Megobapp Newsletter
Issue Nine September 2006
Welcome Yet Again
“Megonews” marches on!
Apologies are due for the slight delay in producing this issue caused by holidays and a breakdown in computer and photographic facilities
As you will see, we are still here drawing attention to and the lack of efforts shown by the Local Authority to overcome the barriers facing visually-impaired people (VIP’s).
Over the past two years (who would have thought that we would still be here beating the drums) we have drawn attention to the hazards confronting both blind and partially-sighted people on the streets of Manchester, in the area of public transport, in the provision of information in an accessible format, etc. As mentioned in the last issue of “Megonews”, we in MEGOBAPP need to determine whether we are “banging our heads against a brick wall” in our current policy of merely highlighting the various issues through the pages of the Newsletter or whether a more direct approach would reap greater reward. This, however, is still in the melting pot.
Come December, there will be a need to determine whether the Public Bodies will be in breach of their Disability Equality Schemes in their failure to take on board the hazards and barriers that they have not only not removed, but have, despite the Council’s policy embodied in their “Design For Access 2” Manual, increased them.
So, what juicy topics can readers expect to find in this quarter’s edition?
We will continue our look at the Metrolink System and any poor features; a short item on “shared spaces”, an item on the Access Review Forum, Technology Corner, Entertainment News, and perhaps a few snippets. Plenty for readers to chew over. So, sharpen those “gnashers” and tuck in!
Just a couple of things before you leave this section. MEGOBAPP has over the past few months been trying to boost its base membership. Whilst we are sure that these efforts will result in some additional members, we are still looking to encourage many more VIP’s to get involved. If you are not a VIP yourself, why not mention MEGOBAPP and what it is about to a V.I. friend or acquaintance? The contact telephone numbers of the three Officers are shown at the end of this item with contact details also appearing at the end of the Newsletter. If you are more at home in using E-mail as your means of communication, then you can make contact via our E-mail: info@megobapp.org.uk.
It would be very remiss of us to leave the subject of membership without extending a “big thank you” to Linda Kay and her band of workers at Action Line who have helped greatly in spreading the word.
If this is your first experience of “Megonews” and you would like to see what has “gone before”, these are all available to be seen on our website: www.megobapp.org.uk.
Officers of MEGOBAPP:
Chairperson: Ron Goulden - 0161-798-9137;
Secretary: Carole Gausden – 0161-681-2654;
Treasurer: Jean Whittaker – 0161-681-3684.
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Updates
“Articles for the Blind” Stickers
In the June copy of “Megonews” we indicated that the Royal Mail were providing stickers which contained the symbol used to denote that the contents of the package were eligible for free post.
Members have found it difficult to secure these stickers from local Post Offices. It is suggested that anyone requiring these stickers should contact the Customer Services of Royal Mail on 0845 6000 690 and ask for a supply of the stickers.
DLA High Rate Mobility
We also referred in that edition to the Royal National Institute of the Blind’s efforts to encourage the Government to grant the higher rate Mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance to registered blind people. A lobby of Parliament is planned for the 4th December and any visually-impaired person wishing to take part should contact their Member of Parliament to secure their support for the campaign. And their signature to an Early Day Motion being tabled in November.
RNIB have produced a special pack for the campaign, copies of which can be obtained by ringing 020-7391-2123.
It has been suggested that such a campaign is perhaps unnecessary. There is in existence Case Law to support the granting of the high rate Mobility component to registered blind people following the case brought by a local Manchester man in the eighties which went to the House of Lords. Eric Mallinson was then successful in his application that, as a blind person, he should be entitled to receive the high rate Mobility Allowance.
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Network 1000 Report
This report which is the largest survey of visually-impaired people in the U.K., is now available.
You can obtain copies of the report in large print, Braille or tape by contacting Mike Brace at Vision 2020 UK on 01708 456832 or by email at m.brace@vision2020uk.org.uk
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How Accessible is Metrolink – Part II
In the June edition of “Megonews” we highlighted some of the features on the Metrolink system, Phase 1 and 2. This quarter we will look at some other factors on the current system which could or should be rectified with the Government money provided for the upgrading as well as being avoided in Phase 3.
