Disabled Access Awards Scheme
Presentation by Ms. F. Scott, Equality Officer, Bromsgrove District Council
Minutes:
At the invitation of the Chairman, Ms. F. Scott - Equality Officer - addressed the Forum and outlined a few details in relation to the consultation held in respect of the Disabled Access Awards Scheme for the Bromsgrove District. She stated that there had been an excellent response to the consultation, all of which was very positive, produced valid evidential data of what people need and backed-up the commitment made by the District Council to its Disability Equality Scheme when first adopted in December 2006.
She explained that the Awards Scheme for 2011 would commence with the issue of nomination forms with the March edition of 'Together Bromsgrove' prior to the selection process leading up to the presentation of the awards as part of the annual Business Awards ceremony in June. However, Ms. Scott added that the awards would not be financial - the funding is just not available to do this; the key to the awards is the recognition which would be gained by the successful nominees by way of formal certification by the Council and additional publicity.
Ms. Scott concluded by reporting on several good news items and forthcoming events which raised, or were anticipated to raise, the profile of the work being undertaken in respect of disability equality throughout the District; for example:
§ the fourth Disability Equality Community Consultation Conference - 2nd April 2011;
§ LGBT History Month events - 18th and 22nd February 2011;
§ construction of the 'Changing Places' Toilet facility in Bromsgrove Town Centre; and
§ provision of a tactile map of Bromsgrove Town Centre, free to any blind or visually impaired Bromsgrove residents/visitors.