East Dorset District Council's Disability Advisory Group

Our group includes the council's Lead Member for Communities, along with residents from the district who have a range of disabilities; carers and officers from the council who have a special interest in helping those with disabilities.

Our meetings are lively and interactive and cover a range of topics which can include input into corporate issues; debates on news or legislation; or presentations from visiting speakers including the Police talking about obstruction on pavements; Social Services talking about help for families; and information on the Census.

We meet every two months, usually at the Council Offices, but sometimes at the Allendale House, Wimborne Minster.  The meeting lasts a couple of hours and there is plenty of tea, coffee and cake!

Recently, the group has worked on producing a map for the centre of Wimborne Minster highlighting access for those with mobility problems.  This has been quite a success, hitting the regional BBC website and local newspapers.

We have also helped put together a fact sheet on mobility issues and have funded swimming pool steps at Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre.  The steps have been well used by people who find it difficult to get into the swimming pool and who do not want to use the hoist.  The leisure centre has received lots of positive feedback about this.

Currently we are working with the local Partners and Communities Together (PACT) to arrange a good practice day for mobility scooter users in Ferndown.

If you are interested in joining the group, have a subject you would like the group to debate, or would just like to find out a little more, please contact equalties@eastdorset.gov.uk.

• Customer Focus and Equalities Officer
  Name: Diversity and Equality (East Dorset)
  Email: equalities@eastdorset.gov.uk
  Tel: 01202 886201 Ext. 2289
  Fax: 01202 841390
  Full details for Diversity and Equality (East Dorset)