Latest news with #AccessforAll
Rhyl Journal
4 days ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Blind man calls out 'digital inequality' at Eisteddfod panel
Rob Williams, from Wrexham, said digital public services were failing visually impaired users who want to access them in the Welsh language. The event, held on the Welsh Government stand, marked the launch of *Access for All*—a new book from the Centre for Digital Public Services (CDPS) and Cardiff University. Mr Williams said: "Government websites in English are generally accessible if they follow digital standards. "But I've never been able to use public services in Welsh. "There's no suitable Welsh-language technology that I'm aware of to help me navigate them, so I don't know what's available or how usable those services are. "I can't even text my family in Welsh, which is frustrating and makes me sad, as I've spoken Welsh to them all my life." Mr Williams acknowledged improvements in digital accessibility in recent years but said the lack of suitable Welsh-language screen reader technology continues to exclude users like him from essential services. He highlighted the high cost of braille displays, which allow users to read on-screen content in braille. He also noted that existing Welsh screen readers are only suitable for reading long texts or stories, not for engaging with everyday digital tasks. Mr Williams said the gap in technology is more than an inconvenience—it is a barrier to independence. He added: "The feeling of relying on someone else to complete a simple task, not because of your disability but because it hasn't been adapted, is horrible. "It could mean missing out on vital support or benefits." In his role as a digital skills officer for Vision Support, Mr Williams works with older Welsh speakers who struggle with digital services. He said the issues are sometimes due to low digital literacy, but more often related to language barriers. He said: "Welsh-language helplines are often unavailable or just not to the same standard as the English ones. "We're encouraged to go digital, but until accessible Welsh-language screen readers are developed, offline services must remain properly available." Efa Gruffudd Jones, Welsh Language Commissioner, also took part in the panel discussion. Ms Jones said: "It's important to acknowledge that progress is being made in this field. "The Language Technologies Unit at Canolfan Bedwyr, for example, is undertaking excellent work—leading the way in research and development in both text and speech technologies. "That said, Rob's story is a powerful reminder that there is much still to do. "If we are to ensure that Welsh speakers can fully benefit from language technology, further investment and work is needed." The Centre for Digital Public Services recently conducted a research project into digital accessibility in Welsh public services. The study identified examples of good practice but also uncovered significant challenges. These included unclear enforcement of standards, a lack of in-house expertise, and poor accessibility in many third-party supplier products. Joanna Goodwin, head of user-centred design at CDPS, said: "Behind every product, every service, and every policy, there are real people affected by the decisions we make. "The stories in our book, as well as Rob's, challenge us to think differently, to listen more closely, and to design with empathy. "When we do that, something remarkable happens. "Take video captions. "Originally designed for people with hearing impairments, they're now used by anyone watching videos in noisy places, quiet offices, or while learning a new language. "Designing for people with access needs improves the experience for everyone." Ms Goodwin said: "The Digital Service Standard for Wales demands that we make sure everyone can use our services. "This isn't just policy, it's a moral imperative rooted in the Well-being of Future Generations Act. "Our new book, launching today with Cardiff University, is more than guidance—it's a call to action."