The photographs in our June edition showed the inclusion of the official tactile platform edge on the level access platform. Presumably this will be incorporated in future platform adjustments to the original system and to the Phase III platforms. Even where no platform levelling is undertaken health and safety considerations would suggest the inclusion of the approved tactile warning. Their absence might well be grounds for negligence in the event of an accident.
Throughout the system there are many steps. Whilst the corduroy warning surface is found at the top and bottom of most of the flight of steps giving access to the platforms, there are some instances where this is not present, especially where two or three steps are involved. This situation certainly occurs on some on-street platforms. Reference was made to St. Peter’s Square and Mosley Street stations in Part I; here again, these platforms have a couple of steps at their rear edge, those from the St. Peter’s Square platform to the cenotaph area being somewhat steep. Neither set has a warning strip at their head or foot nor a handrail.
On the 14 February 2004 MEGOBAPP wrote to the Director General of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) concerning the three steps leading to the central platform at Victoria Station and the lack of a corduroy warning surface and handrails. A reasonably quick response from Chris Mulligan indicated that the inclusion of these features at this point would be considered when the system’s Phase III extension was undertaken.
Two-and-a-half years “down the line” these features have not been provided. Hopefully, our letter has not been confined to the round filing cabinet in the corner.
The central platform at Victoria Station in itself is not without difficulties for visually-impaired “Metro” users. The photographs below clearly shows the lack of guidance from dangers for visually-impaired people. Apart from a guidance strip by the provision of a “path finder” surface to guide VIP’s away from obstructions, there is an omission of a tactile warning surface, the highlighting of the stanchion towards the right-hand edge of the ramped descent from the platform and other obstructions.
The recently-constructed Manchester-centre-bound platform of Shude Hill Interchange shows a warning, corduroy surface around a pillar at the access to the platform from the Bus Station. It is difficult to understand why this pillar was not incorporated in the railed area rather than so centrally. In any case, as will be seen from the following photograph, the corduroy warning surface appears not to be installed in accordance with the “Design For Access” Manuals nor Directive 97/1 of the former Department of Environment, Transport & Regions.
The apparent overuse of the corduroy tactile surface at this platform devalues its usefulness and, in fact, would seem to be incorrectly used.
Whilst much work has been undertaken in ensuring that handrails are of the approved diameter with acceptable fittings, others fail to conform. Those at the Bury Interchange for example have a diameter far in excess of that recommended, and the fairly-recently installed handrails from the Altrincham-bound platform at Stretford have fittings which are level with the rail instead of extending from the underside.
The central handrails at Sale station are of the old, broad, wooden variety with the old-fashioned metal studs at intervals along it.
As regards information, the improvement in on-board information referred to in our June edition is welcome to visually-impaired users; however, the information available to visually-impaired passengers outside the vehicle falls well short of that available to print readers.
Much of the foregoing relates to the infrastructure of the system; though this is not seen as a fully-comprehensive identification of likely difficulties. It would seem, therefore, that we should be looking to GMPTE/A for a positive approach for rectification of these faults. Having been presented with millions of pounds from the Government to upgrade Phase I of the system, we must urge the GMPTE/A to incorporate the various issues highlighted, as well as others lurking in the background, within the upgrading plans.
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Can we share those spaces?
Some years ago, a fairly small town in Holland decided that pedestrians and motorists should share their Town Square. Eye contact and a friendly smile between motorists and pedestrians would create a “live and let live environment”.
It would seem that similar areas (on the street rather than in a square) have been set up in neighbouring countries.
Engineers in other parts of Europe have looked at the experiment and no doubt considered the economics and realised the savings that could be achieved by having a levelled area free of pavements and perhaps limited traffic controlled.
This country, not to be left out, are experimenting in a big way on the “shared” space philosophy with “shared” areas springing up like mushrooms. Manchester, too, are up there with the rest and New Islington has been given the privilege.
This development was discussed at a meeting of the Council’s Access Review Forum when representatives from disability groups expressed their concerns. No doubt engineers will ignore these concerns and slip in more such areas in the future.
