Latest news with #wheelchairaccessibility
BBC News
27-06-2025
- BBC News
The Lyneal Trust toasting 40 years of getting disabled on canals
A charity that helps wheelchair users enjoy a trip on a canal boat is preparing to celebrate its 40th Lyneal Trust in north Shropshire uses adapted narrow boats and cottages to offer holidays and day trips and is staffed by 40 volunteers, who welcome people with a range of mobility Fox, who is one of them, said it had given him the opportunity to "put something back, to help people that wouldn't otherwise be able to do it".His colleague, Nicky Fox, said she enjoyed seeing the "joy on the faces" of the people enjoying the experience. Derwen College, a nearby college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities, has visited the Lyneal Trust for the last four Simmonds, who was taking a group from the college this week, says the trust is "leading the way on accessibility and inclusion". The canal boats give young people "the opportunity to explore different environments" and for students it is "a completely different sensory environment", Ms Simmonds Fox said: "We meet some amazing people with fantastic stories."She also said she was impressed by their resilience and willingness to try something new."Being on the water for a day, or longer, is a great way to relax and take time in nature to enjoy the environment of the lovely canal side," Ms Fox added. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
New York Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Airlines and Trump Administration Backpedal on Protections for Travelers With Wheelchairs
In January, airline passengers who use wheelchairs saw brighter horizons ahead for their often-difficult travels. A new rule adopted by the federal government meant that airlines would expand support for disabled passengers throughout their trips and enhance training for employees who assist them, and carriers would be compelled to replace wheelchairs that were lost or damaged and offer loaners promptly, among other changes. But shortly after President Trump was inaugurated, the Transportation Department moved to delay enforcement of the rule — initially until March, then until August — and now, airlines are challenging one of its provisions in court. When the government issued the rule in December, supporters heralded it as a win after decades of advocacy, saying it struck a blow for the rights of disabled travelers, for whom inconsistent help, physical discomfort and damaged wheelchairs were unfortunate norms of flying. 'Those rules were a huge win for wheelchair users,' said Seth McBride, a wheelchair rugby athlete who lives in Washington State. 'It felt like the D.O.T. was starting to listen to the disability community,' he said, adding that he felt that airlines were being forced to take the needs of wheelchair users seriously and provide the same level of service they provide to everybody else. Now the rule is on notably shakier ground. Airlines for America, a trade association that represents the country's biggest airlines, joined by member carriers American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, has filed a lawsuit in federal court arguing that the Transportation Department overstepped its statutory authority in adopting the measure. The petitioners argued in an opening brief filed last week that the rule wrongly makes airlines liable for damaged wheelchairs even when they have not discriminated against disabled travelers, such as if mishandling was an 'act of God' or beyond the airline's control. One example they cited was if the wheelchair was in poor condition before the start of the trip. In those cases, they should not be held liable, they said, allowing that the rest of the rule's provisions could be left in place. The lawsuit 'simply seeks to ensure that D.O.T. acts within the scope of its authority to regulate only acts within airlines' control and responsibility,' the brief reads. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Associated Press
18-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Diamond Care Transportation Expands Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services Across South Carolina and Beyond
Ladson, SC June 18, 2025 --( )-- Diamond Care Transportation, a leading provider of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), has officially expanded its wheelchair-accessible ride services across South Carolina. This expansion marks a milestone in the company's mission to improve mobility and healthcare access for elderly and disabled individuals. Following increasing demand for reliable, compassionate transport options, Diamond Care Transportation now serves patients in South Carolina, Florida, Washington, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. This strategic move ensures more patients can access critical medical appointments safely and on time. 'Our expansion across these regions represents our deep commitment to accessible healthcare,' said a Diamond Care Transportation spokesperson. 'We've invested in top-tier vehicles, staff training, and new technology to make the ride experience seamless and stress-free.' The newly added service zones come with upgrades to booking convenience, including phone scheduling, online booking, and a dedicated customer support team. Diamond Care Transportation offers: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles with trained drivers. On-time pickups and courteous service. Transportation to clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and dialysis centers. Medicaid-approved and private pay ride options. This service update follows the company's recent milestones, including securing new broker partnerships and hiring additional trained drivers across service areas. For families seeking dependable, compassionate transportation for their loved ones, Diamond Care Transportation is now accepting new bookings. About Diamond Care Transportation Diamond Care Transportation provides non-emergency medical transportation with a focus on seniors, individuals with disabilities, and patients requiring wheelchair-accessible rides. Serving South Carolina, Florida, Washington, Maryland, and the DC area, the company is committed to patient safety, punctuality, and comfort. Contact: Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (864) 335-9824 Website: Contact Information: Diamond Care Isabella Masters 564-668-4966 Contact via Email Read the full story here: Diamond Care Transportation Expands Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services Across South Carolina and Beyond Press Release Distributed by
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Hundreds back village shop in dispute over 'character'
Hundreds of people have backed a village shop after the owners were ordered to remove a new wheelchair-accessible and Ajantha Kokulakumar failed to seek planning permission for the work at the store and post office in Roos, East from East Riding of Yorkshire Council argued the alterations created a "characterless frontage" and harmed the appearance of the surrounding conservation than 400 people have signed a petition urging the authority to allow the door to remain in place after the Kokulakumars said reversing the changes would be financially ruinous. The Kokulakumars took over store in July 2024 and closed it for two months to carry out renovations. They boarded up the original doorway and knocked out a window to install a larger entrance, wheelchair ramp and security they reopened in September, they received a letter from the council ordering them to submit a retrospective planning application – which was later couple appealed, but this was turned down by the planning inspectorate earlier this month. Mrs Kokulakumar said she was worried about what might happen next. But she added: "Most of the customers are supporting us. We are right to help the older people – that's why we have done this."She admitted they made a mistake by not seeking permission, but said they made the changes for the benefit of the the new door and reinstating the old one would force them to move their service counter and rearrange and refit the entire Coffin, who lives in the village, said he thought the door should remain in place because it was "particularly good for disabled access". He suggested an artificial door could be used in place of the old boarded-up resident Ron Symes criticised the council's decision and added: "What's wrong with it? It's ideal for wheelchairs."In a statement, the council said the store played "a central role within the conservation area", but the works were "overtly modern".The use of "unsympathetic materials" had created "a prominent, unfamiliar and incongruous addition" to the the council said it would "be looking to work proactively with the applicant to address the unauthorised development and try to overcome the concerns raised".Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
