Disabled access to an unmodified AWB

[sail045]

Disabled sailor

For Refueler,
What I stated yesterday is true, very true indeed. If you want proof send me your E/m address and you can have the contact details of my wifes solicitors, who can confirm what I have said. Regarding throwing the book at them well, after 2 years(into our 3rd), which have incuded the DDA conciliation service, trying to find a solicitor willing to take the case, 25 firms/practises were contacted only 3 responded. legal letters running into dozens and protracted discussions all without much progress. Having to fight tooth & nail to get legal aid, I'm afraid there is no such thing as disabled discrimination in this country unless it meets with the political thoughts of the DDA themselves. The case will go on, we will not give up the only oudoor activity that my wife can enjoy without undue assistance. The reason I posted my comments yesterday were merely to inform the orginator of the thread not to expect any help, from the mentioned bodies. As for a marina having to provide a hoist/access, rubbish!! it all hinges on what is deemed reasonable and that rests with the DDA body. I,ve said enough it just gets me very angry and upsets the day

 

[DogWatch]

To expect a hoist, I think you would be asking a lot from a relatively small marina, costs which will have to be added to future bills of all the users. After all, there will be nothing to stop you upping and leaving at any point leaving them with a fairly benign investment (in that wheelchair users are not exactly common in the sailing world).

Added to that, they will also lose a visitors pontoon when you are away, small things maybe, but renting your berth while you are away will keep the costs down for everyone.

One of the things about boating is self sufficiency, I am guessing that unless disabled sailors expect facilities everywhere they go then they should be looking to make modifications to their vessels rather than expect shoreside infrastructure to be built for what is an absolute minority, harbours are industrial places and not some kind of pseudo caravan site... I think the same of people who complain about harbours not providing showers or laundry.

The OP asked about what he could do to help, self sufficient, interested in other's solutions etc. I don't think at any point he expected other parties to drop everything for his particular needs. People will often willingly provide help and assistance to everyone around boats, disabled or not, but to start out expecting is a dangerous precedent I think.

If disabled people get out sailing then that is fantastic and good on them, but expecting the world to change to suit their needs is a bit optimistic. People should also be careful what they wish for, some public buildings have had to close (to everyone) upper galleries and the like as they can't provide disabled access... oddly enough it is often able bodied persons who have complained and not the people who accept they can no longer climb stairs etc. Through no fault of their own, in fact often borne from a do-gooder at a weekly staff meeting, disabled people are getting a bad name in the public eye over things they have no expectation or desire for.

I wonder if suing a small company such as a small harbour (this is not pointed at anyone), the type that ticks over financially, thus possibly removing a facility for everyone is doing more harm to disabled people than accepting a certain amount of self reliance in what is already a minority pastime.

Sorry if this is not what people on the thread want to hear. I wonder if people demanding a hoist are willing to pay or share costs. Sailing is not a necessity like lavatories, public buildings or events. The turn over for a business will likely go down rather than up due to the minority use of facilities required.

P.s. has anyone considered an engine trolley-hoist, this could be at least shared by everyone for lifting machinery and stuff as well as people, no?

incoming

 

[DogWatch]

Hi

Does anyone have experience or better still tips, for sailing a person with MS or similar condition, totally able in every other way but no use of their legs, on a 36ft AWB? Obvious issues to overcome are;
- how to get on and off
- how to get down below/manouvre down below

The person has an extremely positive attitude to life. I'd love to find a way of helping if possible

Did you read the news on the bbc website (under their science section I think) about a possible connection between MS and narrowed veins in the brain. It suggested some successful operations that have helped and even reversed MS sufferers symptoms. I am sure there are more in depth articles around the interweb, I just happened upon this particular one. NHS doctors are sceptical, in that they suspect it will be short term relief. Personally I think that makes it worthwhile, but what a choice, when would you like your 3? years relief sir? wow? I am sure you have probably seen it or know of it from talking to your mate. Maybe this should be in the lounge, but I wonder if any MDs would like to comment?

 

[DogWatch]

oops, it looks like I might have made this thread too 'hot' to handle, this was not my intention and I apologise to the OP if this is what has happened.

I was just attempting to play 'devils-advocate' a little and see it from the man in the street point of view. I am interested to what extent people think private marinas should be expected to cater for different needs.

This in no way was meant to detract from the despicable behaviour that sail045 has had to endure.

 

[sailorman]

oops, it looks like I might have made this thread to 'hot' to handle, this was not my intention and I apologise to the OP if this is what has happened.

I was just attempting to play 'devils-advocate' a little and see it from the man in the street point of view. I am interested to what extent people think private marinas should be expected to cater for different needs.

This in no way was meant to detract from the despicable behaviour that sail045 has had to endure.

i was involved with major DDA works @ Newmarket Race Course about 4 yrs ago.
the Operators have to carry out their own audit of perceived problems & act upon them. there are no hard & fast rules, there are obvious things, ramps ect.
we had to lower sections of bar counters so that a person in a wheelchair can buy their own drink without discrimination. how the hell thats possible on a race day with the bar 20 deep is beyond me, but you cant be seen to be discriminating what ever the disability