Two recent reports have exposed the ongoing and critical barriers that Disabled people continue to face in their daily lives, despite decades of campaigning for equality. These findings highlight how far society still has to go in addressing the systemic inequalities that prevent Disabled people from living independently and participating fully in their communities.
The reports published by Wheelie Good Travel Company (WGTC) and AccessAble, reveal critical barriers that Disabled people face in areas such as employment, transport, housing, and access to essential services. Key findings include:
- Employment Discrimination: Disabled people remain significantly underrepresented in the workforce, with many facing inaccessible workplaces, a lack of reasonable adjustments, and ongoing discrimination.
- Transport Inequality: Public transport systems are still failing to meet accessibility standards, leaving many Disabled people unable to travel independently or confidently.
- Housing Inaccessibility: A lack of affordable, accessible housing continues to limit opportunities for Disabled people to live independently.
- Cost of Living Crisis: Disabled people face higher living costs and insufficient financial support, compounding the challenges of everyday life.
These barriers reflect systemic failings that require urgent action from policymakers, businesses, and service providers.
Transport remains one of the most pressing issues highlighted in the reports, with Disabled people continuing to face challenges such as inaccessible buses, unreliable wheelchair spaces, and poor service from staff.
In Bristol, WECIL has been actively addressing these issues through initiatives such as:
- Bristol City Centre Transport Consultation: Disability.Inc. ensured that Disabled people were given the platform to provide detailed feedback on proposed transport changes, advocating for policies that address the needs of Disabled people. Our consultation included input from local residents and DPOs to ensure their voices were heard. Learn more about this work here.
- The People’s Voice Diamond Bus Pass Campaign: WECIL’s campaign for inclusive bus travel calls for accessible buses, improved driver training, and fair treatment for Disabled passengers. Our petition, which has gained widespread support, highlights the urgent need for reforms in public transport. Read more and sign the petition here.
These efforts reflect the importance of putting Disabled people’s experiences at the heart of transport policy to create systems that work for everyone.
WECIL’s Disability.Inc. service plays a key role in breaking down barriers to inclusion by working with businesses and service providers to create accessible environments, with services covering:
- Accessibility Audits: Supporting businesses to identify and address barriers, ensuring their services are inclusive and welcoming to Disabled people.
- Staff Training: Providing disability equality training to improve understanding and support for Disabled employees and customers.
- Consultation Services: Advising on accessible design for public and private spaces to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
These services are helping to drive change in Bristol and beyond, enabling organisations to meet the needs of Disabled people more effectively.
The findings from WGTC and AccessAble reinforce the urgent need for systemic reform to address the barriers Disabled people face. WECIL is calling for:
- Inclusive Policy-Making: Policymakers must work with Disabled people and DPOs to design solutions that address real-world challenges.
- Investment in Accessibility: More funding is needed to improve infrastructure, transport, and public spaces to make them truly accessible.
- Public Support for Change: Individuals can help by supporting campaigns like People’s Voice, amplifying the call for fair and inclusive public services.
