AN accessibility commission is to be established to ensure Edinburgh’s public spaces are as inclusive as possible for those with disabilities.
On Thursday January 11, the City of Edinburgh Council’s transport and environment committee will be asked to note the next steps in establishing the commission.
In December, disability activist Zara Todd was appointed chair of the accessibility commission. Ms Todd, who has previously been chair of Inclusion London and deputy chair of public body Equality 2025, has advised the British Council, the Fundamental Rights Agency, and Transport for London on disability and accessibility issues, and has over 20 years’ experience in chairing and facilitating inclusive meetings.
She will lead the commission in providing independent advice to the council on the challenges, opportunities, and actions required to make sure the city’s public streets and spaces are accessible for disabled people.
Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said, “I am proud that Edinburgh is a welcoming and diverse city, but it’s clear that there is much work to be done to make it truly accessible and inclusive for everyone. In the coming decade transport in our capital will evolve substantially to accommodate growth, tackle congestion and respond to the climate emergency. This transition is also a huge opportunity to a create a more equal city, and the Accessibility commission is there to help ensure that happens.
“The accessibility commission will focus on addressing that challenge, and listening to the needs of disabled people to make our streets and public spaces as accessible as possible.
“Zara Todd brings with her a wealth of personal and professional experience which will be invaluable to the commission’s aims. As a resident of Edinburgh she knows what works here, and also where we have made mistakes in recent years. I look forward to working with her, and other commission members, to make Edinburgh a better place for everyone to live, work and visit.”
Zara Todd added, “As a disabled Edinburgh resident it is great to see the council taking accessibility seriously, I look forward to working with everybody involved.”