VIP’s are particularly concerned at the emergence of this policy. Apart from the uncertainty that will be created by the mingling of pedestrians with traffic movement, there is the difficulty of identifying the marked off “pavement” often by a coloured line.
In an attempt to prove their dedication to meeting the needs of disabled people, unhighlighted bollards have been positioned at intervals along the the “pavement” edge, creating yet another hazard to VIP’s.
If there were to be a genuine attempt to identify the “pavement” edge, then perhaps consideration should be given to the inclusion of a tactile textured surface (corduroy may be the obvious) to warn pedestrians of the “road” surface.
If it is the general view of disability groups that this practice is unacceptable, it would seem to be in total conflict with the City Council’s alleged aims of making Manchester “the most accessible City”.
Apart from the physical issues, one has to consider the temperaments of drivers which are said to vary in different European countries.
It is generally considered that road users in the low countries are more courteous than other parts of Europe; not unusual for a motorist to slow down when they observe a pedestrian approaching a crossing.
An analysis of motorists carried out by an academic some time ago drew comparisons between Italian and German drivers. There was the apparent chaos observed on an Italian road against the perfect order in Germany. Irrespective of the appearance, it was suggested that the Italian motorist would happily ignore such rules as there were but would always be doing his utmost to avoid hitting you. On the other hand, it was suggested that the typical German motorist would expect everyone else to obey every rule and reason that, if you shouldn’t be there, then, as far as he was concerned, you aren’t.
Perhaps the British motorist’s temperament falls somewhere between all three, though one must be mindful of their disregard to speed limits and traffic controls. A visually-impaired pedestrian is dependent greatly on the courtesy of the motorist and without that all-important eye contact, there is surely the need to err on the side of safety and disregard the “shared space” philosophy on the roads of this country in general but Manchester in particular.
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Technology Corner
In the months since the last issue of the newsletter, there have been two significant developments for computer users, and those who would like to become users.
Accessibility and cost are two of the reasons why many people don’t get the benefit they could from a computer. Below are two new services launched recently to overcome this problem.
GOOGLE ACCESSIBLE SEARCH
T. V. Raman a research scientist who is himself blind, has developed a brand new product to help VIPs to search the web more easily
Mr. Raman described the addition to the google search engine as a pilot scheme, but it has already received some favourable comment.
He stated that the aim of the pilot programme was to add accessibility to accuracy and relevance. This would mean that where sites were equally relevant, the most accessible would receive priority in listings order.
Google hope that it will encourage people to design “cleaner” website pages, which will also assist sighted browsers
Google are asking VI surfers to use the facility and assist them by sending in feedback on www.googl.com/accessible
Thunder - free screen reader.
Roger Wilson–Hinds, who runs his own technology company Is concerned that screen readers are unnecessarily complicated and expensive.
He has come up with a plan which he says can cut the complexity and the cost of using a computer, for visually impaired people.
For some time now, VIPs have been able to use an inexpensive form of magnification and/or speech called LOOKOUT (see issue 4 of MEGOBAPP News), but the new product ‘Thunder’ is free to individuals for their personal use at home.
The software is not free to colleges, schools or other organizations, who will be charged an annual subscription fee. Such organizations will receive support and training for their license fee.
The software is easy to use. Microsoft word, emails and the internet can all be accessed using ‘enter’, “alt” and “arrow” keys.
It is hoped that this user friendly software will open up opportunities for learning, work and shopping to people who need a screen reader.
Contact www.screenreader.net.
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RNIB Software Centre
RNIB's Software Access Centre launches this week with among other things, our top five recommendations for making software accessible.
Software accessibility has always been the poor cousin to web accessibility, and we want to change that. This website aims to raise awareness of the importance of accessible systems, and to give people the resources they need to design, procure and test for software accessibility.
It will be of interest to software designers, developers, systems integrators, procurement professionals, accessibility policy makers, and those of you generally interested in the accessibility field.
The content includes something for everyone and starts at the background to software accessibility, moving on to laws and standards, procurement, testing and evaluation, design and development and inaccessible environments.
One of our top five recommendations is to try to carry out every task and action without using the mouse - this gives a good picture of just how difficult it is to use software that hasn't followed accessibility standards.
