People in the know are all too well aware at how poor disabled access often is in public spaces or buildings. So it’s great when people try. It’s even better when they succeed.

Here are a few examples of presumably good intentions gone wrong which highlight the vital importance of good design and inclusion from the outset.

1)    The dangerously artistic.

Granted it looks pretty nifty, but one false manoeuvre and the unlucky person trying to get their wheelchair or mobility scooter up or down this is going to have a very painful accident.

2)     The very lazy attempt at a ramp.

Looking at this one you can’t help but feel that someone with no idea of disability or accessibility was told “we need a ramp out front” and 5 minutes later thought, “this’ll do”. Look, there's even a helpful Blue Badge symbol near the bottom in case you were wondering what on earth it was.

3)    The circus balance act ramp.

Now I'm not disputing the excellent balance and aim of some wheelchair users, but this ramp is precarious at best. Sooner or later someone is going to go over the side. Also, do you notice a passing resemblance to the Millennium Falcon? No, just me? Either way, not many people would like to take their chances on this ramp.

4)    The toboggan enthusiast.

Look at him. He’s so proud of his wheelchair ramp of death. One wonders if the point of this one was actually to prevent people coming in or just ensure they leave very fast.

5)    The infamous maze ramp

This one made headlines a couple years back when a local council decided to bless one lucky family with a ramp for their young daughter who used a wheelchair. The result was a spectacular eye-sore which local kids used as a skate park; an easy mistake to make no doubt. The 60 metres long, 10 levels deep ramp obliterated the front garden of the tenant as a further bonus.

Whilst it’s easy to laugh at such poor design, it’s important to remember the solution: Inclusion from the outset; bringing designers and end-users together at the start to make for better, more efficient access.

Bespoken is here for you to get involved. Designers; share an idea. If you use adaptations; join the conversation and help raise awareness of the issues faced. If you're new to bespoken, don't leave without exploring the rest of the website. You can also email directly on bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk.

Have you ever encountered poorly thought out adaptations? Doesn’t have to be ramps, could be anything. Drop a comment below.

--------------------------

Sign up to comment or start a discussion!

--------------------------

Check out more discussions on bespoken...

5 things you don't know until you're in a wheelchair

Loopwheels: The Shock-Abosorbing Wheels for Wheelchairs

Disabled Residents make beautiful music with a digital twist