Harrogate BID’s Chief Executive Matthew Chapman was invited to join the panel for an an open discussion and forum for disabled people to share concerns and seek answers from key experts.
The event held at The Crown Hotel in Harrogate in February, was chaired by Tom Gordon MP and offered a fresh perspective to tackle local accessibility challenges.
From housing and employment to healthcare and transport, the panel addressed the pressing issues impacting daily life for disabled people in Yorkshire.
Attendees had the chance to engage directly with a panel of specialists, including:
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Graham North, York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority – Transport
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Maggie Gibson, North Yorkshire Council – Housing
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Mike Rudd, North Yorkshire Council & Chris Watson, North Yorkshire Council and Harrogate District Foundation Trust – Health & Social Care
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Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID – Town Centre Accessibility
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Mike Dales, North Yorkshire Employer & Partnership Manager DWP – Employment
Jackie Snape, CEO of Disability Action Yorkshire, said their mission is to amplify the voices of disabled people and ensure that decision-makers listen and act. The event was about creating real change in the community by tackling the barriers disabled people face every day.
For more information about Disability Action Yorkshire, visit their website on: www.disabilityactionyorkshire.org.uk