The subtle and not so subtle abuse of the built environment

Ann McFarlane's blog on the subtle and not so subtle abuse that exists when out and about in the built environment.

My last blog was about subtle abuse that focused on people's values and behaviour and the enormous difficulties in trying to make positive changes. Now, now I want to write about the abuse, sometimes subtle, and at other times not so subtle, that exists in the built environment. An accessible environment is important for everybody but the issues become much more complex when disabled people are trying to get about.

What disabled people fought for in improving environmental infrastructure in the 1980's continues to need pressure both locally and nationally just to maintain the existing access. You may remember a time when campaigns by disabled people centred on public transport and there were people who applauded the efforts being made, and others who thought disabled people selfish. Most people, today, take for granted that they can access all forms of transport and the main issue is usually the cost of travelling.

The huge cost to disabled people, both physically and emotionally, and the gains that were made, are quickly deteriorating, being neglected or not being addressed at the design stage. Two major developments local to me, one a major health centre and the other a road improvement scheme, have both made headline news in the last few weeks because disabled people's voices, knowledge, expertise and concerns have been ignored.