The Good, the Bad and the Unaccessible - bespoken2024-03-29T05:43:35Zhttp://www.bespoken.me/forum/categories/the-good-the-bad-and-the-unaccessible/listForCategory?categoryId=6411014%3ACategory%3A25832&feed=yes&xn_auth=noSurvey for hearing implant users in outdoor sportstag:www.bespoken.me,2018-10-26:6411014:Topic:680272018-10-26T09:16:26.057ZCameron Martinhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/CameronMartin
<p>Hi Everyone!</p>
<p>I'm wondering if you could assist me in my Masters project!</p>
<p>I'm a Strathclyde University student doing my Masters in Product Design Engineering, my final year project is looking into outdoor sporting helmets for users with hearing aid implants (eg. cochlear, middle-ear, bone anchored implants...)</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>This survey just tries to determine their experience & opinions on the matter.<span> </span><br></br>If this is relevant to you I…</p>
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<p>Hi Everyone!</p>
<p>I'm wondering if you could assist me in my Masters project!</p>
<p>I'm a Strathclyde University student doing my Masters in Product Design Engineering, my final year project is looking into outdoor sporting helmets for users with hearing aid implants (eg. cochlear, middle-ear, bone anchored implants...)</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p>This survey just tries to determine their experience & opinions on the matter.<span> </span><br/>If this is relevant to you I kindly ask if you could take 10-15 mins out of your day to help me, I'd be most grateful!</p>
<p>I recognise this is a small/niche group of people so if you somehow can just pass this onto people you may know/parents/other groups that you think may would be of a great help to me!</p>
<p>Thanks & here's the link:</p>
<p><a href="https://goo.gl/forms/igQJKD1o40xdbFK82?fbclid=IwAR3rx_gw0hLT4ldS20WrKXgv_NJkvtT_cuGWINrS2IrYDoUsIHaEeX1AA1U" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://goo.gl/forms/igQJKD1o40xdbFK82</a></p>
</div> Comedian who Uses a Mobility Scooter Faced Humiliating Ordeal on Traintag:www.bespoken.me,2018-07-27:6411014:Topic:675092018-07-27T09:21:47.484Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340018?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340018?profile=RESIZE_320x320" style="padding: 4px;" width="250"></img></a> It’s been a lousy couple of weeks train travel for Tanyalee Davis. The award winning comic whose extensive career and touring schedule has included TV’s Live at the Apollo, has a form of dwarfism and uses a mobility scooter. In the space of just a couple of weeks she was at the centre of two train related ordeals which have made headlines.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the first…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340018?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340018?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a>It’s been a lousy couple of weeks train travel for Tanyalee Davis. The award winning comic whose extensive career and touring schedule has included TV’s Live at the Apollo, has a form of dwarfism and uses a mobility scooter. In the space of just a couple of weeks she was at the centre of two train related ordeals which have made headlines.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the first instance, Davis was traveling on a Great Western Railway line when she was forced to move out of a disability space to make way for a pram with a baby. The train guard is reported to have threatened to call the police if she did not comply in what Davis described as a “humiliating” incident that left her in tears. An announcement was also made on the train holding her directly responsible for delaying the train. GWR staff reviewed mobile phone footage and a spokesperson said they were collectively “horrified” by what had happened and apologised profusely.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a second incident only a few days later, Davis was on a train to York having notified in advance that she would need a ramp to exit on arrival. A member of staff on the train confirmed that someone would be ready on the platform for her in York. Nonetheless no one appeared at all and after a few minutes the train doors closed as it left the station towards Darlington. A passenger pulled the alarm and a staff member came running to discover, much to their shock and embarrassment, that Davis was still on the train despite having been notified that she had been helped off.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once in Darlington, staff helped Davis onto a train back to York where sheepish and highly apologetic staff were falling over themselves to make it up to her, even buying her a couple bottles of wine.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Since these incidents Davis has appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about her shocking ordeal and shed light on the not uncommon discrimination faced by people who have disabilities. She also revealed in a YouTube post that Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, Nus Ghani has contacted her.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jpcHO33WNxI?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p>Have you ever felt maligned on a train due to your disability? What went wrong and what solutions would you recommend? Your comments below.</p>
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<p>More discussions on <strong>be</strong>spoken around (in)accessible travel....</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/on-the-road-again-with-martyn-sibley" target="_self" rel="noopener"><img src="http://martynsibley.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/martyn-picture.jpg?width=150" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/on-the-road-again-with-martyn-sibley" target="_self" rel="noopener">On the road again with Martyn Sibley</a></p> New Guide Reveals Scotland’s Accessible Castles and Battlefieldstag:www.bespoken.me,2017-11-30:6411014:Topic:646032017-11-30T10:58:20.361Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p><b>Disabled access charity launches new guide to castles and battlefields around Scotland.</b></p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339763?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339763?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" style="padding: 4px;" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>Ancient castles and remote battlefields might seem like the ideal destination for disabled people, their family and friends, but a new guide published today reveals just how much of Scotland’s rich historical heritage is accessible to all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The guide,…</p>
