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WESTMINSTER’S WHEELCHAIR PROBLEM

For a wheelchair user, getting around can be a constant battle, having to constantly be thinking about whether a shop, restaurant or office is accessible to them. You would think that in 2015, disabled access would no longer be such an issue, and disabled people wouldn’t have the same problems in getting around as they did 10 years ago.

Sadly, this is not the case, and many buildings still prove to be extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, for a wheelchair user to navigate. This seems to be particularly prevalent in listed buildings, as the old architecture is not wheelchair-friendly.

One of the last buildings you would expect to suffer from this problem is our very own centre of government, the Houses of Parliament. In a debate about disabled access to listed buildings, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said “much more” needed to be done, and called on Westminster to “lead by example.”

The Grade I-listed building which dates back to the mid 19th century is in need of restoration, and Mr Vaizey has stated that disabled access should be “front and centre” of the discussions. He spoke of a time when a colleague of his was unable to attend a meeting as one of the lifts was broken.

The Kingswood MP, Mr Skidmore, has also stated that historic buildings have the responsibility to ensure that everyone has access. He said about the Houses of Parliament,

“In this place of all places where every man and woman is treated equal, is it really acceptable that upon entering these buildings, disabled people have to navigate entirely separate corridors of power to those able to walk.”

Hopefully, in the future, we shall see more buildings becoming easily accessible to those with disabilities.

Here at Axess2, we believe that everyone should be able to get around with ease, and have access to all buildings, particularly the Houses of Parliament! That’s why we provide a range of home lifts that make getting around that little bit easier. If you would like more information about any of our products or services, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 01200 405 005 to speak to a member of our team.