Experts want movement on accessible transport

Academics from Coventry University are working with policy advisors and disabled people on proposals to make public transport more accessible.

Their ideas will be presented at a free event taking place at the Coventry Transport Museum on Saturday 23 November 2013.

Moving On: Accessible Transport – the past, present and the future, is being hosted by Coventry and Warwickshire based community group Connect Culture in association with the University, the transport museum and campaign group Transport for All.

UK Disability History Month will also be attending the event as part of a nationwide series of talks, seminars and activities they are undertaking to celebrate the achievements of disabled people and highlight their fight for equality.

The packed programme at the Moving On event includes: an enlightening talk about disabled people’s history and the current campaign for independent living; an exhibition of vehicles from the museum’s collection which will form part of a display about the history of mobility vehicles; and a Round Table discussion with experts in the field of inclusive transport.

The winners of a Big Lottery Fund competition in which young disabled people were invited to produce a film on how they envisioned future transport will also be revealed during the day. The winners’ presentation will be supported by an encouraging pre-recorded video message from Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. 

Academics from Coventry University will also be exhibiting examples of integrated transport solutions that they have been working on as part of a European research project.

Jane Osmond, Research Fellow at Coventry University said:

Accessible transport can play a major part in helping disabled people to live independent lives. The Moving On event charts developments in transport for disabled people over the years as well as looking at what changes are needed to make our public transport infrastructure more inclusive.

During our Round Table discussion, audience members will be able to put their questions across to a select panel of experts and high profile figures in inclusive transport.

I would urge anyone with an interest in the rights of disabled people to come along to this session to share their views on the future shape of accessible transport.

Moving On: Accessible Transport – the past, present and the future takes place from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 23 November 2013 at The Coventry Transport Museum, Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry CV1 1JD.

Attendance is free but places must be booked in advance online.