<p><b>Disabled access charity launches new guide to castles and battlefields around Scotland.</b></p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339763?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339763?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>Ancient castles and remote battlefields might seem like the ideal destination for disabled people, their family and friends, but a new guide published today reveals just how much of Scotland’s rich historical heritage is accessible to all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The guide, compiled by disabled access charity Euan’s Guide is part-funded by the VisitScotland Growth Fund, with additional support from Historic Environment Scotland and is endorsed by the National Trust for Scotland. It is being launched on St Andrew’s Day 2017 in Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.</p>
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<p>The guide explores sixteen of the nation’s castles and battlefields. Highlights include iconic Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland properties, as well as more secluded sites.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>People who have a disability are encouraged to download the guide to get a flavour for Scottish history, and to read practical information about accessibility before venturing out to these unique sites.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> <i>“I welcome the launch of the first of a series of accessible guides published by Euan’s Guide, which will allow people with a disability to enjoy Scotland’s many off-beat castles and battlefields”</i>, says Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs. <i>“Over the past few years, Euan’s Guide has achieved excellent results in ensuring disabled people can access holiday facilities and rely on accessible tourist infrastructures.”</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Co-founder of Euan’s Guide Euan MacDonald concurs, saying “all throughout Scotland there are remnants of the country’s battle-scarred past, but what few people know is that many of these castles and battlefields can be unexpectedly accessible. We found a lochside ruin with an excellent visualisation guide; a mighty fortress with ramps wide and sturdy enough to move cannons; a haunted castle with wheelchair accessible gardens that seem to go on forever; battlefields brought to life by audio guides; and a hidden pine forest beach with a curious story to tell.</p>
<p>We’ve put all of these sites and more into our new Castles and Battlefields guide, and we hope that this will give local and visiting disabled people a captivating selection of places to visit around Scotland.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The guide can be downloaded from <em><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.euansguide.com/castles-and-battlefields"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">www.euansguide.com/castles-and-battlefields</span></a></span></strong></em></p>
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<p><em>Get more stories on <strong>be</strong>spoken...</em></p>
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<p></p> Is it possible to have an entirely disability accessible futuretag:www.bespoken.me,2017-11-13:6411014:Topic:636332017-11-13T11:24:13.233ZTim Neillhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/TimNeill
<p>I recently visited the secondary school associated with my old primary school. It was the first time I had been since it was rebuilt, the old school having been totally inaccessible. It's been a good 10 years since the new school was first built and I was very pleased to see that, although the school was already starting to look a bit rough around the edges, it was now 100% accessible. This got me thinking about a broader topic - if places like this, which were once totally inaccessible, now…</p>
<p>I recently visited the secondary school associated with my old primary school. It was the first time I had been since it was rebuilt, the old school having been totally inaccessible. It's been a good 10 years since the new school was first built and I was very pleased to see that, although the school was already starting to look a bit rough around the edges, it was now 100% accessible. This got me thinking about a broader topic - if places like this, which were once totally inaccessible, now have the functionality to be completely accessible, are we on our way towards a completely accessible future?</p>
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<p><b><i><u>In This City</u></i></b></p>
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<p>Obviously, the best thing to look at first when discussing a totally accessible future is what towns and cities have done for accessibility. When looking at it from a UK perspective I think the idea of a totally accessible city is possible (but not guaranteed). In 2017 things like sloped disabled access curbs are the rule and not the exception. In my experience, most new high-tech buildings will have a certain level of accessibility present. There are certainly enough disability/discrimination charities in the world that would call the designers out if this was not the case. There remains the question of how accessible existing buildings can be but given we’re surely headed towards a future with even more high tech wizardry, it’s a safe bet accessibility will only improve beyond laws and regulations.</p>
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<p><b><i><u>Historical Towns and Cities</u></i></b></p>
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<p>Nice though it is to think we will have a <i>totally</i> accessible future within the UK (and the world as a whole) there is one key reason why I don't think that this will be the case. There will always be historical sites/tourist attractions that appeal to an audience because they are basically left untouched. That’s a huge part of the appeal and various towns and cities throughout the UK rely on this type of tourism. The extent to which historical sites cater for disabilities depend on how willing they are to sacrifice a certain level of authenticity.</p>
