Belfast’s Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Residents Highlighted

Belfast faces worsening inequalities for disabled individuals, according to the city’s Equality and Diversity Officer, Lorraine Dennis. As the International Day for Persons with Disabilities approaches on December 3, 2023, an event at Belfast City Hall aims to address these issues and introduce an accessibility “road map” for the city.

During a recent meeting of the Belfast City Council People and Communities Committee, Dennis provided an overview of the current state of accessibility in Belfast. She emphasized that significant disparities exist, particularly for the neurodiverse and deaf communities. Dennis remarked, “One of the patterns we are seeing very much is visibility in the city, in terms of inequalities for the neurodiverse and deaf community in sign language. There is a lot of work going on, but there are inequalities right across education and health. They are getting worse.”

The upcoming event will not only unveil the accessibility road map but also initiate discussions on what an inclusive city truly means. Dennis noted that the term “accessible” is frequently misinterpreted as requiring substantial financial investment. She pointed out, “It does need money, but what we see is that the most accessible cities are the most successful cities.”

Accessibility in Belfast encompasses a range of critical factors, including transport, city infrastructure, job opportunities, and communication. Dennis highlighted the importance of input from disability and access groups in shaping the city’s initiatives. The event on December 3 will feature sessions with speakers who have firsthand experience living with disabilities, including deafness and blindness.

Among the speakers will be entrepreneurs from an organization called Disabled by Society, which focuses on how societal structures can inadvertently cause disablement. Dennis aims to raise awareness about the diverse nature of disabilities. She explained, “A child with very complex needs might never enter the labour market, but that doesn’t mean he or she has any less value, and that is very different from someone who is deaf and entering the labour market. It is about breaking down the preconceptions that we have.”

The program will also include case studies from officers involved in inclusive tourism and a presentation on Belfast Stories and Universal Design. The event seeks to foster a greater understanding of the challenges faced by disabled individuals and encourage community engagement in developing solutions.

As Belfast prepares for this significant day, the focus remains on creating a more equitable environment for all residents. The initiative highlights the city’s commitment to addressing the needs of its disabled population and fostering a more inclusive society.