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Appendices

Public consultation

It is essential that consultations take place on all new policies, developments and proposals that affect disabled people. Although there is a tradition of consultation with the public on major issues, any proposals affecting disabled people should be discussed direct with those who have the proper awareness and knowledge - disabled people themselves. Able-bodied people, however expert, are rarely adequate substitutes.

The desire to involve disabled people can sometimes take precedence over the practical realities of the consultation. There are instances in which lengthy, complex documents and plans have been sent to disabled people for their comments, but the recipients did not understand how these documents fitted into their lives. Disabled employees have also been asked to comment on policies etc., not through involvement or interest, but purely because they were token disabled people.

To avoid such problems, identify the aims and objectives of your consultation, and list the areas of experience and knowledge required before choosing which disabled people to involve. Therefore, when considering who to involve it is important to recognise that:

having a disability does not automatically bring with it a knowledge of the social model of disability. Also, the range of physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities is vast, and no single individual personal experience will cover all the elements of disabling barriers
equally, having a disability does not automatically give someone an affinity with other disabled people, or an ambition to work or comment on plans or policies
not all disabled people have the necessary skills and knowledge to interpret plans and proposals.

When undertaking a consultation on proposals affecting disabled people it is best to seek the opinions and advice of the local Access Group (see section on Useful Information in this Code of Practice). Access Groups consist of people with various disabilities who can be consulted on a wide range of issues. If the members of the Access Group do not cover the entire range of disabilities, seek advice from individuals or groups representing that specific disability to ensure consideration of the needs of ALL disabled people. Note that groups of disabled people are those groups controlled by disabled people, not by non-disabled people for disabled people.

Projects which should involve consultation with disabled people are:

pedestrian routes
pedestrian schemes
designated parking spaces and no-loading areas
major traffic management measures
easy access routes to bus stations, shopping centres etc.
sport and leisure venues
major shopping developments
all buildings and retail outlets.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and if you are uncertain whether to consult disabled people then contact the relevant local authority's Access Officer. The Access Officer will monitor all planning applications and new developments relating to disabled access etc., will advise on best practice and will consult with the Access Group where necessary.

All information to be consulted on should be available in a number of formats. Braille, large print and tape are the three most commonly used (see Fact 4.2 Accessible Information). Someone should also be available to describe diagrams to visually impaired people and answer any questions and assist with simplifying technical documents to volunteers who may not possess the relevant skills to interpret specialist plans or documents.

When undertaking a consultation, ensure that public meetings, displays or mobile units, are accessible to disabled people. For a list of accessible venues within your area, contact the Local Authority's Access Officer.

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