Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Mobility problems may be due to a variety of causes and may include:

• Diminished movement.
• Use of wheelchair, crutches, walking aid.
• Inability to reach venues.
• Inability to leave home.

Making open meetings accessible

• Review all venues in terms of steps, ramps, handrails, accessible toilets, lifts, easy opening of doors.
• Ask members what help they require.
• Provide suitable space for wheelchairs at meetings and offer practical assistance.
• Encourage carers to accompany a member.
• Look at accessibility implications for parking at venues.
• Make it clear what to do in an emergency.
• Suggest car sharing.

Making interest groups accessible

• Be flexible about meeting in members’ homes, are they accessible?
• Could the member with the mobility issue host the group?
• Consider meeting in retirement and/or care homes.
• Look for venues with easy access for those with mobility problems (libraries, cafes, pubs, local care homes, even some supermarkets). Ask around – one u3a uses a fire station!

Support from other organisations