Document M not far enough (pt.2)

Another sadly unpublished letter to BD:
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Dear Sir

Re: Document M not far enough

Over Easter, which I spent in Cambridge (which is fortunately flat) with my family, holidays were discussed. During these discussions I realised that the Building Regulations / DDA recommendations do not go far enough.

As I understand the principles, in theory activities should be available to all, no matter their disability, colour, race, gender, sexual preference, etc: The DDA makes it ‘unlawful to discriminate against people in respect of their disabilities in relation to employment, the provision of goods and services, education and transport”.

Before my ‘accident’, I was a keen walker and lived near the Peak District. I used to enjoy walks along by Curbar Edge, and all through the Peaks. It is a wonderful area. However, after my disastrous heli-skiing trip to Chile, I was unable to walk and have since been confined to a wheelchair.

Being a disabled Architectural Assistant as well has very interesting consequences, as I’m sure you can understand (not many architects’ offices are Doc’ M compliant!). Now I, as a wheelchair-bound person, am not going to complain if a ramp is sloped at more than the prescribed amount, or whinge if the handrail is the wrong diameter, but I do have a rather more large-scale issue with the regulations.

I, as a human being, expect to be able to visit local attractions just like anybody else – but I believe that I am being denied that pleasure. My sister was speaking of her spring trip to Ben Nevis, where she climbed it by the harder ‘back’ route. My question – why am I being denied access to this and other outdoor national monuments? I would like to go to the top. I am fit, I am strong. I could easily climb a ramp of 1:8 to the top (I have done 1 in 6 as well). But apparently this is not a place I am welcome to! My family agreed that provision should be made for disabled persons to access the top.

I am considering launching a case against the relevant authorities, unless one of the following items are installed: an elevator, a minibus lift to the top, or most reasonably; a 1 in 20 (with relevant landings) ramp to the top, so those in wheelchairs can feel as though we have achieved something, and not been mollycoddled to the top. This third option is probably the easiest, with handrails (in a colour contrasting with the green grass, grey rocks, and white snow – I suggest orange). Also required would be call buttons for emergency assistance.

I hope that I have pushed some (red, contrasting) buttons in readers’ heads, and that action will follow. Personally, I think it’s a disgrace that we are being treated as museum oddities who are too busy living ‘disabled’ lives, to even think about going up Scafell Pike, or Helvellyn. I understand that this is a slightly controversial viewpoint, so I look forward to reading any responses.

Many regards, Richard K Tecte