Disability is a social construct.
5
5
Date of visit: January 2018
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Total accessibility to the Centre, designed into the building from the outset. The building is used by people with MS, their families, volunteer and staff and therapists of various disciplines. It opened in 2015, just months after my MS was diagnosed and is the gold standard in my opinion. However, I baulk a little at the term 'Disabled Access' following my reading of p.56 of Labour's Manifesto which opened my eyes a little. "Labour supports a social model of disability. People may have a condition or an impairment but they are disabled by society. We need to remove the barriers in society that restrict opportunities and choices for people with disabilities". Despite the fact that there seems to be some self-contradiction there it re-frames the issue for me, implying that unless buildings hare accessible to all then it is the building that makes disables us. Mere linguistic niceties perhaps, but who would want to use the dread 'disabled toilet'?
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Ground floor completely flat, access by automatic double-width front doors. Automatic door to a toilet that can accommodate a wheel chair. A lift to the first floor. Wheelchair access to Hydrotherapy pool.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
I am driven by a volunteer who is part of Canterbury and Herne Bay Driver Scheme. Parking facilities are excellent although Bus Travel is difficult due to the poor provision of Bus Stops by Stagecoach.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
See above.
Staff
Excellent
Total empathy.
Additional Information
It is a template for private firms and local authorities wishing to build/adapt.
