Consultation on new access project for Bristol

Disabled people, the parents of disabled children, older people and carers are being invited to shape a new access project at a series of consultation events being held in June.

The DisabledGo project, a partnership between Destination Bristol and Bristol City Council, is aimed at making the city more accessible for both residents and visitors.

The scheme will provide in-depth, detailed access information for 1,000 venues across Bristol including shops, restaurants, leisure centres, hotels, libraries, parks, museums, among others.

Anyone who might use the guide in the future is being asked to attend one of four consultation events to help identify a range of places and spaces across Bristol to include in the online access guide.

Following consultation, each of the chosen venues will be surveyed by an independent expert from DisabledGo, with the guide expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Councillor Daniella Radice, Assistant Mayor for Neighbourhoods with responsibility for equalities, said: “I’m delighted that Bristol City Council is one of the partners in the DisabledGo project.

“It’s important that the people who will benefit most from the online access guide have a chance to shape the service now so that it meets their needs in the future.

“Making Bristol a place where the cared for and the caring, young and old, are respected and valued members of our society and can play an active role in their communities remains a key priority.

“Access guides help increase independence and choice for disabled people. We hope that the guide will help more people get out more as they will have reliable information about accessibility.”

Kathryn Davis, Head of Tourism for Destination Bristol, said: “VisitEngland report that more than one in six people in England and Wales have an ‘activity limiting’ health problem or disability, so a significant proportion of visitors are likely to have specific accessibility requirements. The Access Guide will enable and empower visitors to make relevant choices before travelling to Bristol, by providing comprehensive and impartial information about hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions along with many other public and civic buildings.”

Anna Borthwick, Executive Director of DisabledGo, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring the DisabledGo project to Bristol thanks to Bristol City Council and Destination Bristol. Bristol is a fantastic city and one which many people have asked to see featured on www.disabledgo.com. We really look forward to working with disabled people, carers and disability organisations across the city to shape the guide and look forward to welcoming everyone who attends our four events.”