By XAVIER SMERDON
THEY may not have been seen as real people and they not have been able to do something as simple as buy a cup of coffee, but two Wyndham councillors are hoping that their experiences can force change.
Councillors Bob Fairclough and Peter Maynard teamed up with the Wyndham Disability Action Group (WYNDAG) to spend an entire day in wheelchairs.
It was hoped the experiment would put the wheelchair friendliness of Wyndham to the test, and speaking last week, Vice Chairperson of WYNDAG, Wayne Slattery, said he thought the councillors would find the day confronting.
“I think they will find it dehumanising because people will look at them and see a wheelchair instead of Bob and Peter,” Mr Slattery told Star.
“Watton St in general is a blackspot because about 30 per cent of businesses have a step and simply to get service people in wheelchairs or scooters need to rely on someone else.”
The Werribee Railway Station is also considered a blackspot because of its steep ramps.
Councillor Fairclough said he hoped to be able to use the experience to help the council see things from a different perspective.
“We’ve got about seven or eight per cent of our population in Wyndham living with a disability and I’d really like to share their experiences,” Cr Fairclough said.
“I think it will give me a better understanding of what’s required and that will assist the council with its planning.”
Mr Slattery said WYNDAG had been pushing for portable ramps to be shared between two or three businesses throughout Wyndham so that all residents can gain access.
