sdef.org.uk ISSUE 42 | SUMMER 2015 OPEN DOOR DISABILITY NEWS AND VIEWS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE ACROSS SCOTLAND Access Panel Network Scotland Special Welcome to the latest issue of open Door, Scottish Disability Equality Forum's (SDEF) quarterly newsletter. This newsletter brings you the latest news and information from SDEF, Access Panels and Disability Groups and Organisations across Scotland. Access Panel Access Panel The History of Award Ceremony Network News Access Panels INFORM POLICY ACCESS ENGAGE WORK
The History of Access Panels Office bearers of Kilmarnock and Strathclyde Forum on Disability called for an all Scotland Disability Group. The Steering Group gained support of the then Scottish Office to establish a national forum on disability. Voted that Disability Scotland be involved to provide ongoing support. Disability Scotland ceased to and it was only with the determination, commitment and financial input of the committee that the venture continued. a by the body for access Panels. 1995 1996 1997 1999 2000 2001 2003 a
A Steering Group was formed with seven disability forums. Disability Groups wanted to see forum and was to the membership. Administrative support with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) was set up Charitable status with inland revenue was granted. PAGE 10 ISSUE 42 | SUMMER 2015
Access Award Ceremony The Highest Increase (Including Diversity) In Membership during 2014 1st Prize: Tweeddale Access Panel Tweeddale Access Panel was somewhat surprised to receive this award as they had not made a submission to this award category. The panel won this prestigious award as they had demonstrated the highest growth and diversity within their membership since the beginning of 2014. Tweeddale is a relatively small Panel and this new growth is a fantastic achievement, bringing new and older members alike to their panel in the last year. The information that informed this award was drawn from the information collated as part of the Access Panel Training Programme evaluation process and other audit information, where SDEF were able to draw a comparison of growth, both in terms of numbers and diversity across all panels. David Tawse, Tweeddale Access Panel who received the award on behalf of panel said "we didn't know we were getting an award, this is great". PAGE 17 sdef.org.uk
Access Network Edinburgh Access Panel Tel: 0131 667 3496 email: Here's a list of some of the things the Edinburgh Access Panel has been up to recently. are in addition to our regular flow of planning applications that we assess for accessibility. 1. Mystery shopping at M&S. Assessing accessibility for those with vision, hearing or mobility impairment. 2. Access Ambassadors project at a community school in Edinburgh. Helping the pupils to identify and address access issues at the school. 3. Disability Awareness Training for Edinburgh Council staff. Talks by Panel members about the challenges of vision, hearing and mobility impairments, and how the council can help. 4. Redesigning and rebuilding of the panel's website. 5. Hosting presentations on shared space (pedestrians/cyclists/motorists/ wheelchairs) by the Council's consultants and providing feedback. 6. Hosting presentation for traffic management proposals in central Edinburgh. 7. Assessing access issues on Edinburgh Trams 8. Providing advice to the National Museum of Scotland on design of a new exhibition for accessibility by the deaf. PAGE 26 42 | SUMMER 2015