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Blind man calls out 'digital inequality' at Eisteddfod panel
Rob Williams, from Wrexham, said digital public services were failing visually impaired users who want to access them in the Welsh language. The event, held on the Welsh Government stand, marked the launch of *Access for All*—a new book from the Centre for Digital Public Services (CDPS) and Cardiff University. Mr Williams said: "Government websites in English are generally accessible if they follow digital standards. "But I've never been able to use public services in Welsh. "There's no suitable Welsh-language technology that I'm aware of to help me navigate them, so I don't know what's available or how usable those services are. "I can't even text my family in Welsh, which is frustrating and makes me sad, as I've spoken Welsh to them all my life." Mr Williams acknowledged improvements in digital accessibility in recent years but said the lack of suitable Welsh-language screen reader technology continues to exclude users like him from essential services. He highlighted the high cost of braille displays, which allow users to read on-screen content in braille. He also noted that existing Welsh screen readers are only suitable for reading long texts or stories, not for engaging with everyday digital tasks. Mr Williams said the gap in technology is more than an inconvenience—it is a barrier to independence. He added: "The feeling of relying on someone else to complete a simple task, not because of your disability but because it hasn't been adapted, is horrible. "It could mean missing out on vital support or benefits." In his role as a digital skills officer for Vision Support, Mr Williams works with older Welsh speakers who struggle with digital services. He said the issues are sometimes due to low digital literacy, but more often related to language barriers. He said: "Welsh-language helplines are often unavailable or just not to the same standard as the English ones. "We're encouraged to go digital, but until accessible Welsh-language screen readers are developed, offline services must remain properly available." Efa Gruffudd Jones, Welsh Language Commissioner, also took part in the panel discussion. Ms Jones said: "It's important to acknowledge that progress is being made in this field. "The Language Technologies Unit at Canolfan Bedwyr, for example, is undertaking excellent work—leading the way in research and development in both text and speech technologies. "That said, Rob's story is a powerful reminder that there is much still to do. "If we are to ensure that Welsh speakers can fully benefit from language technology, further investment and work is needed." The Centre for Digital Public Services recently conducted a research project into digital accessibility in Welsh public services. The study identified examples of good practice but also uncovered significant challenges. These included unclear enforcement of standards, a lack of in-house expertise, and poor accessibility in many third-party supplier products. Joanna Goodwin, head of user-centred design at CDPS, said: "Behind every product, every service, and every policy, there are real people affected by the decisions we make. "The stories in our book, as well as Rob's, challenge us to think differently, to listen more closely, and to design with empathy. "When we do that, something remarkable happens. "Take video captions. "Originally designed for people with hearing impairments, they're now used by anyone watching videos in noisy places, quiet offices, or while learning a new language. "Designing for people with access needs improves the experience for everyone." Ms Goodwin said: "The Digital Service Standard for Wales demands that we make sure everyone can use our services. "This isn't just policy, it's a moral imperative rooted in the Well-being of Future Generations Act. "Our new book, launching today with Cardiff University, is more than guidance—it's a call to action."
Telegraph
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Labour council offer asylum seekers half price e-bikes
A Labour council is offering 50 per cent off e-bike rentals to asylum seekers. Wandsworth Borough Council, which Labour won from the Tories in 2022, offers discounts from 50 per cent to 100 per cent on services including gym sessions, swimming lessons, wedding ceremonies and event tickets. Asylum seekers, people in receipt of benefits, children getting free school meals, and looked-after children, are eligible for the Access for All concessions scheme. The council has announced that a 50 per cent discount for e-bike rentals will now be included in the scheme as a result of 'a pioneering deal with Lime, Forest and Voi', three providers of the bikes. Simon Hogg, the council leader, said: 'It's about opening up affordable, sustainable travel that helps our residents to access work and entertainment opportunities across the borough. 'We're proud that Lime, Forest and Voi have agreed to join Access for All and to operate respectfully and safely. We are making sure that no one is priced out of healthy and sustainable travel.' According to the council, there were 6.8 million trips made by rented e-bike in Wandsworth in the year to this May. A spokesman for Wandsworth borough council said: 'Our Access for All scheme is Britain's most generous concessionary scheme and breaks down barriers to make sure all residents have an equal chance to access local opportunities. 