Bradford Lad: Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair-bound Mike Coatesworth pays tribute to his home city, Bradford, for providing access to buildings for those in wheelchairs.
Compared to many places I have visited Bradord compares very well in regard to wheelchair access. Not surprisingly I pay special attention to wheelchair access. I make notes on what the access is like to premises in cities, towns and villages - particularly to those which announce that they are wheelchair friendly.
To help disabled travellers I place access details on my Web site http://www.btinternet.com/~mikeco158/disabacc.htm Sometimes I have to warn them to beware of certain premises which do not live up to their claims of providing disability access.
For instance, there was a hotel in Blackpool which announced that it had won five awards for being able to cater to disabled guests. When I arrived there I urgently need to pay a call. "Where is the toilet please?'' I asked the manager.
He stared at me, then at my wheelchair. "Sorry sir,'' he said. "Your wheelchair will not fit into our toilets. I am afraid the nearest toilets are on the South Pier.''
The South Pier turned out to be ten minutes away - and that was ten minutes on full power in my electric wheelchair.
One of my pet hates is having to wait outside shops while my carer goes inside them to buy things for me. And this because I cannot gain access to them in my wheelchair. All that is missing is a collar and chain so that I can be fastened to a post, just in case I decide to wander off.
I made a special trip to check out Bradford centre. OK, it's not not fully wheelchair friendly, but it is getting there. I was able to visit the places I wanted to visit. The Town Hall, the National Photgraphic Museum, Kirkgate market, Oastler market, and all the game shops...
If wheelchait users do encounter access problems in Yorkshire, I would be glad to hear from you. Contact me at mikec@coatesworth.co.uk