<p>Case in point - The Edinburgh Dungeons. Now, I've never been to the Edinburgh Dungeons because I'm not really into the sort of horror imagery that I'm willing to bet would be present but I've certainly got nothing against any of the organisers. However, I have always been told they are completely inaccessible to wheelchairs. This doesn’t bother me but I think it brings up a broader point. If these historical based sites and cities want to maintain a certain level of authenticity, the world will never be fully accessible. This is not to say however that there can't be more improvements to accessibility on a global scale and that certain cities can't be entirely accessible in the future.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i><u>Innovators</u></i></b></p>
<p>Obviously there is another factor when having a discussion like this. There might be future innovations and inventions when it comes to accessibility that make future cities even more accessible but they simply have not been invented in 2017. Who really knows what the future holds?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This article used as a starting point the following question: Is it possible to have an entirely disability accessible future? I think the answer is that it really depends what elements of this potential future society you are looking at. Certainly, it’s entirely possible for large modern cities to become almost entirely accessibility friendly given enough time to adjust. However, there will always be tourist towns and cities throughout the world that rely on a certain level of historical context and authenticity which means it makes these areas more difficult in terms of catering to accessibility. There is also the distinct possibility of future inventions to make accessibility even easier in certain ways.</p>
<p> </p> 5* holiday cottage gets recognised - 'You can have accessibility without it looking clinical'tag:www.bespoken.me,2017-10-20:6411014:Topic:633082017-10-20T13:39:21.389ZPaul Richouxhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/PaulRichoux
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339702?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339702?profile=RESIZE_320x320" style="padding: 4px;" width="300"></img></a> A husband and wife team have been recognised by the charity Blue Badge Style for the exceptional work they have done to offer <strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.cottageinthedales.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">inclusive accessible accommodation</span></a></span></strong> in a stunning stone cottage in the picturesque Yorkshire…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339702?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339702?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a>A husband and wife team have been recognised by the charity Blue Badge Style for the exceptional work they have done to offer <strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.cottageinthedales.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">inclusive accessible accommodation</span></a></span></strong> in a stunning stone cottage in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Diane and her husband Andrew first started renting out self-catering holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales back in 2003 and today have three luxury 5 star cottages including the one dubbed <i>‘The Dairy’</i> which was a long-standing ambition of theirs.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339588?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339588?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p>‘We don’t make it easy for ourselves’ admits Diane - ‘the whole curtilage is listed. It took us five years to get permission for the change of use and the whole time it was always planned that we would do it up for the disabled market. Because we knew then that there was hardly anything in the Yorkshire Dales at all mainly because of the nature of the buildings, because they’re all old.’</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The wait was worth it though as The Dairy has been praised for its charm, warmth and seamless accessibility.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339707?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339707?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>‘We are the first in the Yorkshire Dales of any kind of tourism accommodation to provide accommodation which has got the mobility, the visual and the hearing support to national standards’ says Diane.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The long wait to get planning permission meant that the couple had ample time to research and plan the Dairy. And perhaps surprisingly, Diane says that making it accessible didn’t affect the cost that much more than it would have were they restoring it without disabled customers in mind. She estimates that a mere 10% of the budget was directed specifically at any specialised equipment. Mostly it was a matter of designing out any obstacles.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339643?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339643?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-right" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>‘We took what we knew the guests like and replicated that and then just adapted it. In terms of the actual cost, it wasn’t much different at all. What made the difference was the time and the effort.’</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They went for a look that was accessible without appearing clinical. ‘That is absolutely key to our proposition’ Diane tells me. ‘Some of our guests have said to us “no we’re not interested in The Dairy because it’s got accessible features”, because that’s the perception - if it’s for disabled people then it’s clinical. So there’s a job to do educating people. We specifically wanted to get past that because we wanted The Dairy to be available to everybody. The negative perception by business owners and other non-disabled guests needs to be turned around’.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339659?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339659?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>Her research took her to other businesses to learn from them. ‘We got some great pointers from other accommodation providers who said <i>“watch out for this. Watch out for that”</i>.’ Visit England was a huge help. She worked with a company who had installed kitchens in her other cottages to create one that would be suitable for all. She mentions too that the company Motionspot, which designs beautiful accessible bathrooms, were a huge help to her. They assisted with the bathroom in The Dairy which has a beautiful modern walk in shower suitable for someone with mobility issues and there are foldable arms and a shower seat that can be removed in under a minute if the occupant doesn’t want them. There are two basins, including one at a lower height and with tactile stickers to indicate hot and cold taps for visually impaired people.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339654?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339654?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-right" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Elsewhere, the fire and CO alarm have a visual as well as audible signals. And the colours chosen for things like door handles etc were specifically chosen for contrast but appearing completely natural at the same time. An alarm clock in the bedroom has a connecting device which slips under the pillow and wakes the user by vibrating if they can’t hear.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339632?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339632?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a>‘Our friend Steve has Multiple Sclerosis and he would say to us <i>“don’t just go for the minimum requirements that visit England sets”</i>.’ Steve’s input would be an important point in the development as he was promised even before planning permission was had that he would be the first person to test the accessibility of The Dairy. ‘He’s quite tall (he’s got size 14 feet) and he says he goes into places where he tries to turn his wheelchair and his feet get caught on things. He advised us to <i>“go beyond the recommendations if you can because the minimum requirements don’t work enough”</i>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339638?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339638?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-right" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>The decision to create The Dairy was not just driven by social goals, but commercial ones too. As Diane points out, the disability sector is a growing market and typically made up of a loyal customer base. When people find a place they like, they tend to come back. This could also be in part due to the lack of top class accessible holiday accommodation so when people find a gem, they stick with it. There was however another personal motive for making The Dairy accessible. Diane elaborates;</p>
<p> </p>
<p>‘When we moved here we thought this is to be our “forever home”. So the long term view was, if we made that a holiday cottage for people who have disabilities, then it means that when we get old and decrepit (and the way I’m going right now that’ll be next week) then we can eventually move into it ourselves and we won’t have to move away’.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Diane and the Dairy are fast becoming a reference in the world of accessibility and inclusive holiday accommodation as Diane is invited to speak to various groups and has been asked to participate in groups to improve accessibility in local businesses and tourism in Harrogate and the wider Yorkshire Dales.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can enjoy a quick virtual tour of the Diary below…</p>
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<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/228352602" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/228352602"> </a></p>
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<p></p> A journey into Central London from a Disability Perspectivetag:www.bespoken.me,2017-07-31:6411014:Topic:626092017-07-31T14:47:58.830ZTim Neillhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/TimNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339617?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339617?profile=RESIZE_480x480" style="padding: 4px;" width="400"></img></a></p>
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<p>Recently I made two trips into central London while down there on a visit to watch Wimbledon. There were pros and cons in terms of transport I used for each journey and I thought it would be interesting to rate each element of both journeys on their accessibility and giving each an overall grade out of 10.</p>
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<p><i><u>Journey One.…</u></i></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339617?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339617?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p>Recently I made two trips into central London while down there on a visit to watch Wimbledon. There were pros and cons in terms of transport I used for each journey and I thought it would be interesting to rate each element of both journeys on their accessibility and giving each an overall grade out of 10.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p><i><u>Journey One. Wednesday, 12th July 2017.</u></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The first show I had booked to see was the London production of my favourite musical – Wicked. I saw the national tour in 2015 and I'd seen it on Broadway in 2016. More importantly though from an accessibility perspective even as a very casual fan of musical theatre this was the first time I'd been to a theatre entirely on my own.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Brief car journey.</p>
<p>Starting from the borough of Teddington where I was staying with my godparents we had to take a brief car journey to Teddington station.</p>
<p>+ My godparents know me well so they have a good idea of what works most effectively in terms of getting the wheelchair in car etc.</p>
<p>- the journey was so short that I got the distinct feeling that we could have walked/self-propelled it if we really wanted to.</p>
<p>Grade 7/10</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1.2. Journey into Victoria.</p>
<p>Following our successful parking at Teddington station we had to get on a train from Teddington to Victoria one of the biggest stations in London.</p>
<p>+ Overall train service from a disability perspective was very effective and efficient for the most part. Ramps appeared to always be accessible/available across all the train journeys I took during these two trips into central London.</p>