'This includes tens of thousands of low-income residents who receive benefits, children who receive free school meals, looked after children and care leavers, as well as asylum seekers and refugees.' However, Chris Philp, the Tory shadow home secretary, said: 'It is a slap in the face to hard-pressed taxpayers that are being forced by a Labour council to subsidise perks for illegal immigrants crossing the Channel who then claim asylum. 'At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet thanks to Labour's tax rises, this woke council is funnelling public money to illegal immigrants. It's an insult to every struggling family in the country. Labour has the wrong priorities.' It follows audits by Reform UK's anti-waste council team, which has revealed that asylum seekers were being taken trampolining, bowling, to the cinema and on shopping sprees, including to a store selling luxury hair extensions Auditors – styled on Elon Musk's department of government efficiency in the US – said the trips out, and other spending at JD Sports and PC World, cost taxpayers more than £24,000 between April 2022 and December. The claims were made about Kent county council as part of Reform UK's drive to inspect accounts at 10 local authorities of which it won control in May. Zia Yusuf, who is running Reform's Doge unit, said he was concerned some local authority bosses were treating taxpayers as 'their own personal piggy bank'.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Scottish charity Enable launches ‘Access for All' to drive inclusion in sport and culture
Leading Scottish charity Enable has today (Thursday 10 July 2025) launched a new landmark programme, 'Access for All', championing the rights of people with disabilities to fully participate in sport, culture and the arts. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The innovative partnership, inspired by Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), is being launched during Scottish Disability Sport's (SDS) 2025 Summer Camp, taking place this week at Badaguish Campsite near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. The residential camp brings together young people aged 10 to 17 years old with physical, sensory or learning disabilities for three days of sport, connection and confidence-building. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Access for All, driven by Enable's purpose of creating an equal society for people with disabilities, will run as a three-year strategic programme aimed at increasing access to Scotland's cultural and sporting life. The first phase focuses on sport, beginning with Enable's sponsorship of the SDS Summer Camp 2025. This marks the start of a growing partnership between the two charities, with future plans to connect Enable's local branches with SDS's regional hubs to help create more inclusive sporting opportunities across the country. Scottish Disability Sport Summer Camp The scheme also sees a renewed partnership with inclusive rugby charity Trust Rugby International (TRI), beginning with the launch of the 'Bannockburn Clan', a new inclusive rugby team created with Enable Falkirk. Over the next three years, the partnership will also explore opportunities around skills development and wider participation in sport for people with disabilities. Enable CEO, Theresa Shearer FRSE, said: 'For over 70 years, Enable has fought for the human rights of disabled people to be active, connected and engaged in their communities. 'That means going beyond providing services. It means opening doors to friendship, networks, culture, and sport – the things that make life full and joyful. That is why Access for All, Enable's new multi-year programme, is built around Article 30 of the UNCRPD, which recognises the rights of people with disabilities to fully participate in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Access for All will be rooted in the rights and ambitions of our members and those we work for, aiming to open up meaningful opportunities for engagement across sport, culture, and the arts. We are proud to launch the programme at the SDS Summer Camp 2025, where young people are experiencing inclusion in action, and, through our partnerships with SDS and Trust Rugby International, we will continue building real and lasting opportunities for participation and inclusion in every aspect of life.' Kyle Stevenson, 17, supported by Enable Gavin Macleod, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) said: 'SDS is delighted to be working in partnership with Enable to co-ordinate the 2025 Summer Sports Camp for young people with disabilities. Both organisations are committed to developing opportunities that allow participants with disabilities to benefit physically, socially and psychologically from being involved in physical activity and sport. The camp has become an important addition to the SDS annual calendar and offers a wide variety of outdoor, recreational and social experiences.' Jamie Armstrong of Trust Rugby International (TRI) said: 'At a time when the world feels more divided than ever, this partnership is about bringing people back together. TRI Social Rugby gives us a powerful way to break down barriers, build trust, and remind communities what it means to truly belong, on and off the pitch.' Future phases of Access for All will focus on increasing participation in Scotland's arts and cultural life, and on influencing inclusive policy development, ensuring that the full breadth of Article 30 is reflected in everyday life for people with disabilities across the country.
