Accessibility at High Profile Events

A truly memorable day in history took place yesterday so remember the date 20th January 2009 and before you ask it was not the announcement of the Brit Nominees.

President Barack Obama stood solemnly and took his oath during all the pomp and circumstance of his inauguration ceremony (even if he did stumble his words). In years to come people around the world will be asking “Where were you when Obama was sworn into office?”

Most of the seats were set aside for those deemed worthy i.e. VIPs including many diplomats but 5,000 were made available along the parade route at a cost of £16 and these were snapped up instantly. It is estimated that nigh on two million people without tickets crowded into Washington DC’s National Mall in order to say they were part of this historic event.

Before the event, the Inaugural Committee stated that they wanted to make this Inauguration the most accessible of all time and we have yet to hear confirmation that this was indeed the case.

With all events of this nature, it is sometimes hard to find that happy medium that suits everyone and accessibility more often than not takes a back seat.

Why?

It can sometimes be perceived as being more hassle but surely all groups of society should have adequate provision made so we can all enjoy such events be it a Royal Wedding, a winning sports team parade or just my visit to Craven Cottage every Saturday to see the mighty Fulham play!

So what measures need to be considered?

Many of the security measures and crowd control systems put into place for these events prevent disabled people from being fully included at an event. The most simple of changes can present huge barriers to the disabled. For example, road closures may mean that the most accessible and quickest step-free route is no longer available and therefore this impacts on walking distance and time. Overcrowding at transport links may mean these are far from accessible to mobility impaired travellers – I, myself, have written about this very thing (see blog entry 20th October 2008). Crowds can cause a sense of vulnerability or disorientation to many.

We have a moral duty to consider all options when planning these events and with a view to London 2012 we have the time to incorporate the knowledge that can be gained from many of the Disability Groups.

Time and time again we have seen contradictions by those involved with the planning of these events and this can be highlighted by comments made in Washington before yesterday’s event

Christian Kent, of the Washington Metro, advised people that "if they have any concern about being able to navigate or endure these conditions, they should avoid travelling into downtown Washington on these days". Only to be told by George Akembe of the District of Columbia Center for Independent Living - a wheelchair user - "if this is supposed to be the most accessible inauguration in history, why are they saying disabled people should stay home?

Surely high profile events, not just here in the UK but the world over, should have accessibility for all.