<p>- There were some occasions where it took the staff on the station platform a while to get out the ramp and then place it down effectively in the gap between train and the platform edge. All the ramps I came across were manual and often into separate sections that had to be laid down together this can be somewhat disconcerting when you're in the middle of hundreds of people trying to get off the train at one of the busiest stations in London. Even with that being said, service was still generally very effective.</p>
<p>Grade. 7.5/10</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1.3 The Apollo Victoria Theatre.</p>
<p>We arrive at the Apollo Victoria Theatre the home of ‘Wicked’ in London. From this point I am entirely on my own.</p>
<p>+ One thing I immediately noticed was that the lady who came up to greet me had a list of all the various people with disabilities who had booked for that performance. This is not something I tend to see on the occasions that I've been to the theatre in Aberdeen but is massively appreciated. Gives me a good impression that they know what they're doing in terms of dealing with those with disabilities. It's probably a factor of a show this popular pretty much taking up residency at this theatre since London production first opened.</p>
<p>+ The same lady looked after me during the performance. She made sure I comfortably found my transferable seat and was always there if I needed anything during the performance. She came back to check on me and was very friendly and keen to talk to me about my love for the show and what I was planning to do for the rest of my time in London. Overall one of the best examples I've seen of dealing with those with disabilities effectively. I don't know what else they could have done to make me more comfortable.</p>
<p>Grade 10/10.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1.4. The journey home.</p>
<p>The journey home was uneventful. We took the same route back home as we did getting there and there are no particularly major positives or negatives to add.</p>
<p>Grade 7/10</p>
<p>Overall Journey Grade. 8.5/10</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i><u>Journey two. Friday 14th July 2017.</u></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The other show I had booked to see was School of Rock: The Musical. This is a musical adaptation of the much loved Jack Black film from 2003 (and one of my personal favourite films.) The musical had been getting consistently great reviews since it opened the previous November and as a huge fan of the source material I thought it would definitely be worthwhile to check it out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2.1 The train journey.</p>
<p>There was slight difference in the train journey as this time we had to go to Waterloo station in order to get to the theatre.</p>
<p>+ I did notice a slight increase with the efficiency of dealing with the disability ramp between Waterloo and Victoria.</p>
<p>- Disabled ramps were still manual items that required two parts to be put together. My hope is that in future we will have the technology for disability ramps built into trains. However, from what I can see, this is not the case in 2017.</p>
<p>Grade 8/10</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2.2 What Happened Next.</p>
<p>Unfortunately we had not done enough research as to what was the best way for a someone who uses a wheelchair to get to the theatre. Rookie mistake. We were kind of stuck as to what method of transport to use and this was pretty stressful for me.</p>
<p>+ We did eventually get there in enough time.</p>
<p>- What I learned from this journey is that unless there is accessible public transport that goes straight to where you want to go you should make absolutely sure that you're taking the correct route before you leave wherever you're staying.</p>
<p>Grade 5.10</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2.3 The New London Theatre.</p>
<p>I had actually been to the theatre before when it was home to the absolutely incredible National Theatre production of War Horse but this was the first time on my own and the first time using the assistance provided by the theatre for those with disabilities.</p>
<p>+ It turns out that when I advanced booked for the show I was not given a wheelchair accessible seat. However a member of staff from the theatre sorted this out very quickly and I was given a transferable seat. I was very grateful for this.</p>
<p>+ Very much a similar setup the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Someone looked after me and came and saw me during the interval.</p>
<p>+ The show was fantastic. Comfortably exceeded my expectations</p>
<p>- Perhaps not up to the very high standards set by the Apollo Victoria. Accessibility, facilities and comfort still very good but I got the distinct sense that people were very effective at their jobs rather than wanting to engage with audience members like at the Apollo Victoria.</p>
<p>Grade 8.5 /10</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2.3 The journey home.</p>
<p>+ Once you know the route you need to take to get home it’s a lot easier and a lot less stressful. A wheelchair accessible bus with an electronic ramp turned out to be what got me to the theatre on time. It was just a case of taking the same bus to get the train home.</p>
<p>Grade. 8/10</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Overall Journey Glade . 7.5/10.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The experience of these two journeys has definitely proven to me that they are not <i>that</i> difficult to do in a wheelchair as long as you have an idea of where you're going beforehand. I hope to do more journeys like this in future and hopefully the accessibility will be broadly speaking just as good.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/wimbledon-a-disability-perspective?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Wimbledon_court_No._1.JPG/220px-Wimbledon_court_No._1.JPG?width=150" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<h1><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/wimbledon-a-disability-perspective?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Wimbledon: A disability perspective</span></a></span><br/></span></h1>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/profiles/blogs/don-t-you-wish-you-could-walk-and-other-attitudes-i-ve?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><img src="https://salvationist.ca/files/salvationarmy/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/iStock_000021521532_Full.jpg?width=150" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></span></span></span></p>
