Spring Hill Ward Cllr, Kimberley Whitehead has called upon Hyndburn Council to improve the accessibility of its council services following complaint by Spring Hill resident.

In an email to the Council Leader, Cllr Marlene Haworth and Disability Champion, Cllr Carole Haythornthwaite she states:

A Spring Hill ward resident with a hearing impairment, has contacted me to say they have experienced communication difficulties when attempting to use council services due to their disability and has asked for my assistance in improving these services.

As a representative, not just for Spring Hill but for Hyndburn as a whole, I believe it is vital to ensure that all members of our community have equal access to the council’s services and information. By addressing accessibility needs, we can create an inclusive environment that promotes equal participation and engagement for everyone, as we strive for an equitable service.

Generally, an accessibility review would be welcomed to further enhance accessibility for all as well as to safeguard the council.

As an initial step forward, I would like to request that the council considers signing up for the Rectiteme Accessibility Programme (www.rectiteme.com).  This program has proven to be effective in assisting organisations in improving accessibility for individuals with diverse needs. Implementing such an initiative would demonstrate the council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community and would greatly benefit residents with disabilities.

This would be simple to implement and would cost approximately £1,000 per year, a relatively small cost which would have significant benefits for our residents.

There are also additional communication tools to consider for residents who are hearing impaired such as SignVideo that allow residents to communicate with their local authority.  This has been successfully introduced and used widely within other local authorities and organisations.

I look forward to your response and I’d be happy to be involved and support, and hope that you consider implementing some of the suggestions made.