You can find out more about this and the other top five recommendations on the website.
Go to www.rnib.org.uk/softwareaccesscentre
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Access Review Forum
The old-fashioned “lip service”?
In our June edition we referred to the failings of the “Design For Access 2” (DFA2) Manual and some of the barriers identified therein which have not only been left unaddressed but have been increased.
Along with the launch of the “DFA” in May 2000 (and the vision regarding Manchester’s accessibility in comparison to other European Cities) the Council also established the Access Review Forum. This was seen to be the Council’s way of ensuring that Disability Groups were fully consulted on the various issues relevant to their members.
Some six years or more later perhaps a brief look at its functioning might be seen to be reasonable – with a general overview of the process.
What are the benefits of such a Forum?
The benefits, in theory, are fairly obvious; they give all the Disability Groups operating in Manchester an opportunity to be seen by Council Members and Officers. It also enables representatives of Disability Groups to bring to the attention of Council Members and Officers the views of their organisation as it relates to its members’ needs. Conversely, the Council Members and Officers can explain their approach to issues, particularly of relevance to disabled people, and seek the views of the Disability Groups on their proposed action in addressing the Council’s policies on accessibility so that, if considered appropriate, adjustments can be made and generally approved.
Has this process been successful?
From the Council’s standpoint the establishment of the “Forum” could be seen as highly successful. Members of the “Forum” have been able to examine the Action Plans of the various Departments with an opportunity to recommend the exclusion , inclusion or modification of certain aspects. In this way the Council appear to be facing up to their policy of fully consulting with disabled people. However, whether such consultation produces any significant change in any of the proposals is neither clear nor easily ascertainable. What can be said, of course, is that “the Council have consulted with disabled people’s organisations”; and whilst they can say they have listened there is little means of knowing whether they have acted.
Some of the issues raised in “Megonews” have found their way into meetings of the “Forum”. A cursory mention of the issues highlighted in the Shudehill Interchange items (Newsletters 6 and 7), “Dangers of Deansgate” and other areas (Newsletter No. 6), as well as that vexed zebra crossings argument, are but three of the issues taken on board by the Chair of the “Forum” with a view to visiting the sites. Six months or more on nothing has materialised. Surprised?
Similarly, in 2005 it was revealed that there was to be the establishment of a “DDA Board” which would examine and amend (which may even remove some of the barriers facing disabled people – don’t hold your breath). It was then envisaged that members of the “Forum” would be equally involved with Council Members and Officers. Meeting dates as long ago as January were mentioned for the involvement of disabled people’s representatives. A considerable amount of “foot dragging” has taken place on this, though meetings excluding “Forum” members appear to have been held on a regular basis; no doubt with many important decisions being taken.
The meetings of the Access Review Forum have themselves shown a considerable amount of fluctuation. A variation in the format of the meetings resulted in quarterly meetings being amended to bi-monthly. However, their cancellation on occasions coupled with the amendment of dates has produced a less frequent schedule. The recent cancellation of the July meeting and the change of date from September to October has produced a five month gap.
In years gone by much was made of the “lip service” given by Departments such as Social Services to disabled people’s requirements; We must be left wondering whether disabled people are experiencing a return to this kind of “service”.
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Entertainment News
The Autumn/Winter season is now in full swing at both the Manchester Library Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre. Both Theatres have produced their Season brochure for the period and this is available in large print, Braille and audio as well as standard print. Not got your copy yet? Well give the Library Theatre a ring on 0161-234-1919 or the Royal Exchange on 0161-615-6784, I am sure they will be only too glad to meet your request.
What audio-described performances are there to look forward to over the next few months?
Manchester Library Theatre:
“Vieux Carre” by Tennessee Williams; directed by Roger Haines; audio described Sat., 4 November at 3pm and Thurs., 9 November at 7.30pm.