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<h1><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/profiles/blogs/don-t-you-wish-you-could-walk-and-other-attitudes-i-ve?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">“Don’t you wish you could walk?” – and other attitudes I’ve encountered</span></a></span><br/></span></h1>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/curve-the-potential-wheelchair-of-the-future?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><img width="150" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339057?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></span></span></span></p>
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<h1><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/curve-the-potential-wheelchair-of-the-future?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Curve. The (potential) wheelchair of the future.</span></a></span><br/></span></h1> City Officials Learn About Accessibility With Wheelchair Challengetag:www.bespoken.me,2017-03-09:6411014:Topic:600412017-03-09T08:57:28.620Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119338790?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119338790?profile=RESIZE_320x320" style="padding: 4px;" width="250"></img></a> Officials in the Scottish city of Inverness have taken on a wheelchair accessibility challenge to try and get a better idea of what limited mobility really means in their city centre.</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>And what an eye opener it was. The four councillors, all of whom are non-disabled, took to a wheelchair for an hour to explore Inverness on wheels. We got in touch…</p>
<p><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119338790?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119338790?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a>Officials in the Scottish city of Inverness have taken on a wheelchair accessibility challenge to try and get a better idea of what limited mobility really means in their city centre.</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>And what an eye opener it was. The four councillors, all of whom are non-disabled, took to a wheelchair for an hour to explore Inverness on wheels. We got in touch with one of them, Councillor Graham Ross (pictured on the right, next to Councillor Richard Laird) to find out what he took away from the experience.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b><i>Why did you want to take part in this challenge and what did you hope to get out of it?</i></b></p>
<p>‘I know the gentleman who organised the challenge very well and (although it was not my Ward it is my home city) as such was happy to take part to see what challenges exist for people in a wheelchair.’</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>Can you give me a brief overview of the day’s events?</i></b></p>
<p>‘Four Councillors took part in a variety of everyday tasks in the city centre, e.g. accessing the bus station, the Victorian Market, Crossing roads, going for a coffee and even going to the toilet. The challenge lasted approximately an hour and we also had a “helping hand” on occasion.’</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>Did it go more or less as you’d expected? Or do you have a whole new appreciation for the difficulties faced by wheelchair users?</i></b></p>
<p>‘Having recently done something similar in a motorised scooter in my Ward I had a rough idea of what I might face. However, the scale of the challenge presented a variety of other “difficulties” for instance - accessing the Bus Stance was near impossible.’</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>What surprised you the most?</i></b></p>
<p>‘The number of outward opening doors with no push button opening aids and dropped kerbs which defied the trades description act! They were like cliff faces to approach.’</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>Is Inverness more or less accessible than you imagined?</i></b></p>
<p>‘Some parts are very good but an awful lot isn’t.’</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>How has it impacted your thinking and how will impact your work as a councillor?</i></b></p>
<p>‘Whilst on my travels in my Ward I have spent the last few days looking at dropped kerbs to see where they are placed and if they are actually accessible. A small drop of tar to provide a “ramp” will be required at a fair number in order to ease people’s passage and not get stuck on the road! I will also be trying to make sure that any future developments are disabled friendly.’</p>
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<p>Do you know Inverness? What can you tell us about accessibility in this beautiful city?</p>
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<p></p> Haneda Airport rewrites the book on accessible travel!tag:www.bespoken.me,2017-02-23:6411014:Topic:600212017-02-23T14:45:58.364Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p><b><i>My attention was caught this week with an article about the (relatively) recently built Haneda International Airport that is ostensibly the most accessible in the world.</i></b></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.haneda-airport.com/images/haneda-airport-tokyo-home1.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.haneda-airport.com/images/haneda-airport-tokyo-home1.jpg?width=250" style="padding: 4px;" width="250"></img></a> During the planning stages of the design, Haneda Airport (located in Tokyo) recruited a panel of people with various different disabilities to help them get it just right. Ranging from…</p>
