Breadcrumbs
'By all reasonable means': inclusive access to the outdoors for disabled people - 12th October 2005
It is unlawful under the Disability Discrimination Act for 'service providers' to discriminate against disabled people in providing access to the outdoors. This includes walks, events, visitor centres, information, interpretation, signage, paths and trails.
The Countryside Agency’s guidance ‘By all reasonable means’ updates those who manage the countryside and green spaces, including local authorities, on the Disability Discrimination Act and challenges the common misconception that ‘disabled’ means ‘wheelchair user’.
Pam Warhurst, Deputy Chair of the Countryside Agency, said: “Everyone benefits from being outdoors in the countryside – and disabled people are no exception. We urge all those involved in countryside recreation to consider disability in its widest sense and to make, by all reasonable means, the benefits of the outdoors available to all. Disabled people value the countryside and feel frustrated that their needs are not catered for.
“The first step must be to understand the needs of disabled people – and how better than by talking to local groups. We don’t underestimate the difficulties of managing the countryside in a way that gives adequate access for all whilst conserving the character of the landscape. This guidance is designed to support them in this challenge,” Ms Warhurst added.
ENDS
For more information or interviews please contact the press office at the Countryside Agency on:
Beth Rose: 01242 533 306 or 07900 608052
Matthew Heard: 01242 533 476 or 07900 608168
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Notes to Editors:
‘By all reasonable means’ can be downloaded from www.countryside.gov.uk/diversity or call 0870 120 6466 to request a copy
The Diversity Review is a review of who does and doesn't access outdoor recreation and a review of the services currently available. The Countryside Agency was asked to carry out the review, the first of its kind, for Defra and forms part of Defra’s Rural Strategy (July 2004) and it was a commitment in the Rural White Paper (2000). Ethnos carried out the user research and the Environmental Psychology Research Group at the University of Surrey carried out the service provider research.
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Following publication of the draft Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill in February, English Nature, the Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division are working towards integration as a single body: Natural England. It will work for people, places and nature with responsibility for enhancing biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas; promoting access, recreation and public wellbeing, and contributing to the way natural resources are managed – so they can be enjoyed now and for future generations.
English Nature is the independent Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England.
The Rural Development Service is the largest deliverer of the England Rural Development Programme and a range of advisory and regulatory rural services. With the administration of a multi-million pound grant budget for schemes which support land management, rural businesses and rural communities, the Rural Development Service is the single largest organisation working for the benefit of rural areas in England.
The Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division aims to help everyone respect, protect and enjoy the countryside – protecting natural landscapes; and encouraging access to, enjoyment of and sustainable management and use of the countryside.
