Megobapp Newsletter
Issue Six January 2006
Welcome
As we drain the dregs from the last wine bottle that has helped to bring a sparkle into life for the past week or two, we in MEGOBAPP hope all our readers have enjoyed the season of goodwill, have tidied everything away and have made numerous resolutions, all of which will have faded into oblivion come the 2nd January – if they last that long!
On a more serious note, however, may 2006 be peaceful for all our members and readers, a year that will see MEGOBAPP increasing its membership and influence.
And what’s on offer this quarter? Having had a break from highlighting the many poor features in Manchester last quarter, we are back on the road again, this time round with a stroll down (or is it up) Deansgate.
As a follow up to the item on bus stations in September, we will be raising questions about the “state of the art” Shudehill Interchange which will soon be put into service.
But, before that, there is a quick look back at the issues highlighted in these pages, as well as our regular headings of “Entertainment” and “Technology”.
We realise that there are issues which should be given attention or different views that others may have on the items we have covered. Why not make your voice heard? Contact us through one of our Officers or email us on info@megobapp.org.uk; or better still why not become a member of MEGOBAPP and become involved to influence or support our policies.
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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Look Back in Anguish
During the past eighteen months we have endeavoured through these pages to draw attention to the failures on the part of the Authorities to meet the needs of visually-impaired people. Whilst many of the views expressed and the issues highlighted have been accepted by some non-disabled people, others in authority have preferred to ignore them, no doubt in the hope that they will go away.
As we look back we see that all the hazards photographed and referred to in the first two editions of “Megonews” are still there in the Piccadilly Gardens area; that bus passengers are still waiting – often in the rain – for their transport home from the Piccadilly bus terminus; that the “A” boards are still allowed to block the pavements – even in the shadow of the Town Hall -, and, though Network Rail are consulting on possible improvements, they are still in the “doing stage”.
It is indeed disappointing that a Local Authority which set itself up as the “trail blazer” in May 2000 for making Manchester “the most accessible City” has done little or nothing for the safety of visually-impaired people on the highway, etc., over those fifty-five months.
The installation of the RNIB “React” system at the Moor Lane Bus Station, Bolton, is still silent awaiting adjustments despite its fitting being concluded well over twelve months ago. It could be, of course, that the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has realised that the money would have been better spent on one of the other systems available that would not only provide recorded information, but would incorporate a link to the “Real Time” information currently being introduced on some of the Quality Bus Corridors for those able to access print.
In our September issue, apart from our reference to Bolton, we commented on three of the recently-constructed bus stations in Greater Manchester, one of which – that at Hyde – was heralded as being “state of the art”. Mr. Gilmore of the City Council’s Transport Unit, in a report to a local Transport Forum, gave the same “tag” to the Shudehill Interchange, shortly to be opened to the public. More on this under the next item.
And so, as we enter 2006, we wonder how long the Officers of the Authorities can ignore these issues. Does the lack of attention to the existing hazards breach the human rights of visually-impaired people? Does the D.D.A. come into play? Is talking the only way forward for MEGOBAPP to achieve success in obviating the barriers facing visually-impaired people? Or is there a need for a more “active” approach to addressing these issues? Unfortunately, MEGOBAPP has an uphill battle made worse by its lack of financial support. We are, however, looking optimistically to 2006.
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Shudehill Interchange
Having seen mention of the pending opening of the Shudehill “state of the art” Interchange in a recent report to a local Transport Forum by Nigel Gilmore, it was thought advisable that an effort should be made to ascertain what efforts were actually proposed to ensure that travel was safer and easier for disabled people.
Stewart Connell of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) responded with various details and it was considered it would be useful to make some immediate comments prior to MEGOBAPP having a look at the proposals at its January meeting.
In view of the broad definition of “visual impairment” it was pointed out that the comments would refer to partially-sighted (those with sufficient vision to utilise the benefits of highlighting and large print) and blind (those with no useful vision) people.
Mr. Connell advised:
1. All the walkways are free from obstructions and clear of any hazards and they contrast in colour to the waiting areas.
Comment: Whilst it is noted here that there are no obstructions on the walkway, you refer to the colour banding of columns in item 8. It should be mentioned, too, that the colour contrast between the main area and the waiting area is not beneficial to blind people.
