 |
| I am a fab 1 in ten dyslexic logo |
Hi Blog readers hope you are all well
I want to share with you as to why I support and promote the social model of dyslexia and social model of disability. The basic idea behind the social model is that it is society that disables.
About 18 months ago I went to a Business Gateway even event at the new Enterprise Hub is Glenrothes. Brand spanking new building the Fife Council and its partners, including Business Gateway, were all proud of. Its on the first floor of a building above a bank.
I went in the front door on the building and was presented with two long flights of stairs to climb. It was not easy for me as I was still recovering from my heart attacks but I managed to climb the stairs.
I had a little explore around the building and there was no accessible loo to be found and other disability access related issues.
Anyone with any real mobility issues would not have been able to access the building or use the facilities.
This is what I mean when I say society disables...........
Hmmmm, maybe the thinking is disabled people cant run a business or be an entrepreneur??????
I asked about an accessible entry point like a lift so that people with mobility issues can access the building. I was told there was none.
The reason being there had not been the funding available to make the building more accessible. A member of staff did assure me they were looking into the accessibility issues. I have heard nothing since.......BIG surprise there then lol.
Now I felt stuck between a rock and a hard place here. If I complained officially how would that impact on me and my organization Dyslexia Pathways CIC?
I wrote a e mail complaining to my local MSP.
The MSP still has not got back to me .
A couple months ago I went back to the same building for another training event. Still the same problem of access but I was not surprised about that. This time I went on to twitter and wrote about this problem on my twitter feed. I also complained to my feedback form.
As I walked out of the building a person working there called down to me as I walked down the stairs to inform me they were going to be putting in a stair life. I also received phone calls from the Business Gateway to again inform me they were putting a stair lift in.
I am not sure when they will be doing this or if they will be rectifying the other accessibility issues in the building.
But if they do this will be an example of society enabling........EVENTUALLY!!!!!
Another chapter in this little story occurred last week. I say a post on Facebook advertising the facility. It was a bit like a red rag to a bull I asked about accessibility to the building and had this changed. Nothing about accessibility issues was mentioned.
Eventually, I received a response telling me their other building in Glenrothes is accessible and no mention of the Enterprise Hub I was talking about was made. So I guess nothing has been done.
I have to finally say I hate being put into a position where I have to complain. I, we, as disabled, dyslexic or, neuro diverse people should not be put into a position where we have to complain.
Organizations like Business Gateway and councils like Fife Council should know better.
But unless we do complain nothing will ever change and will probably get even worse by remaining silent.
If you would like to visit the site here is a link the web page:
https://enterprisehubfife.co.uk/business-support-services/
It says on the web page:
FLEXIBLE OFFICE SThis flexible work space offers modern, professional and affordable offices, together with state of the art events space, easily accessible co-working areas and private meeting rooms.
Hmmmm
thanks for reading
Peace love and groovyness to all
Please share your experiences of times when society enabled of disabled you.
Thanks for reading
Steve McCue
No comments:
Post a Comment