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Boris: Games will have best access for disabled
Katharine Barney, Evening Standard16.09.08
The London 2012 Olympic Games must act as a catalyst to transform access for disabled people around the city, Boris Johnson said today.
Speaking ahead of the closing ceremony in Beijing, the Mayor praised the achievements of Team GB's Paralympic athletes and pledged to make London's Games the most accessible ever.
Mr Johnson said he would work with 2012 organisers to ensure the capital was doing everything possible to maximise access to the Games as well as hotels, restaurants and shops.
The Mayor said: "The fantastic achievements of our Paralympic team at the Beijing Games have surpassed the country's wildest expectations, adding to the pride we all felt watching Team GB reel in their haul of medals last month. They have delivered for us - now we must deliver for them, and for all disabled Londoners and visitors.
"I want everyone who comes to London to enjoy every aspect of their stay, including Paralympians, disabled spectators and anyone who may have difficulty moving around the capital. That means ensuring a wide choice of accommodation and places to visit.
"So I urge all London businesses, including shops, restaurants and hotels, to start thinking now about how they can make their services as accessible as possible in time for the 2012 Games."
Reader views (4)
As a disabled Londoner and an access auditor I couldn't agree more Anne. Access issues should have been adressed well before 2012 and in my mind well before now. Small businesses need to be educated about the DDA and realise that they do not have to shell out for expensive lifts, but too make reasonable changes that do not affect the nature of their business. As a wheelchair user I am a minority of disabled people, yet a wheelchair is the first thing that springs to mind when the word disability is mentioned. Having clear signs and menus in large print can make a difference to a larger number of people, including older people. Surely it's better to make small changes to benefit some people than do nothing at all. If legislation can't change things for us- what can a grand event like 2012 do? Lets hope it can.
- Kirsty, London
Good for Boris. He's inherited a financial mess from Red Ken and he's trying to make sure it benefits Londoners. We should all support him.
- Justin, London, UK
Has Boris run out of ideas?, doesnt he realise that the World and London in particular is in melt down. He is talking about an event that is 4 years away and completely irrelevant, except for the 1% of the population that (quite rightly) are affected. Could this be, I take the simple questions first and of course have to be in the Evening Standard every day.
- Bondy, london
Surely the Mayor should be encouraging London businesses to meet the duties that they already have under the Disability Discrimination Act? Why should disabled Londoners have to wait until 2012?
- Anne Tynan, London