Metro
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
London's best lidos, ponds and outdoor pools to beat the heatwave
A searing heatwave is sweeping the UK, and all any of us Londoners can think of is where to go to cool off. It's so hot, in fact, that the previous record of 40°C, in July 2022, could be under threat. A health agency has issued an amber heat warning, meaning there's potential for it to be dangerously hot, and the Met Office has warned it's only going to get hotter. In London, we don't have the luxury of a coast. But along with dozens of parks and buzzing beer gardens, we do have plenty of lidos and spots for wild swimming. So, grab your towel, slap on some factor 50, and dive right in. After a £4 million revamp, Tooting Bec Lido is finally open to the public this summer. At 90 metres long, it's the UK's largest freshwater swimming pool, catering to 1,300 Londoners. The lido offers two sessions per day, alongside special swim times to kickstart the season. As well as installing a new pumphouse and UV filtration system to keep the water clean and safe, the surrounding area has also had a glow-up. The changing rooms have been given a sleek, modern update and there's fresh landscaping around the water's edge. According to Wandsworth Council, 130 free tickets for swimming sessions will be available for eligible residents under Wandsworth's Access for All scheme. Otherwise, it's £9.40 for adults and £5.20 for kids. If you want wild swimming without travelling to the countryside, make for Hampstead Heath Ponds. Split between mixed, and men's and women's areas, the ponds have a cult following and come July will be heaving with crowds. Who knows, you might even spot a celebrity. A-listers are known to frequent the Heath, with Harry Styles, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Woody Harrelson all swimming there in recent years. Tickets are £4.80 for adults and £2.90 for concessions for 60 minutes of swimming. Tucked in the corner of Brixton's Brockwell Park, this lido is a real sun trap on a warm day. The 50m Olympic-sized pool sits beside an art deco building, with a cute café where you can refuel after a swim. Lane swims cost £8 for up to 50 minutes, and must be booked in advance. Another South London gem, this Olympic-sized heated pool has a summer sun terrace, coffee bar, and outdoor gym equipment. If you're lucky, you'll see the local parakeets flying above while you backstroke. Adult swimming sessions cost £11.50, with prices starting at £5.50 for concessions. Opened in the 1930s, this unheated outdoor pool is open to the public 365 days a year. Located near Gospel Oak train station, it's ideal for those who don't feel ready to brave the ponds. Swimming sessions start at £4.80 for adults and £2.00 for concessions, with no need to book ahead (but you may need to queue if it's busy). At Green Lanes in Stoke Newington, you can go for an open-water swim or try your hand at kayaking at the West Reservoir. It's not for the faint-hearted – temperatures are low, but it's a great spot to get used to the cold water in a beautiful setting. Once you're done, warm up with a coffee at the waterside cafe. Open water swimming – which is available between 7am and 6pm – costs £13.15. Sessions are 30 minutes. Beckenham Place Park is the largest green space in Lewisham, and although you'll get the feel of wild swimming, lifeguards are on hand to ensure everything is safe, and you can hire kayaks or paddle boards at certain times too. Whichever water-based activity you choose, the lake offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. One-hour sessions cost £7.40 for non-residents. Lewisham locals pay a little less, at £6.80. Fancy hitting up one of London's most iconic 'open water' swimming locations? Head to Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. Here you can swim surrounded by nature, before drying off in the Lido Cafe Bar with a fresh lunch and a glass of wine. If you don't want to swim, but fancy checking out the views,waterside tables are available. For a full day at the lido, it's just £7.50. According to the website, Serpentine Lido will reopen for the weekend on May 17, and then fully from 24 May. If you've got kids in tow, Hillingdon Lido is a great shout. The 1930s Grade II-listed, 50m open-air swimming pool oozes art deco charm, and is considered a 'hidden gem.' Not only are there stunning fountains to play around in, but there's also a new, heated shallow splash pool for little ones. It's close to Ruislip Lido, a sandy (man-made) beach with a lake beside it, though swimming is not permitted there. Also ideal for families, there's an ice-cream shop and play areas suited for kids. Worth the journey if you fancy a day in nature. Tickets cost £11 for non-residents. Let's be honest, this is the UK, and we're not always guaranteed good weather. More Trending And if the heavens open this weekend, Finchley Lido Leisure Centre has your back. This indoor complex combines a pool with slides, a wave machine and jets. There's also a cinema and a bowling alley for some post-swim fun. Outside, there is a 25-metre swimming pool open during the summer months. Swimming costs £8.30. MORE: Man 'carrying a gun' at Elm Park Underground station arrested during rush hour MORE: Does drinking alcohol in the sun really get you drunk faster? A doctor shares their verdict MORE: Defenceless' grandad, John Murray, 75, found beaten to death in his Chiswick home
