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Access Access Access - Olan McGowan
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In the interim, all we can do is encourage architects, builders and designers to put their thinking caps on! I am simultaneously amazed and amused at some of the things I see in so-called "accessible" premises around Ireland. On a recent visit to a newly opened restaurant in Dublin 6, I asked whether they had an accessible toilet. The staff was extremely pleased at the extent to which their restaurant was accessible and I was escorted to the door which led to the toilets. Unfortunately, a perfectly accessible loo was compromised by the fact that, in the corridor that led to the toilet, a radiator had been placed directly opposite the bottom step of the stairwell. A gap, which would have been around 750mm, had effectively been reduced to under 600. Although I squeezed through (barely), many electric wheelchairs would never have managed. I have absolutely no doubt that architect involved was extremely conscious of disabled access at the planning stage. All of the drawings were probably perfectly laid out, with Part M rigidly adhered to. But one minor oversight such as the placing of a radiator can spoil the party.

Similar situations occur when toilets are built which, although the four walls appear to give ample space, are made redundant by an inward opening door which cannot be closed when the wheelchair is inside. Other amusing "placements" are mirrors in disabled bathrooms which are placed at a standard height enabling the average wheelchair user to check how the top of his or her hairdo is holding up, but not much else! And, try as I might, I cannot understand the prevalence of doll-sized sinks in disabled toilets. Perhaps there is the feeling out there that wheelchair users have tiny hands?

Apart from planning things on paper, there is absolutely no substitute for common sense. Indeed, if I can address the architect, designers, builders and any other interested party reading this article, the Irish Wheelchair Association have an excellent wheelchair sales and hire service. Why not take the plunge and spend an afternoon getting around an environment of your choice. I can guarantee, it will be a learning experience!

Olan Mc Gowan is the National Advocacy and Media Co-ordinator for the Irish Wheelchair Association