TSL Kirklees supports Successful Launch of Kirklees Disability Network
TSL Kirklees has helped to support the launch of a new Disability Network in Kirklees. Disabled people together with local charities and community groups were invited to an initial meeting at Huddersfield Mission, on 14th June to discuss whether a network was needed and what the priorities were for moving forward. The speakers included, local people with lived experience of disabilities, colleagues from Leeds Disability Network, and Kirklees Council talking about their Inclusive Communities Framework and Co-Production Board.
Over 50 people were present and the initial priorities were:
- The Network needs to be independent
- Making the Disability Network meetings an example of best practice in terms of inclusion eg sharing presentations and workshops in advance, taking in to account all access requirements, help for people with visual and other impairments access to refreshments at meetings
- Provide opportunities for people with disabilities to be consulted about new services or plans through local sounding boards
- Opportunity for people with disabilities to shape services and plans for buildings and streets
- Disability Network should be able to influence local plans of Council and Health and provide constructive feedback; one suggestions is to work with the Council to develop a Kirklees Charter to promote inclusive environments and town centres
- Misuse of pavements – parking of cars, scooters and bikes, tables and chairs preventing ease of movement
- Lack of toilets
- Lack of respite services
- More opportunities to socialise and to access sports and fitness activities including wellbeing activities, gardening and walking groups
- Better understanding of specific needs of people with disabilities from Black and Ethnic Minority communities, young people, LGBT, older people, women
- Improve understanding and practice in services, schools, private sector and shops of issues facing people with disabilities
- More help using computers and the internet
Next Steps
TSL Kirklees will continue to support the network as it forms an operational group and starts to develop as an organisation in its own right.
If you would like to know more, please contact Mithu Komarnyckyj mithu@tslkirklees.org.uk.