The legal profession needs to develop greater awareness of disability issues in order for wheelchair access to be improved, says Raquel Siganporia
Although the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was enacted 20 years ago, and the Equality Act 2010 just six years ago, wheelchair access is still extremely patchy in developed cities like London. As the head of spinal injury at Bolt Burdon Kemp and a wheelchair user myself, I know first-hand how the lack of wheelchair access impacts mine and my clients’ lives on a day-to-day basis.
The majority of barristers and other legal professionals working in the area of spinal cord injuries have however never experienced daily living in a wheelchair. They therefore cannot fully appreciate the day-to-day battle, and yet they are often asked to advise on injuries requiring the use of a wheelchair for life.
Those successful with a claim can achieve a level of financial security and quality of life. However, there is no compensation large or small that can improve the conditions they’re surrounded by—the facilities of the wider community and the external physical environment.
