Disability Equality Scotland, in partnership with Transport Scotland, hosted an event in Oban on 31 January.  The event was an opportunity to bring together local disabled people and transport providers to discuss key issues on the topic of transport accessibility and connectivity.  The event opened with an introduction to the Accessible Travel Framework from Transport Scotland to which the work of Disability Equality Scotland contributes.  Following this, group discussions took place covering topics such as changing between modes of transport, clear pathways, accessible buses and taxis and accessible information prior to and during travel. Accessibility at Crianlarich Station was one
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Disability Equality Scotland is hosting an event about access to transport for disabled people at the Riverbank Resource Centre on Wednesday 28 February 2018. The event, which is being held in partnership with Transport Scotland, will focus on disabled people’s access to public transport in rural areas. It will be the perfect opportunity for local people to influence the shape and form of public transport and create communities that are more inclusive. Disability Equality Scotland, Project Manager, Emma Scott said: ‘This is an important event as transport in rural areas can be a lifeline for so many people. The event
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Disability Equality Scotland presents an event on ‘transport connectivity’- the process of changing between different types of transport. Connectivity is about your experiences of changing between different types of transport.  It also includes journey planning and the timetabling of services so that people can make a connection.  This event will discuss some of the issues identified by disabled people using public transport such as journey planning, timetables, information and assistance. To book your free place please contact emma@disabilityequality.scot Telephone: 01259 272064 Or book online at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connectivity-event-disability-equality-scotland-tickets-42040088035 Date: Wednesday 31 January 2018 Time: 11.30am – 1.30pm Venue: Corran Halls, Corran
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Third Force News reports that Scotland’s blue badge scheme for disabled parking has been extended to cover carers of people with dementia, autism and Down’s Syndrome. Scottish Government officials confirmed they will be now be adopting changes introduced in a pilot project in April 2016, meaning carers and relatives of people who pose a risk to themselves or others in traffic can apply for a badge. Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government can permanently extend the criteria around the blue badge” To read the full article by Third Force News, please click here  
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Aberdeen International Airport recently  launched their new hidden disabilities lanyards in partnership with Friendly Access with an aim to make air travel more friendly and accessible for all passengers. The airport now offers passengers the opportunity to have familiarisation tours of the terminal prior to their travel plans as well as the option of wearing a hidden disability lanyard whilst in the facility. For more information about the new scheme, please click here
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Disability Equality Scotland is working with Transport Scotland to undertake research into Accessible Travel.  In May 2017, we circulated a national baseline survey about disabled peoples’ experiences of travelling on public transport.  This helped to identify some of the key issues for disabled people, which we would now like to explore in more detail. One of the key topics was transport in rural areas.  Transport in rural areas can be a lifeline for many people.  However, the frequency and cost of the transport service can also be a barrier for some. We have designed a short survey about transport issues in
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The Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance (SATA) want to find out how well taxis meet the needs of older people, disabled people, those with health conditions or support needs, and others who potentially may experience access difficulties. It is about taxis in the general sense – including black cabs, private hire vehicles and anything else used for a taxi purpose. The questionnaire has 20 to 40 questions depending on the answers you give. If you need the questionnaire in another format, contact our secretary Mike Harrison at secretary@scottishaccessibletransport.org.uk You have a chance to win £100 in Amazon Vouchers by completing the
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PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society) is the leading Scottish charity for the Changing Places Toilet Campaign. There are an increasing number of people who require this facility  – a twelve square metre room with specialist equipment such as a tracking hoist, an adjustable height changing bench and a peninsular toilet. PAMIS have been campaigning for over 10 years for this facility and although over the past 2 years there has been a sharper increase there are still only 160 across Scotland. This means that many people who require this facility in order to meet their personal care needs are being
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In May 2017, Scottish Disability Equality Forum conducted a national survey on behalf of Transport Scotland.  This was a baseline survey to allow us to gather information about disabled peoples’ experiences of travelling on public transport.  The survey gave us lots of useful information, and some that we want to find out more about. As part of our ongoing work with Transport Scotland we are undertaking further research. Here is a short survey about Connectivity.  Connectivity is about your experience of changing between different types of transport.  It also includes journey planning and the timetabling of services so that people
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The following questionnaire has been created by the Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance (SATA) to gather information on the accessiblity of taxis and private hire cars. The survey should be completed only by those who use taxis or private hire cars AND a helping dog or a wheelchair (or both). To complete the survey, please click the following link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9GLGGV5  
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