Congleton Town Council is dedicated to making Congleton and council events more accessible for all its residents and visitors.
Therefore, the Equal Access Advisory Group has been formed to advise the town council on improving accessibility and inclusivity across Congleton. The group aims to identify and address barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, ensuring that the town becomes a more welcoming and accommodating community for everyone.
The Advisory Group, whose members have a wide range of lived experience of disability, reports to the Community Committee of Congleton Town Council, providing updates, findings, and recommendations for consideration and action.
The group is chaired by Dr Deborah Lawson, a multi-award-winning Disability Advocate recognised as one of the UK’s most influential disabled changemakers. With a tireless commitment to inclusion and accessibility, Deborah has earned national and global recognition for her transformative work, including from the Prime Minister and the BBC.
Congleton Town Council and the Equal Access Advisory Group began by conducting a survey to understand the challenges disabled people face in Congleton. With over 150 responses, we sincerely thank everyone who contributed. These insights have helped us focus on key areas such as events, transport, the town centre, communication, and raising awareness.
While some requests fall outside the Town Council and Equal Access Advisory Group’s control, the survey has helped us better understand these issues. Where possible, we ensure they are raised with the appropriate organisations.
Stay informed of our work by joining our Equal Access Interest Group mailing list. You’ll receive minutes, advisory group agendas, and important updates. To sign up, please email info@congleton-tc.gov.uk. You can opt out anytime.
The minutes of the meetings can also be found at the bottom of the page.
Disability awareness involves recognising the rights and needs of disabled people and treating them with respect and dignity. This includes understanding their challenges and barriers and working to create a more inclusive and accessible environment.
Dr Deborah Lawson, Chair of the Group, has produced a disability awareness guide, which is available in the following formats:
There are many ways to promote disability awareness, including:
By understanding and acknowledging the challenges and barriers that disabled people experience, a more inclusive, supportive, and accessible society can be created. This includes ensuring public spaces are wheelchair accessible, providing accommodations in the workplace, and promoting the use of assistive technologies. Becoming educated about disability issues and treating disabled people with kindness can also help to reduce stigma and discrimination.
The council is dedicated to enhancing accessibility and inclusion, and before establishing the Equal Access Advisory Group, it engaged with organisations such as the East Cheshire Eye Society and acted on their recommendations. With ongoing input from Dr Deborah Lawson, Cllr Kay Wesley, and the Equal Access Advisory Group, the council continues to make meaningful improvements to accessibility in Congleton and remains committed to removing barriers for disabled people and ensuring equal access for all.
We will list here resources, press articles, and any other documents we feel will be useful for Congleton Residents and Businesses.
31st May 2024
Focus on Transport
19th April 2024
Focus on Events
15th March 2024
Survey Feedback
31st January 2024
Initial Meeting
