THE Accessible Waterways Association is working closely with the Canal & River Trust to expand the scope of disabled boaters’ meetings.
Founder Tracey Clarke said: “The current meetings began after I had a series of consultations with the CRT to discuss the needs of all canal users – not just boaters – with accessibility issues.
“From this small beginning, the trust offered to host a series of in-person meetings around the country. The pandemic then got in the way! But the CRT was keen to continue what was becoming a useful dialogue and the online Teams Disabled Boaters’ forums took over.
“This opening up of communication has been invaluable, and the CRT is aware of what it needs to be doing to become more accessibility friendly.
“One of the key outcomes is the need for fully accessible moorings to be made available around the network. The accessible mooring bollard is just a part of this strategy, and AWA is proud to be playing an active part in this.
“We are also grateful for the partnership with the makers of Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes, who, with the CRT’s full agreement and co-operation, filmed the trial installation at Icknield Port Loop in November. This is expected to be aired very soon.”
Although the online meetings have been reasonably well attended, both the AWA and CRT want even more boaters with disabilities and other canal users to join in the discussions. This was addressed at a recent meeting but has also been the subject of conversation between the organisations themselves. It has been decided that AWA will host some meetings this year, with the CRT in attendance.
The AWA also told Towpath Talk it hopes that other navigation authorities will want to participate. “The Environment Agency has shown willingness to recognise the needs of boaters with disabilities and will be invited to attend the next meeting,” said Tracey.
