID4Oban office.
The initiative was funded by
BID4Oban, whose chief executive Andrew Spence is one of the panel’s directors.
‘Part of the panel’s work is to help businesses, whether it is helping increase their awareness from employing people with disabilities to making sure their premises are easy and safe to access. We are here to support businesses, not catch them out,’ said Mr Spence.
‘We hope our new leaflets will help spread the word more about what we do and how we can help,’ he added.
Anyone who wants to find out more about the panel’s work can also join meetings held on the second Tuesday of every second month. The next one will be in January.
Oban also has a Shopmobility service provided by Mathesons Furnishings, Tweedmill, Soroba Road.
For more details or to get help from the access panel email obanaccesspanel@aol.com