Seminar On ‘Ease Of Access’ For Persons With Disabilities

Designing establishments for ease of accessibility for all persons was highlighted today, at a training seminar hosted by the Barbados Council for the Disabled and the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector.

The session, entitled: “Universal Design and Accessibility Training for Persons with Disabilities”, forms part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusive practices, accessibility and equitable participation for persons with disabilities, across all sectors of society.

In addressing the participants at Harambee House, the Garrison, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Colin Jordan, said: “We really want to change the way we view the world…, our intention is to change minds and to change thinking. But when we hear the term universal design, we may immediately think about elevators, ramps, signs with braille, and modifications that are designed to address the needs of a specific group of people. But universal design is really the proactive creation of environments, products, and services that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible.

“There’s something called the curb cut effect…. When there is a cut in the curb on a sidewalk, that is not just for a wheelchair user…. Think universal design, …that cut in the sidewalk also helps the visitor to the country who is pulling a suitcase. How about the mother with a stroller? She is not, for all intents and purposes, a person with a disability, but it helps her as well. So it is universal. It helps everybody, including the delivery worker with a trolley pulling items into a nearby supermarket or store.”

In emphasising the benefit of the training, trainer of “Universal Design and Accessibility Training for Persons with Disabilities”, Nadine Vogel, said the participants would receive checklists to assist them in assessing organisations, to ensure that they looked at every aspect of the universal design. 

The training brought together key stakeholders for the strengthening of awareness and practical application of universal design principles. Its aim was to equip participants with practical tools and assess and improve accessibility in organisations for the amplification of inclusivity and accessibility nationwide. (PR/GIS)