2. Handrails are in contrasting colours and there are tap rails on the perimeter and around the central accommodation core.
Comment: Apart from contrasting the colour of the handrails, “tapping” rails are also incorporated. It is not clear what represents the “perimeter” nor the “central accommodation core”. Neither is there an indication of the height of the “tapping” rails which, in some instances, can present a “trip” hazard to some users. A solid upstand of, say, 100 mm is considered safer and more useful.
3. Seats are set out at regular intervals and again colour contrasting has been used on the seat pans and the arm rests that contrasts with the floor colour.
Comment: Whilst the colour contrast is of benefit to a partially-sighted user, there appears to have been no attempt to draw a blind user’s attention to the hazards presented by the seating.
4. All doors to buses are automatic and they will only open when a bus is on the stand waiting to load.
Comment: It is assumed that several routes will use the same boarding point. As it is likely that the period of loading will be limited, is it intended that the presence of a vehicle and its destination will be audibly indicated?
5. The entrance doors to the Interchange are also automatic.
6. All the lifts to the car park above are fully compliant with regulations.
Comment: Have any procedures been put in place for the safe evacuation of disabled people in the event of an emergency?
7. There are manifestations on all the glazing to assist with differentiation.
Comment: It is noted that “manifestations” will be placed on the glazed areas, but there is no mention of its height or type. Any such warnings need to be suitably positioned and in a good highlighted colour. Orange is more often than not considered suitable. It is presumed that the glazed areas could prove to be a hazard to a partially-sighted person; therefore, here again, there would be a need to protect blind users which appears to have been ignored. Consideration might be given to inclusion of a protective rail at a height of, say, 900 mm, 150 mm outstanding from the glazing, to divert a blind user.
8. Contrasting bands are used on the columns that are on direct walkways.
Comment: As indicated, this would seem to conflict with Item 1. If these columns need to be highlighted, then perhaps some textured warning surface should be considered for blind users.
9. Directional and overhead signage with audible information messages (the design of these was endorsed by GMPTE's Disabled Advisory Group).
Comment: It is noted that the directional and overhead signage is to be provided in an audible format. There is some concern that the system endorsed by the GMPTE Disability Access Group could have been made without the full knowledge of what is available. Whilst the “React” system – which is still not operative over a year after installation – is currently less beneficial than others available which provide for “Real Time” information and for communication on a two-way basis. Perhaps, the main consultation should have been undertaken with the Manchester City Council’s Access Review Forum. Apart from the audible directional signage, there is also the need for some tactile directional indications which would avoid obstructions and indicate off-shoots to boarding points. The “pathfinder” textured surface would benefit both blind and partially-sighted users.
10. Both the internal and external areas of the Interchange are well lit.
11. All the crossing points have dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
12. There is tactile paving used to help identify Information Points.
Comment: There is no indication as to the kind of tactile paving that will be used to identify information points. A spongey, rubberoid surface is that recommended for this purpose by the former Department of Transport, Environment and Regions.
13. The pedestrian crossings are clearly marked.
14. The kerb heights are a minimum of 60mm to minimise the stepping height at the bus boarding positions.
Comment: It is hoped that this will not discourage the use of fully-accessible vehicles, i.e. kneeling buses that can be boarded from road level.
15. Contrasting paving is used at the bus boarding points.
Comment: It is not clear whether the “contrasting paving” at boarding points is by way of colour or texture. Both colour and texture should be provided to meet the needs of both partially-sighted and blind users.
16. There is a digital cctv system that gives comprehensive coverage of the Interchange.
17. A quality Public Address system.
18. Induction loops are fitted.
Comment: There is no indication as to the number of induction loops fitted. Presumably these are to be in numerous areas where assistance to hearing is required or is it an overall system.
19. The Travelshop has a dedicated serving counter for passengers in wheelchairs or of restricted growth.
20. The Travelshop has Induction Loops fitted.
21. There is an accessible disabled toilet.
Comment: It is assumed that the “accessible disabled toilet” conforms to the specifications laid down in Manchester City Council’s “Design for Access 2” Manual.
22. There is agreed provision in the car park for spaces for disabled motorists which are designed in accordance with the relevant standards.
