Home > News and resources > Latest news
Kidz Board hit Manchester streets to explore accessibility
29 Sep 2009
The Kidz Board went out into the streets of Manchester on Saturday 26 September to test the city's accessibility for wheelchair-users, as they completed a series of challenges.
Armed with cameras and video recorders, the team all aged 13 to 19, documented their journeys as they set out to reach local landmarks by bus, train and tram. Their race against time culminated at the Museum of Science and Industry where they met with John Leech MP Manchester Withington, and the Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Minister - to discuss how easy they found getting around.
Pictures by Amy Scaife.
Mr Leech said:
“Manchester has a proud heritage of diversity, but we recognise that parts of the city could be better in terms of access for disabled people. Let’s not forget that as of October 2004, the Disability Discrimination Act made it unlawful for service providers to discriminate against disabled customers. Of course as well as just doing right by disabled residents and visitors, it also makes good business sense to be accessible.
”It’s great to be able to support active young people taking up issues important to them. I’ll be very interested to learn what they discover. I hope that the lessons learnt from the day will be taken on board by the local council”
Summer negotiates a curb crossing adjacent to some roadworks.
Jamie Green, Chair of the Kidz Board, added:
“Whilst we were running the gauntlet it helped us to see how Manchester fares in terms of access. As young people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids, we like going out and socialising as much as anyone – but it can be hard sometimes when simple things prevent us getting around.
“But we’re not out to name and shame – this was a fun exercise, and we’re keen to work together with transport operators and public buildings to make simple adjustments which will help everyone enjoy the city fully.”
The story was covered on BBC Radio Manchester on the day, and BBC Manchester online covered the story in more detail - which you can read at this link.
Watch this space - and our YouTube channel - for upcoming video that the Kidz Board filmed during the day.
The Kidz Board leads the charity’s ‘Ambassador Network’, which gives young wheelchair-users up to the age of 25 the opportunity to campaign locally and nationally on issues they feel strongly about.
I would like to make a regular donation!
As an ambassador I can highlight the need of the provision of suitable mobility equipment for children and make others aware of the opportunities available to young people in wheelchairs