Remember that, like the rest of the population, disabled people are looking for different experiences, but to enjoy and enable these experiences they need to:

• Get accurate, honest and accessible information

• Be able to get there

• Be able to park

• Be able to experience the interpretation

• Find the path, if appropriate, and not get lost

• Physically travel on a path and negotiate gates or barriers

• Be able to use adjacent facilities

 

From the outset, you should adopt an ‘Access for All’ approach to your project planning to ensure that access is provided in an inclusive and equitable way.

The Disability and Discrimination Act (1995 and 2005)(DDA) promotes equality of opportunity for disabled people. Section 19 of the Act makes it an offence for a ‘provider of services’ to discriminate against a disabled person on grounds of their disability. You must therefore make reasonable adjustments to allow disabled people to use your interpretation.

 

Contact the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Assistant Community Development Officer who will be able to advise on disabled access and point you towards other useful contacts such as the Disabled Access Steering Group who can help you determine local needs and priorities. The Fieldfare Trust* promotes countryside access for disabled people and would also be able to offer advice and guidance.

 

*The Fieldfare Trust works with people with disabilities and countryside managers to improve access to the countryside for everyone. They have produced a number of useful publications including ‘Countryside for All Accessibility Standards’ and a ‘Good Practice Guide’, both available through their website; www.fieldfare.org.uk