Eastleigh and District Disability Forum

In 2003 the Eastleigh and District Disability Forum (EDDF) was formed by local residents to promote the rights and interests of disabled people who live or work in the borough of Eastleigh.  With the support of AHL, Eastleigh Borough Council and Eastleigh Community Services, the forum has grown both in numbers and influence.

Forum members regularly meet with council staff to offer their advice and share their experiences to ensure that planning applications meet the needs of people with a range of disabilities.  They are also currently working with the Highways department to develop a dropped kerb route around Eastleigh town centre, incorporating Eastleigh College and Fleming Park. 

In 2005 the forum held their first Disability Awareness Day in the town centre.  The purpose of the day was to allow able-bodied people to experience what it would be like to be reliant on a powered wheelchair or scooter, or to have a visual impairment.  Despite awful weather on the day the group’s hard work paid off and it was a great success.  Over 30 people tried out the obstacle course and several joined the forum.  In August this year a disability consultation event was hosted at Wells Place by the forum on behalf of Eastleigh Borough Council to assist them in the development of their Disability Strategy.

As well as fun events EDDF has provided training and advice to local businesses to help them meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.  The annual accessibility survey arranged by the town centre Local Area Committee is supported by the forum, with several members surveying local shops to assess how accessible they are, and advise on what improvements can be made to allow access for all.

“Getting Through The Maze”, the directory of services for disabled people has proved hugely successful and is now in it’s second edition.  Collated by forum members under the guidance of ECS’s Home Information Support Project, the directory has valuable information covering everything from benefit entitlements and support groups through to transport and holidays.  A copy can be requested from ECS.  AHL was happy to support the production of the directory with a grant through our Kickstart fund.  Copies of it are available at local libraries and doctors’ surgeries and is also available on request through Eastleigh Community Services on 023 8090 2400 or hisp@ecs-vol.org.