Perhaps, the main accessibility issues is the gradient on the Interchange but this was necessitated by the topography of the site, also there are several areas where different shades of neutral greys are used but this was a feature of the building which received planning consent.
Comment: The reference to the different shades of grey is noted and that this was a feature of the building which received planning consent. The Plans for the building were, presumably, submitted by either GMPTE or their appointed consultants/developers. If the different shades of grey are considered unacceptable – as they are by disability groups – then the blame must surely rest directly or indirectly on the shoulders of GMPTE.
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Digital One Magazine
In two previous issues of “Megonews” we produced an article concerning the benefits of a DAB Digital Radio and how best to access the various stations. Perhaps the following item will be of interest to those hooked on DAB.
As DAB Digital Radio becomes more and more popular, existing publications are struggling to find ways to keep the public educated about the new medium. So, when Digital One published a free magazine about DAB Digital Radio, response from the public was overwhelming – the publication’s print run is now at three-quarters of a million.
Realising that radio is hugely important to visually-impaired people, Digital One have now produced this publication on audio cassette. With information on the new national digital-only stations and your current favourites, along with a quick look at some of the new radios available, there is also a chance to win a DAB Digital Radio, the audio magazine offers you the chance to find out a bit more about what’s going on.
DAB Digital Radio let’s you hear more radio stations in crystal-clear digital clarity. It also offers easy selection of stations and no more interference. You can obtain your copy of the DAB Digital Radio audio magazine by calling 020-7288-4600.
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The Dangers of Deansgate
With Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist” being performed at the Manchester Library Theatre, The thoughts of those attending might easily turn to the mid-nineteenth century.
Horse and carts would be the only traffic trundling up the cobbled streets of the Deansgate area; with perhaps little or no thought given to the weary walkers. Those that dared to travel that area would do so under the risk of being set upon by Charles Pearce and his associates who were notorious criminals of the time, creating a danger to all who walked the streets.
As we return to the twenty-first century the horse and carts have been replaced by motorised vehicles moving bumper to bumper along the relatively smooth tarmacadam surface, sometimes stopping at the red lights, but sometimes ignoring them.
Those on the footway no longer have to fear the attention of Charles Pearce and his cronies, though the dangers are in plenty for the visually-impaired pedestrian as they try to avoid the current successors, MEDC (Manchester Engineers & Design Consortium – perhaps more aptly designated “Making the Environment Dangerous & Confusing”).
One of the striking things about Deansgate today is the number of bollards that stand like sentries along the front edge of the pavement with a number of those similarly coloured waste bins “poking their noses” beyond the bollards into the footway. Neither the bollards nor the bins were highlighted
Whilst the grey-coloured bollards were positioned towards the front edge of the pavement, similarly-coloured bollards were likely to bar your progress as you approached the forecourt of the Manchester Evening News building.
Yet another prominent feature of Deansgate is the presence of “City Map” displays at various points. As will be seen from the photograph below, these displays extend into the footway from a narrow base. Certainly a hazard to a visually-impaired person.
There are obstructions galore as you wander along one of the main access routes into the City. The end of John Dalton Street is perhaps typical of the Authority’s attitude towards visually-impaired pedestrians. The crossing point over Deansgate on the East side has one of the “City Centre” map displays and a substantial post in close proximity to it. The footway at this point is fairly wide with trees towards its rear. Even the crossing point over John Dalton Street is tucked away off the line of approach.
It was rather surprising to see that a new bus shelter had been erected on the Eastern side of Deansgate near to Brazennose Street. Whilst the actual provision of a bus shelter was not surprising, its positioning in the middle of the walkway was. It is difficult to understand how the City Council Planners could have approved this installation, along with the advertising column, especially in view of the low, grey wall towards the rear of the footway immediately behind the shelter and advertising display. Because of the reduced width, especially near to the advertising tower, attempts to avoid it could so easily result in a person tripping over the low wall. The photograph below shows these hazards as well as the restricted movement between the obstructions.
Throughout the area there were several posts – some of which were in the middle of the footway – which had neither highlighting nor textured warning surfaces as called for in the Council’s own “Design for Access 2” Manual; Yet again the typical example of “do what the Council says” and not what the Council does.
