Call to boost Senedd equality of access
PLAID Cymru MS Sioned Williams this week urged the Senedd to ‘ensure it is accessible’ to those living with photosensitive epilepsy.
This follows campaigning by activist Becci Smart from Bridgend, who lives with photosensitive epilepsy and whom Sioned Williams is mentoring through the Equal Power Equal Voice programme, a programme which aims to break down barriers to democratic participation.
Photosensitive epilepsy is a rare type of epilepsy – affecting 3% of those with epilepsy in the UK – in which seizures are triggered by flashing or flickering lights, or high contrasting patterns.
In a question to the Senedd Commission, South Wales West MS and Plaid spokesperson for Social Justice and Equalities, Sioned Williams called for “equality of access to buildings for people like Becci with photosensitive epilepsy.”
Sioned Williams MS said: “LED panel lights need to be used in public buildings such as the Senedd, as opposed to other forms of lighting, whose flicker can also cause problems for some autistic people and migraine-sufferers.
“The Senedd could also help people like Becci by ensuring any defective lighting be switched off as soon as the fault is noted, to ensure the continued health of susceptible visiting public to the estate and replaced as soon as possible and that any additional or decorative lighting that may be displayed is set on ‘constant’ rather than flicker.
“It is essential that we take the necessary steps to ensure that the Senedd, and our democracy more broadly, is accessible to everyone.”
In response, Senedd Commissioner Joyce Watson MS said that “the majority of the lighting is LED downlighting in the Senedd”, and that the Senedd was “currently exploring options to replace the last remaining fluorescent strip light” in the building.
She went on to say that she would “welcome” conversations with Sioned Williams and those who live with photosensitive epilepsy to see if there were any other measures that could be taken to make the Senedd more accessible.
Epilepsy campaigner, Becci Smart said: “I thank Sioned for raising this issue. It’s a small step in the right direction for those of us living with photosensitive epilepsy who face barriers in our daily life some of which are insuperable obstacles.
“Those who struggle with photosensitive epilepsy are beginning to get recognition in Wales and it’s welcome that there are voices in the Senedd who appreciate the challenges we encounter daily and who are working to reduce the burden for us.”