News Release (10 July 2001):
DPTAC to Investigate Accessibility Education and Training

Education and training on improving accessibility for disabled people is to be probed by a new high level working group.

DPTAC - the Government's statutory advisers on the transport needs of disabled people - is setting up the group to advise Ministers on how education and training can be improved.

The group will look at the way universities and professional institutions include accessibility in their courses and qualifications, as well as examining training currently available on disability awareness.

Jane Wilmot OBE, DPTAC Chair, will head the new group. Jane said:

"Accessibility means making services and buildings easy for everyone to use, including disabled people. Currently, education and training in accessibility is not always an integral component of academic courses or training given by transport operators. We need to ensure that the workforce of tomorrow - and today - fully understand and have the skills to meet the needs of disabled people."

"The new group will try to identify any shortcomings in the administration and regulation of education and training, and make recommendations to Government on how the situation can be improved. We will also look for examples of best practice."

"If designers, engineers, architects and transport planners can be fully educated in the benefits of accessibility, buildings and transport services and facilities will be easier for everyone to use."

"This is a hugely important area, as acknowledged by a recent Council of Europe resolution calling for universal design principles to be incorporated in education and training. We will take time to examine all the issues thoroughly and report our findings to Government over the coming months."

The new group will initially consist of DPTAC members. Other organisations will be invited to nominate representatives in due course.

Notes to Editors

1. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was set up under the Transport Act of 1985 to advise Government on the transport needs of all disabled people. It has a maximum of 20 members (of whom at least half must be disabled people), representing a wide range of transport interests. Members are appointed by Ministers and are unpaid, apart from the reimbursement of expenses.

2. The Council of Europe Resolution ResAP(2001)(1) is available at: http://cm.coe.int/ta/res/resAP/2001/2001xp1.htm.

3. For further information, contact the John Nicholls or Tim Pope at DPTAC Secretariat on 020 7944 3238, (textphone 020 7944 3277), fax 020 7944 6998 or email dptac@dtlr.gsi.gov.uk.

Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee
Zone 1/14
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR

Direct Line: 020 7944 3238
Fax: 020 7944 6998
Minicom: 020 7944 3277
GTN Code: 3533
E-mail: dptac@dtlr.gov.uk