Access2Power

Background

In late 2004, it came to the attention of the regional campaigns manager of Arthritis Care in Central England that the constituency office of a West Midlands MP was inaccessible to wheelchair users. Consultation with Arthritis Care members around the region showed that this was not an isolated case. This launched a pilot survey, called Access2Power, of MPs in the East Midlands, to find out how accessible their offices are, one year after the implementation of part three of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Findings

There were clear examples of good practice, for example, one MP employed a disabled person on his staff; another had learned British Sign Language. There is also a suggestion that whilst MPs enacted the legislation, they have not taken the opportunities that their position in society affords them, and led the way in removing physical barriers to access. An opportunity has been missed, both for them and for disabled people.

Some facts and figures

• The 31 MPs serving Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire were surveyed
• 13 MPs responded, representing 40% of those surveyed
• Many MPs answered only part of the survey
• 80% answered questions relating to facilities they provide for hearing impaired people
• 11 of the 13 respondents did not have a minicom or text phone. The other 2 respondents did not answer this question directly
• 5 MPs stated that their entrance doors were heavy; this is of particular significance for people with arthritis
• 6 of the MPs’ offices had a step or other obstacle at the front entrance

What can I do?

• You can read the survey and report
• You can let us know what you think by email, phone or post
• Contact your local MP to discuss access issues
• Join the Arthritis Care Campaigners Network for guidance and useful online tools