Particularly to the Northern end of Deansgate the pavement was awash with “A” boards, café/restaurant menus and tables and chairs on the footway. Whilst some of the café/restaurants had segregated the furniture from the walkway with various barriers, others, like Café Nero, hadn’t bothered.
Yet another poor feature about the area was the sloping, support columns to the building on the corner of Hardman Street, and the squared columns supporting Lincoln House and the adjoining building.
The Traffic Section’s reluctance to listen to disabled people concerning their requirements was very much to the fore in this area. Though some of the junctions had been provided with a pedestrian red lamp phase others hadn’t and none of the junctions appeared to have an audible signal to supplement the rotating knurls.
The pedestrian crossing (presumably the old Pelican variety) outside the Ryland’s Library was bordering on dangerous. It was observed that it took something like five minutes from the control box being activated to the bleeper coming into play. Whilst watching it was noticed that several pedestrians, having pressed the control, risked crossing because of the length of the waiting time. This frustration was made even worse by the length of crossing time. The audible device operated for a mere six seconds, which was likely to cause an elderly or disabled pedestrian to panic.
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Scaffolding – where is it?
Whilst the visit to Deansgate presented a worse picture than expected, there was a slight crumb of comfort on our way there.
Throughout the City it is difficult to move very far without encountering some scaffolding. Whilst some of this has no demarcation, much of it had red tape placed around its supports, even though this is of little use to those unable to see it. However, on Peter Street itself scaffold supports had been surrounded with a yellow foam padding above waist height and a white foam padding at the lower level. Whilst this would not necessarily prevent a blind person from coming into contact with it, at least it would be less painful.
Perhaps the Council should be insisting on all scaffolding erecters adopting a similar protective approach, but will they?
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Safe and sound landing for disability rights
landmark
regulation on the rights of disabled air passengers unanimously adopted
by the European Parliament Plenary.
Brussels, 15 December 2005 - 506 votes in favour, 6 against and 1 abstention.
The results of voting will mean a radical change in the lives of millions
of disabled air passengers', who have been facing discrimination and
humiliation for countless years. "This voting is not only a major
victory for disabled people in Europe. It proves that the political
determination to reinforce disability rights exists. The European Parliament
has unanimously shown its commitment to end discrimination and their
belief that this can only be achieved through more and better legislation",
said Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum.
The European Disability Forum, the representative organisation of disabled people in Europe, has been actively working on the new Regulation since 2000 and now celebrates this major achievement. In particular, EDF expressed its satisfaction on the process that resulted in the adoption of the proposal, directly applicable to airports and air careers:
"The adoption of this new Regulation is an example of dialogue and compromise between the European Union institutions, the air industry and disabled people's representative organisations. We can only be satisfied with such a successful process. This is simply the best working example of how decisions affecting disabled people should always be taken in Europe: in close cooperation with disabled people!", stressed Vardakastanis.
Before the voting, the Parliament and the Council had reached a compromise that will allow the Transport Ministers, following these results, to formally adopt the Regulation in first reading and without amendments.
The new initiative, in line with the common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers and the recently published EU blacklist of unsafe airlines, aims to reinforce the rights of European consumers, without forgetting 50 million people with disabilities. In particular, it reinforces disabled people's rights regarding:
* Denied boarding: disabled persons may not be refused transport on the grounds of their disability, except for safety requirements established by international, Community or national law;
* Right to receive assistance: the assistance must be given free of charge and be uninterrupted from arrival at designated points in the airport (taxi stop, train stop, car parking.) to departure, under the main responsibility of the airport.
* Quality of assistance: The Regulation establishes strict rules for airport managing bodies in order to guarantee harmonized assistance for disabled passengers. In addition, airports with more than 150,000 passengers per year will have to set quality of standards, also in close consultation with disabled people's representative organisations.
* Training for air careers and airport personnel to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities.
* Compensation for lost or damaged wheelchairs or mobility equipment and assistive devices
"There is still room for improvement and we will continue to work with the relevant authorities to make it happen. But let's not forget that discrimination is everywhere, not only in the air. This initiative should be seen as the first stone setting the foundations for more effective non-discrimination legislation, covering all fields of life", said Yannis Vardakastanis, EDF President.
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Entertainment Update
Brochures
The time for new brochures to be appearing on the shelves is very close at hand.
