Essex Access Forum

About the Essex Access Forum

The Essex Access Forum networks the activities of 14 local Access Groups in our county by:

• Holding Regular seminars on topics of common interest
• Publishing about access related activities throughout the county
• Distribution of information circulars on access matters of interest and potential
• Enabling local groups to support and learn from each others experiences
• Maintaining a focus on the value of well designed built (man made) environments
• Addressing access issues of countywide concern
• Highlighting positive images of disability

Barrier Free Design

Thoughtless design of buildings, transport systems and street environments places unnecessary barriers in the way of daily life for people with physical and sensory disabilities.

The Essex Access Forum and the Local Access Groups promote

BARRIER FREE DESIGN

The Essex Access Forum and the 14 local Access Groups across our county actively promote the adoption of 'BARRIER FREE DESIGN' so as to create environments which are accessible and can be used by everyone.

Local Access Groups work with:

• Town planners to create communities that allow everyone to live and participate as they choose
• Building controllers, architects, builders and developers to ensure that construction and refurbishment projects provide buildings which offer access and full participation for all
• Highways officers in the creation of street environments that are safe and easily managed by everyone
• Park rangers and leisure officers to accommodate everyone in recreational opportunities
• Public transport operators in seeking to develop easier travel for everyone
• Traffic wardens to reduce the abuse of Blue Badge provisions.

What does the Essex Access Forum Want?...Not a lot…Just that everyone should be able to:

• Use buses, trains and taxis
• Get safely along or across the road
• Enter shops, offices, banks and post offices
• Drop in on friends, family and neighbours
• Visit, without fuss, local pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres
• Attend the school or college or their choice
• Brose at will in museums, galleries and libraries
• Enjoy country parks and recreation areas.

The Essex Access Forum networks the local Access Groups in Essex

• Basildon
• Braintree
• Brentwood
• Castle Point
• Chelmsford
• » Colchester Access Group
• Epping Forest
• » Harlow Access Group
• Maldon
• Rochford
• Southend
• » Tendring Access Group
• » Access Committee for Thurrock
• » Uttlesford Area Access Group

For details about your local Group contact Essex Access Forum on 01376 325144

Essex Access Forum thanks M&G Investments for their support.