I noted with interest ‘Technical file’ regarding the Disability Discrimation Act in the October issue. My circumstances are that both my wife and myself are severely disabled. I can walk a short way using crutches, provided the ground is reasonably level and there are few stairs. My wife uses an electric scooter for virtually all movement outside our home.

Early this year I received an invitation to attend my CIOB graduation ceremony and intended to do just that. However, I felt it was wise to check access before making a decision and telephoned to verify this. The operator was very helpful and when my circumstances were explained, advised me that access via the main entrance could prove difficult, but there was a side entrance that would give access and once inside, movement and disabled toilets would not prove a problem.

Assuming that CIOB HQ is a listed building, then the DRC Code of practice quoted seems to fit the bill exactly. I would be interested to know if the authors of the article had HQ in mind when they produced the piece.

In the event, I chose not to attend as the travelling would prove difficult in our circumstances. My problem with mobility, which is only one of several, prevents me from joining in the CIOB activities, but I do study the various articles.

Source

Construction Manager

Postscript

DV Baker