Introduction
The On The Table consultation event, held online on 10 December 2024, aimed to inform the Community Foundation’s Vital Signs report by examining the experiences and needs of disabled individuals in the North East.
Eight participants, aged 22 to 60, discussed key challenges affecting accessibility and inclusion across public transport, health, culture, and climate change initiatives.
Key Challenges Identified
Transport Accessibility
- Public transport systems are plagued by physical and informational barriers, such as inaccessible buses and Metros, outdated or missing travel updates, and inadequate provision during service interruptions.
- Disabled people face disproportionate costs and logistical challenges, exacerbating financial strain and isolation.
- A wheelchair user’s experience highlighted the cascading effects of inaccessible transport, including health and employment impacts.
Health and Wellness
- Barriers to participation in health initiatives stem from ableist assumptions and a lack of inclusive exercise opportunities.
- Traditional fitness spaces, such as gyms, were described as intimidating and inaccessible, particularly for disabled individuals with complex health needs or those facing societal stigma.
Cultural and Community Life
- Smaller grassroots organisations were praised for providing accessible cultural opportunities but face financial challenges.
- Many disabled people remain unaware of these inclusive activities due to inaccessible or insufficient communication channels, leading to isolation.
Climate Change
- Disabled individuals feel excluded from climate action initiatives and experience shame for relying on single-use plastics or taxis, often critical to their mobility and independence.
Devolution Opportunities
- The incoming mayor presents a chance to prioritise accessibility in regional governance. However, initial efforts, such as the 2024–2028 corporate plan, were criticised for being inaccessible to visually impaired individuals.
Recommendations
- Enhance public transport systems with universal design and real-time accessible information.
- Invest in grassroots organisations that excel in creating inclusive spaces.
- Promote inclusive health and wellness programmes that address the diverse needs of disabled individuals.
- Increase funding for accessible communication and outreach to ensure disabled people are informed about available opportunities.
- Integrate disability inclusion into climate action and regional governance strategies.
The discussion underscored the urgent need for systemic change and emphasised the importance of involving disabled voices in decision-making processes to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
Main Report
Overview of the Consultation
The On The Table consultation event for the Community Foundation’s Vital Signs report focused on the experiences and needs of disabled individuals in the North East.
The event took place online on 10 December 2024 and included eight disabled participants aged 22 to 60 (two men and six women), representing a range of physical and non-physical impairments.
Key issues discussed included:
- The inaccessibility of public transport.
- The need for better digital and physical accessibility.
- The challenges of participating in active travel schemes and cultural activities.
- The financial barriers to health and wellness.
- The lack of consideration for disabled people in climate change initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a call for more inclusive and accessible services and funding for grassroots organisations, which were seen as more likely to provide inclusive environments and services.
Public Transport Inaccessibility
Barriers to Transport Access
Many elements of the transport system are inaccessible both during normal operations and during cancellations or emergencies.
Disabled people face disproportionate impacts, such as:
- Higher transport costs than non-disabled people.
- Lower household income, making these costs even more burdensome.
- A lack of accessible or timely information when planning journeys.
Both digital and non-digital travel information must be made accessible.
The Disproportionate Impact of Transport Interruptions
Discussions highlighted how disabled people are more affected by transport shortages, delays, and cancellations due to:
- Fatigue and generally lower energy levels.
- Slower walking speeds.
- The need for accessible toilets.
- The inability to use alternative transport (e.g., buses or taxis) when trains break down.
These delays often result in longer-term consequences, affecting people’s ability to work, socialise, or maintain good health.
Example: A Wheelchair User’s Experience
A wheelchair user attempted to board a Metro at 4 p.m. on a winter evening. After waiting 30 minutes, they discovered the train was cancelled, and a bus alternative was provided. However, the bus was inaccessible. They tried to call a taxi but could not find one, as all wheelchair-accessible taxis were in use by special schools at closing time. Due to a lack of accessible toilets at the station, they eventually wet themselves and had to wait in wet clothes for 90 minutes before a taxi became available. By the time they arrived home at 7 p.m., they were cold and unwell, forcing them to take the next day off work. Meanwhile, a non-disabled passenger who had been waiting behind them boarded the bus and arrived at their destination by 4:45 p.m.
Issues with Transport Information
- Changes to bus and Metro schedules were displayed on high-up electronic boards, making them inaccessible to visually impaired people.
- A participant reported missing a train due to this issue and having to take an expensive taxi instead, adding to their financial strain.
- When buses or trains are delayed or cancelled, disabled people struggle more than non-disabled passengers, as they need to plan routes carefully due to essential considerations like access to toilets, seating, and warmth.
Structural Accessibility Challenges
- Many Tyneside buses remain inaccessible due to vertical poles that prevent wheelchair users from turning into designated spaces.
- The Metro system requires ramps for wheelchair users due to platform gaps, limiting independent travel.
- Some accessibility barriers can be overcome if a personal assistant is present, but disabled people should have the same “turn up and go” experience as non-disabled passengers.
Health and Wellness Barriers
Ableism in Health and Fitness Initiatives
Disabled people often feel excluded from health and wellness activities due to:
- Assumptions that all participants can engage in standard fitness challenges (e.g., counting steps).
- The stigma surrounding disability in fitness spaces.
- Physical barriers within gyms and wellness centres.
For some disabled individuals, exercise can be harmful due to medical conditions that cause overheating, inflammation, or neurological complications. Rewarding participation in physical activities without offering inclusive alternatives can reinforce exclusion and stigma.
Accessibility Issues in Gyms
Gyms were described as unwelcoming and inaccessible to many disabled individuals. Overweight disabled people, in particular, faced compounded barriers due to social attitudes.
Cultural and Community Engagement
Grassroots Organisations Leading the Way
Smaller cultural organisations, such as Alphabetti Theatre and Star and Shadow Cinema, were praised for their accessibility efforts. However, many of these organisations struggle with funding, leaving larger providers—who may be less accessible—as the dominant cultural institutions.
Lack of Awareness Due to Inaccessible Communication
Participants noted that many inclusive activities exist in Sunderland and South Tyneside, but disabled people often remain unaware of them due to inaccessible or ineffective communication channels.
Disability and Climate Change Initiatives
Exclusion from Climate Action
Disabled people frequently feel excluded from climate change initiatives. Some also experience shame for relying on transport methods or products that are deemed environmentally unfriendly, such as:
- Using taxis instead of public transport.
- Relying on single-use plastics, which may be necessary for medical or mobility reasons.
Opportunities for Inclusion in Devolution and Regional Leadership
The Role of the New Mayor
Participants saw the incoming mayor as a potential champion for accessibility. However, early actions raised concerns—for example, the 2024–2028 corporate plan was inaccessible to visually impaired people, signalling a poor start.
Final Thoughts
The consultation highlighted the urgent need for systemic improvements in accessibility across transport, health, culture, and governance. Participants called for disabled voices to be included in decision-making to ensure a more equitable and inclusive future.