<p><b><i>My attention was caught this week with an article about the (relatively) recently built Haneda International Airport that is ostensibly the most accessible in the world.</i></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.haneda-airport.com/images/haneda-airport-tokyo-home1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.haneda-airport.com/images/haneda-airport-tokyo-home1.jpg?width=250" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a>During the planning stages of the design, Haneda Airport (located in Tokyo) recruited a panel of people with various different disabilities to help them get it just right. Ranging from simple things like larger text on the boards listing departure gates etc, to message boards at check in desks for people who are hearing impaired, lightweight toilet doors that can be opened and closed with very little physical effort, it seems everything has been thought of. The toilets themselves look like they are in a league of their own for accessibility, just look at the photos. It comes with an emergency alarm in order to - in the words of their website - “<i>contact the Disaster Control Center in the case of an emergency</i>”. The word ‘disaster’ is perhaps a little overly dramatic but good to know they’ve got your back.</p>
<p> <a href="http://i.imgur.com/AHEVP.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/AHEVP.jpg?width=250" width="250" class="align-right" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>The little passenger cart you see in the photo below can be made available to any travellers who struggle to walk for long.</p>
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<p>A vital part of the accessibility is also having trained staff on hand. The lift alarms include a video screen where a hearing impaired person can communicate face to face with someone who knows sign language. Others are trained and qualified to assist people with limited mobility and elderly people.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://accessible-japan.jp/img/airports/02Multi-functional-restroom.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://accessible-japan.jp/img/airports/02Multi-functional-restroom.jpg?width=250" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a>The main stories about problems with air travel though, I hear from speaking with travellers, tend to be with the plane itself rather than the airport. Some might argue that this effort while commendable is only solving at best 50% of the problems associated with air travel for people who have disabilities.</p>
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<p>On the other hand Edinburgh Airport was rated as ‘Poor’ for accessibility by the Civil Aviation Authority in 2016 so clearly the issue shouldn’t be dismissed. The CAA’s report offers little insight as to why such a low rating was given other than to say that the airport failed to meet many of the recommendations to improve its assistive services.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ana.co.jp/cont-image/common/etc/1184-lang-multi.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.ana.co.jp/cont-image/common/etc/1184-lang-multi.jpg?width=250" width="250" class="align-right" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p>Check out this week’s other discussion about travelling with a disability <strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/getting-on-a-plane-when-you-have-a-disability-the-best-and-the-wo?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">here</span></a></span></strong>. And remember to comment below.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/the-blackwood-concept-house" target="_self"><img width="150" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339093?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/getting-on-a-plane-when-you-have-a-disability-the-best-and-the-wo?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Add your story - the best/worst air travel experiences</span></a></span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/disabled-residents-at-broom-court-join-together-to-produce-beauti" target="_self"><img width="150" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119337242?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></span></span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/disabled-residents-at-broom-court-join-together-to-produce-beauti" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">With the help of assistive technology, this was recorded...</span></a></span></strong></p> Getting on a plane when you have a disability – the best and the worst…tag:www.bespoken.me,2017-02-23:6411014:Topic:599142017-02-23T13:39:57.251Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p><a href="http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Wheelchair-AIrplane-Travel.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/media/4323300/guidedog-by-air.jpg?width=250" style="padding: 4px;" width="250"></img></a></p>
<p><em>We want to hear your best/worst airline travel stories!</em></p>
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<p>It’s not exactly news – air travel isn’t much of a treat if you have a disability. I’ve heard many times from wheelchair users particularly stories of wheelchairs getting lost or damaged, inadequate and undignified “solutions” for access. I even read the story of one…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Wheelchair-AIrplane-Travel.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/media/4323300/guidedog-by-air.jpg?width=250" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p><em>We want to hear your best/worst airline travel stories!</em></p>
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<p>It’s not exactly news – air travel isn’t much of a treat if you have a disability. I’ve heard many times from wheelchair users particularly stories of wheelchairs getting lost or damaged, inadequate and undignified “solutions” for access. I even read the story of one traveller whose $25,000 power wheelchair was dropped 20ft onto the tarmac and destroyed while being placed in the hold! And then there are documented incidents involving guide dogs not being all that welcome on flights.</p>
