Accessibility affects us all directly. Most of us will experience some form of disability – even on a temporary basis – at some point in our lives. The case for making our society more accessible is a compelling one and makes good business sense. Although significant improvements have been made in recent years (mainly due to the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act) there are still areas which are often overlooked but are vitally important to disabled people to access services and facilities.
The Accessible Somerset Awards
The Accessible Somerset Awards is a County wide scheme that has been established in partnership between Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Sedgemoor District Council, South Somerset District Council, West Somerset Council and Compass Disability Services. The aim of the Awards is to raise awareness about accessibility issues and recognise organisations that have made improvements in providing an excellent service for disabled people.
The Accessible Somerset Awards ask members of the public to nominate organisations that they come into contact with that enable disabled people to shop, socialise and ejoy life to the full. It is acknowledged that physical adjustments are not always practical or possible for organisations operating in a rural and historical County such as Somerset, therefore the judging criteria is aimed to be as broad as possible. Although physical access is a very important part of accessibility, we also want the awards to encompass organisations where staff have provided excellent customer service, again not just for those with physical impairments but also sensory impairments or people with learning difficulties or mental health issues.
The Awards were first launched in 2008 and we were very pleased to receive over 100 nominations throughout the County. Double Gate Bed and Breakfast in Godney near Wells was named as the Overall Coutny Winner of the Accessible Somerset Awards 2008, receiving over 20 nominations from satisifed customers that highly praised the disability-friendly guest house. Tropiquaria, the Wildlife and Adventure Park in West Somerset, was awarded the Somerset Young Persons Award, having been nominated by two brothers that have throughly enjoyed the accessible facilities a number of times!
We are now pleased to announce that the Accessible Somerset Awards 2010 nomination period is open! Click on the link on the left hand side of the page to find out how to nominate.
FEDS
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