A seedy, low-rent boarding house in the colourful French-quarter district of New Orleans, “Vieux Carre”, is the setting for Tennessee Williams’ evocatively, atmospheric and autobiographical drama of the same name, which contains the familiar Williams’ characteristic – such as the lilting language and the decayed settings – which made him such a key figure in 20th Century American drama. This hauntingly taut but humorous play, set in 1938-9, features a collection of richly detailed and fascinatingly complex characters, one of whom, the writer, was said to be Williams himself. They are a contrasting collection of individuals, but the one thing they have in common is a desperate desire to effect a change for the better.
“The Golden Goose”, adapted and directed by Chris Way; audio described on Wed., 13 December at 2-15pm; Sat., 16 December at 7pm; Wed., 10 January at 2.15pm and Sat., 13 January at 2.30pm.
“The Golden Goose” is a comedy that will delight all the family. It tells the story of Dummling and his one true love, Dajona, the Princess who will not laugh, of her sister Birgit, and her one true love Boris and his mother Christina and her one true love Conrad – the King. Follow the farcical adventures of these two ill-matched families as they struggle with forests, fairies, and unbelievable good fortune in a magical tale about luck, love and a beautiful, mysterious golden goose.
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” by Tom Stoppard, directed by Chris Honer; audio described Thurs., 8 March at 7.30pm and Sat., 10 March at 2.30pm.
“Two Elizabethans pass the time in a place without any visible character. They are well dressed. Each has a large money bag. Guildenstern’s bag is nearly empty; Rosencrantz’s bag is almost full.”
Stoppard has the brilliant idea of building a play around two minor characters in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. They become a wonderful “double act” as they pass the time playing games with the players and try to find out what’s happening to them. Occasionally Shakespeare’s play sweeps in and they become entangled again in the history – always on the edge of big events.
Royal Exchange Theatre
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” by August Wilson; directed by Jacob Murray; audio described on Sat., 11 November at 4pm.
Chicago 1927. In a studio somewhere in the City, Ma Rainey’s band is gathering to record a new album. But legendary Blues singer Ma Rainey hasn’t turned up, the new young trumpeter wants to play the music his way, and the other band members bicker, fight, laugh and tell stories. It looks increasingly unlikely that any songs will be recorded at all…
“Cyrano De Bergerac” by Edmond Rostand, translated and adapted by Anthony Burgess, directed by Greg Hersov; audio described on Saturday, 16 December at 3pm.
France in the 1600’s. Poet, swordsman and lover (well, would-be lover), Cyrano De Bergerac’s epic charisma and panache are matched only by the size of his nose.
Beautiful, funny, big hearted and romantic, “Cyrano De Bergerac” is one of the best-loved comedies in world drama and will delight and enchant audiences. Played at the Royal Exchange by Ben Keaton, “Cyrano De Bergerac” promises to b e a spectacular and unforgettable Christmas experience.
“The Vortex” by Noel Coward, directed by Jo Combes.
England in the 1920’s – the post-war party is in full swing, the English are living life to the full and the enchanting (if middle-aged) Florence remains a sparkling beauty on the fashionable scene. When her son Nicky returns from Paris with a secret, the veneer of charm and decadence begins to disintegrate as guilty truths are confronted…
And Finally
That’s about it for this slightly belated issue of “Megonews”. Hopefully, you will have found something of interest within its pages.
The next edition of the Newsletter will be “off the press” at the end of December or early January, circumstances permitting. In that issue, apart from the regular topics, it is expected that there will be a look at the public bus services and where they seem to fail to meet the needs of VIP’s. There is also expected to be an item on the Visually-Impaired Steering Group, as well as any news that might emerge.
If you are a visually-impaired person, or you have a friend with a sight problem, why not find out more about MEGOBAPP with a view, perhaps, to becoming part of the Group.
If you would like to know the kind of subjects that have featured in previous copies of “Megonews”, you can find these on our accessible website: www.megobapp.org.uk alternatively, you can always email an enquiry to: info@megobapp.org.uk
Our Officers, too, are happy to deal with your enquiries on the telephone.
Enquiries concerning “Megonews” should be directed to:
c/o 1 Malvern Close, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1PH.
Officers of MEGOBAPP
Chairperson: Ron Goulden – 0161-798-9137;
Secretary: Carole Gausden – 0161-681-2654;
Treasurer: Jean Whittaker – 0161-681-3684.
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