Mayor of London Says 2012 Games Must Act As a Catalyst to Transform Access for Disabled People Around the City

Speaking in Beijing ahead of the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games, Boris Johnson praised the achievements of Team GB’s Paralympic athletes and pledged to make London’s Games the most accessible ever.

The Mayor said he would work with 2012 organizers and authorities across London to ensure the capital was doing everything possible to maximize not only access to the Games but access to the city’s many hotels, restaurants, nightspots and other leisure venues for generations to come.

The Mayor said:

“The fantastic achievements of our Paralympic team at the Beijing Games have surpassed the country’s wildest expectations, adding to the pride we all felt watching Team GB reel in their haul of medals last month.  They have delivered for us – now we must deliver for them, and for all disabled Londoners and visitors. I want everyone who comes London to enjoy every aspect of their stay, including Paralympians, disabled spectators, and anyone who may have difficulty moving around the capital. That means ensuring a wide choice of accommodation and places to visit during the summer of 2012.

“So I urge all London businesses, including shops, restaurants and hotels to start thinking now about they can make their goods and services as accessible as possible in time for and to reap the benefits of the 2012 Games. It’s not just about wide doors and ramps in premises -  there are a whole range of measures that can be adopted to help people with different disabilities and organizations like the LDA and Visit London are ready and waiting to offer their advice. “

A lot of work is already underway by Transport for London and the Olympic Delivery Authority to ensure London’s transport provides the best access to all Games events particularly for disabled people. The London Development Agency along with Visit London is also working with the hotel industry to ensure that disabled people staying in London can find the right type of accommodation to suit their needs including holding a special seminar next week to offer advice on improving access for disabled people.

However the Mayor wants the public and private sectors to spare no effort in accelerating the process so that everyone coming to London in 2012 has an enjoyable experience staying where they want and going where they want.

Source: London.gov

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