PEOPLE from across Worcester came together recently to explore how the city can become more accessible for everyone.
Worcester City Council hosted an “Accessible Worcester” conference, bringing together a wide range of local people to discuss the accessibility challenges faced across the city.
Participants highlighted barriers people experience when accessing services, visiting shops, bars, restaurants, and attending organised events. These can include uneven surfaces, difficult to read signage, lack of accessible toilets, clutter in shop aisles and lack of seating.
The event was delivered with support from the Worcester Disability Forum, which was founded by Elena Round, CEO of DIAL South Worcestershire.
Guest speaker Rosalie Votadoro, from AccessAble, spoke about her company’s website and mobile app, which enables people with access requirements to check the facilities available at various venues and plan their visits with confidence. She also stressed the value of making clear, reliable accessibility information publicly available.
Local disability charities also attended to share details of the support and services they offer.
Worcester City Council staff and councillors were joined by a wide range of organisations, including Action Deafness, Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Sensory Matters, Freedom Leisure, Worcester Dementia Action Alliance, Age UK Wyvern and others.
Worcester businesses and service providers committed to taking steps to improve accessibility, with progress due to be reviewed at a second event in six months’ time.
Worcester City Council leader Coun Lynn Denham said: “Worcester is at its best when everyone can participate fully in community life. Events like the Accessible Worcester conference help us understand where barriers still exist and how we can work together to remove them.
“I’m grateful to everyone who shared their experiences and expertise. I’m looking forward to seeing these conversations being turned into meaningful action across our city.”
Coun Robyn Norfolk, Worcester City Council’s member champion for equality, diversity and inclusion, added: “Accessibility is a fundamental part of creating a fair and inclusive Worcester. This event brought together a powerful mix of lived experience, local knowledge and professional insight.
“We will continue working closely with partners, community groups and residents to make Worcester a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to thrive.”