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<p>We’re trying to get the low-down from the average travellers who have a disability and build a picture of what the worst experiences are. We also want to know if anyone has had the some very positive experiences. This is for people who have any disability whether physical or sensory or both so don’t hold back. Post your comments below…</p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/main/authorization/signIn?target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bespoken.me%2F" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Sign in</span></a></span></strong> to comment below...</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/top-ten-tips-for-wheelchair-travel-abroad-by-an-expert" target="_self"><img src="http://martynsibley.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/martyn-sibley.jpg?width=150" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/top-ten-tips-for-wheelchair-travel-abroad-by-an-expert" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Top 10 tips for wheelchair travel abroad - by an expert</span></a></span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/easily-accessible-or-not-that-is-the-question" target="_self"><img width="150" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119335473?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a><br/></span></span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/easily-accessible-or-not-that-is-the-question" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Easily accessible, or not? That is the question</span></a></span></strong></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/air-access-concept" target="_self"><img width="150" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119329642?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/air-access-concept" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Air Access Concept</span></a></span></strong></p> Mobilituk is making the streets of Phnom Penh accessibletag:www.bespoken.me,2017-02-17:6411014:Topic:599112017-02-17T12:12:55.839Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119338905?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119338905?profile=RESIZE_320x320" style="padding: 4px;" width="250"></img></a> If anyone likes to travel, and you have to have a wheelchair/mobility scooter with you, it’s well documented that even relatively short journeys have to be planned like military campaigns. So it helps a little when your destination has little extras to level the field and make getting around a lot easier.</p>
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<p>For the more adventurous among our readers we’ve looked…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119338905?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119338905?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a>If anyone likes to travel, and you have to have a wheelchair/mobility scooter with you, it’s well documented that even relatively short journeys have to be planned like military campaigns. So it helps a little when your destination has little extras to level the field and make getting around a lot easier.</p>
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<p>For the more adventurous among our readers we’ve looked at <strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/wheelchair-hiking-guide-by-an-expert" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">wheelchair hiking tips from an expert</span></a></span></strong>, and globetrotting digital media guru Martyn Sibley has giving his <strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/top-ten-tips-for-wheelchair-travel-abroad-by-an-expert" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">advice for wheelchair users who want travel further afield</span></a></span></strong>. Sound advice is always welcome but sometimes you can use a practical solution too.</p>
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<p>Mobilituk is a new design from the streets of Phnom Penh where a UNICEF employee noted the staggering difficulties in getting around this magnificent city if you use a wheelchair. The classic tuk-tuk taxis of Phnom Penh are a good way to underline this problem as there is no easy way for way people to get in and out of them without being physically carried into it by the driver. It’s an invasive and awkward transfer but necessary for many who need to use this mode of transport. You then have to trust the same driver to place your chair in the back without damaging any part of it. Yep that includes the big heavy power chairs. Good luck to the tuk-tuk driver too who had better be a regular at their local gym.</p>
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<p>One tuk-tuk has been given a face lift and had a ramp fitted to counter all these difficulties. Megan Smith is a wheelchair user working in Phnom Penh who got in touch with Ian Jones co-owner of an accessible hotel in the Cambodian capital with whom she had a long chat. After bringing in some designers and having a productive workshop by the hotel bar, local tuk-tuk driver Mao Vanny agreed to have his adapted and fitted with the ramp.</p>
<p>Now UNICEF has got in on this and is helping promote the accessible Mobilituk. For her part Megan Smith, speaking to Khmer Times said “<i>It’s brilliant for me as a visitor but I want it to be the most useful for Cambodians. To make Phnom Penh and local society more inclusive transportation is so key. We need a local liaison saying ‘this is a great way to get around.’</i>”</p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/main/authorization/signUp?" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Sign up</span></a></span></strong> to <strong>be</strong>spoken to comment and receive our weekly bulletin</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/pony-access-how-simon-mulholland-is-opening-up-the-countryside?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Y7eoYXz7y9vBKZ-YvOBPzgQkgZmTdFCIMMhfU-MTgOY=w574-h399-no?width=150" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/pony-access-how-simon-mulholland-is-opening-up-the-countryside?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Pony Access: How Simon Mulholland is opening up the countryside</span></a></span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/the-rolling-rambler-exploring-the-countryside-on-four-wheels" target="_self"><img width="150" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119334331?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></span></span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/the-rolling-rambler-exploring-the-countryside-on-four-wheels" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">The rolling rambler: Exploring the countryside on four wheels</span></a></span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/parenting-with-aspberger-syndrome?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Riboflavin_penicillinamide.jpg/640px-Riboflavin_penicillinamide.jpg?width=150" width="150" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></span></span></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/parenting-with-aspberger-syndrome?xg_source=activity" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Parenting with Asperger Syndrome</span></a></span></strong></p>