Both the Manchester Library Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre produce their Brochures in Braille, large print and audio cassette as well as their standard copies. Even though they may not be in the process of being distributed, it is good to get your name on their mailing list early.
Interested? Give Manchester Library Theatre Marketing Section a ring on 0161-234-1919; or Royal Exchange Theatre reception on 0161-833-9333 and ask to be put through to their Marketing Section. Go on, give it a whirl!
Audio-Described Performances
Manchester Library Theatre:
“Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens, adapted by Neil Bartlett, with music by Richard Taylor, will shortly be finishing its run. The final audio-described performances are due to take place on Tuesday, 17 January, at 2 p.m. and Saturday, 21 January, at 2.30 p.m.
“Much Ado about Nothing” by William Shakespeare, will have audio-described performances on Wednesday, 15 March, at 7-30 p.m. and Saturday, 18 March, at 3 p.m.
One of Shakespeare’s most exuberant comedies – a love story set against a violent world. Benedick, a sworn bachelor, and Beatrice, sparky and fiercely independent, constantly tease each other. But the sex war comes to a stop when friends make them believe that each is in love with the other.
Royal Exchange Theatre:
“What Every Woman Knows” by J. M. Barrie; audio described on Saturday, 21 January, at 4 p.m.
A hundred years ago, somewhere in Scotland, the Wylie family discover a burglar who wants more than riches and keeps coming back without taking anything. Attempts to protect their plain sister, Maggie, lead to an adventure in politics, love and the discovery that Maggie can more than look after herself.
From the wilds of Scotland to the centre of the civilised world, Maggie’s wit and intelligence are a match for the politicians. In fact, her men folk don’t realise just how clever she is.
Touch Tours
Both the Manchester Library and the Royal Exchange Theatres can arrange “touch tours” of the sets and properties an hour before the audio-described performances, and there may be an opportunity of meeting some of the actors. You will need to book a place on the “touch Tour” when you book your tickets.
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Technology Corner
NTL Goes audio described
Good news! After years of pressure, NTL is now going to make audio description available giving blind and partially-sighted people the choice between the three digital platforms (satellite, terrestrial and cable).
At the end of November they began broadcasting audio description on BBC 1 and will gradually include the audio description that’s available on the other Channels. To get BBC 1 audio description you need to re-tune to Channel 926. Only 8 per cent of programmes are audio described with a target of 10 per cent. Unfortunately for them, however, Londoners will not be receiving any until 2007.
It would appear that the NTL Customer Services Department know nothing about the audio description they are broadcasting. It could be that a few calls to them on 0800-052-2000 might encourage them to discover some more information about this service.
Talking Computer Software
Steve Crawford is a software developer of talking computer programmes, not using the mouse, which are self-voiced. They run entirely from CD without any installation.
He has four games – Yahtzee, blackjack, Klondike and connect 4. The games retail at £20 each, four games on separate CDs for £60 or four games on one CD for £50.
He also has a Talking Typing Tutor which features seven lessons (Typing Letters) and seven exercises (Typing Words) giving feedback on your progress.
If you are interested in the above you can contact Steve Crawford on 07740-777364.
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Guide Software
”Guide” was introduced in 2005 as an Easy-to-Use computer system and won the RNIB “Simply The Best” award for Product Development. This award recognises the contribution that “Guide” has made in making technology more accessible for a wider population of blind and partially-sighted computer users. “Guide” is both easy to use and easy to learn and, because it is an “all in one” package, it makes access to technology more affordable for everyone.
Now “Guide” has become even better! Version 2 of “Guide”
was launched at the Sight Village Exhibition, 2005 in Birmingham.
A few of its exciting new features are:
• Spell Checker, Dictionary and Thesaurus;
• TNA UK Talking Newspaper Reader;
• Picture and handwriting magnifier;
• Photocopier;
• Internet Radio Station player;
• Easy Email Attachment.
For further information or a free demo disc, please telephone: 0845-225-5005; email: sales@softwareexpress.co.uk; Web Site: www.softwareexpress.co.uk
The current cost of “Guide”, which is both a screen reader and magnification software, is £395.
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And Finally
We hope you were able to find something of interest in the foregoing pages. If however you would prefer not to receive any future copies of “Megonews”, please let us know.
Our next edition will be coming off the Press at the end of March.