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The Disabled Access Group works with North Somerset Council and takes part in a variety of consultations related to access to services and the built and natural environment.
The group provides feedback directly to council officers on a wide range of projects and is keen to attract more members to get a better representation across a wide range of disabilities. It is inviting anyone with a hidden or visible disability to join.
The group meets virtually at the moment but is hoping to resume in-person meetings at Vison North Somerset in Weston-super-Mare.
Cllr Mike Bell, North Somerset Council's Deputy Leader and champion for disabled people, said: “The Disabled Access Group has been an incredibly valuable partner to us during the last 15 years. The group meets regularly, getting involved in the development of key council plans and strategies and making sure the views of disabled people are well represented.
“Hearing first-hand about what matters to people will allow the council’s officers to make better decisions for the good of everyone in our community, especially those with a variety of needs.”
The group has recently appointed a new Chair following the sad death of Nina Farr who had previously chaired the group.
Steve Ledbrook, the group’s newly appointed Chair, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be nominated has chair and to follow in the footsteps of Nina who was so committed to pushing the group forward.
“To be involved with the Disabled Access Group for many years has given me and other members a voice, an opportunity to shape our own local community, to engage with North Somerset Council, to offer our feedback and advise on physical access to business and services.
“Many disabled people have struggled throughout the pandemic. Some things have gone backwards, some forwards but we must continue the fight for access for everyone with a disability. I have been involved in improving disability access most of the life through my own family network, working with young disabled people and others with muscular dystrophy and with many trips to parliament. I have this passion and commitment and often won’t shut up until things are changed.
“Going forward we have an opportunity to grow our group, to continue to be one of North Somerset Council’s essential groups and to enable access for everyone in North Somerset. “
For more information and details on how to join the group email the council's inclusion and corporate development team at ic.development@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01934 634 989 during office hours.