|
|
 |
|
Hunters Hill Local News |
16 June 2010
TO THE POINT with Barbara Dorsch
To The POINT
With
BARBARA DORSCH
THE HUNTERS Hill Access Committee has been an advisory committee to the Council for some years.
Its members are involved with disability, either personally or by interest, or connection with others with disabilities.
All types of disability are of concern to the committee. These include anything from difficulty moving one’s legs, problems with balance, hearing or vision, and even mothers with pushchairs and prams.
As a result of their disability people may have to use anything from wheelchairs, walking frames, crutches or walking sticks, through to hearing aids or special glasses.
An example that is often not obvious is hearing loss: this makes it difficult to attend meetings, plays, concerts etc. With modern hearing aids it is possible to set up a hearing loop in a hall or theatre.
Loss of, or difficulty with, vision means that pedestrian lights at crossings will need a sound system to tell these people when to cross the road.
* * *
AS WE are all aware, Hunters Hill Municipality is a very old area, and was settled long before disabled people were ever seen in the community.
As a result there are many problems of accessibility such as overhanging vegetation, tree roots, narrow footpaths, high kerbs, floating wharves and obstructed bus stops that are simply not seen in younger communities. Similarly, there are many old buildings, both public and private, that were built long before there were many disabled but mobile people in the community, and that have considerable access problems.
In the 21st century 65 per cent of the Hunters Hill population are or will be aged over 65. Many of these will present some of the disabilities outlined above, and this combination will mean increasing future problems with accessibility.
There is a legal requirement that all public buildings are to be wheelchair accessible, and that all public areas must have accessible entrances, exits and toilets.
In recent years, especially since 1981, the International Year of the Disabled, much has been done locally - kerbs ramped, footpaths upgraded, automatic doors to public buildings, and ramped entrances to public buildings and open areas. But also we depend on residents keeping their vegetation under control (roots and overhang).
* * *
DISABLED TOILETS are in all public areas, such as Clarks Point, Hunters Hill football ground, Field of Mars, Valentia Street, and the recently revamped harbour foreshore area of Woolwich, where there are now footpaths and a ramped entrance to the sailing club.
A key (MLAK) is obtainable from Council for all disabled toilets in Hunters Hill Municipality. Disabled parking areas are available in all shopping areas, public buildings, and Valentia Street Ferry wharf (now three spaces), Kelly’s Bush and the Field Of Mars and other recreation areas.
Some local buses are wheelchair accessible, and their times are available on the internet. We are constantly upgrading and checking the bus stops and post boxes.
Much has been achieved, but there is always more. We depend on residents contacting us with problems or suggestions. We can be contacted through Hunters Hill Council.
* BARBARA DORSCH is chairperson of the Hunters Hill Access Committee.
Courtesy of TWT
< article list
|
|