Now that the coronavirus lockdown is easing and the public is getting out and about more there is a lack of information about how ‘safe’ certain venues are for disabled people.
So Euan’s Guide, a site that offers access reviews written by disabled people, has introduced a feature where reviewers can comment on hygiene and whether social distancing rules are being stuck to.
The site’s co-founder Euan MacDonald says: “In recent research we have heard that disabled people are concerned about physical distancing measures and other implementations affecting disabled access. Recent reopenings have shown that a lack of accessible parking facilities, toilet facilities, and resting areas are being overlooked to facilitate reopening measures. We want to help ensure venues do not forget or disregard the needs of disabled people as changes come into place.
“Now that places are reopening it is not just disabled people and people travelling with them that are looking for this information. Everyone wants to know where is open and what their visit will be like. When I read access reviews from other disabled people I feel more confident visiting this venue as they notice the same barriers that I may face as a powerchair user.”
Their Covid Confident page gives people instructions on how to check if the guidelines are adhered to and give visitors to venues a sense of safety. The website – which has existed for the last seven years – is also running a Voices Of Covid blog. “Stories and news around the pandemic have swamped the media, but we feel not enough attention is being given to the voices of disabled people, their friends, families and carers,” says Euan. They share one personal account each week of a topic we believe many disabled people and those closest to them will be able to relate to. If you want to suggest a topic you can do so through their contact page or email them at hello@euansguide.com
