Access for the Disabled

It is the policy of Gosport Borough Council to promote access for the disabled throughout the Borough.

This must include not only access into and within buildings, but also access around buildings, the provision of adequate car parking, and a general consideration for the needs of the disabled in any areas where persons are likely to be admitted. It is not just buildings that can form a 'barrier' to access and movement Footpaths, kerbs, stairs and ramps should all be designed to allow access and not prevent it.

If you are thinking about alterations to your shop or office, or are involved in the development or design of a new building, please think about the needs of people with disabilities from the outset. Very often the difficulties encountered by the disabled are simply the result of lack of thought at the design stage. The development costs are unlikely to be increased if you design for access from the beginning.

 

It is important to recognise that 'disability' can take many forms and many of the obstacles to movement can be removed if we apply a little effort or thought. Most people associate disability with wheelchairs and the wheelchair is certainly the most potent symbol of disability. However, recent estimates indicate that one household in seven in Great Britain includes someone who is disabled in one or more ways: