Access Panels recognised for their work on Inclusive Communication in Scotland

Three Access Panels were last week recognised for the outstanding contribution they have made to sensory equality and inclusive communication at the Scottish Sensory and Equality Awards.

Awarded runners up in the category of Outstanding practice, innovation and dedication to sensory and inclusion in a specific local area, Lochaber Access Panel, Perth and Kinross Centre for Inclusive Living, and Stirling Area Access Panel all received awards.

Gillian Edwards, manager at the Centre for Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross spoke afterwards about the importance of the award for her Access Panel:

“I felt that all three Access Panels were deserving and I’m glad we’ve all been recognised for the work we’ve been doing. The majority of us are all volunteers just trying to make a difference to the lives of disabled people and this award is proof of our hard work.”

Access Panels are groups of disabled people who volunteer across Scotland’s 35 Access Panels to improve access and inclusion in their local communities. Disability Equality Scotland is the umbrella body for the Access Panel Network and provides support and guidance as well as training opportunities and publicity.

The Scottish Sensory and Equality Awards were organised by deafscotland at the Doubletree by Hilton on the 15 March 2019 and were jointly presented by deafscotland and Disability Equality Scotland. The awards were hosted by Kerry Ann Woodland of STV News and the night saw countless disabled people recognised for their tireless work on improving equality and sensory inclusion in Scotland.