https://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/opinion/letters/disability-today-the-year-1981-gave-us-all-such-hope-3223235 The year 1981 gave us all such hope Forty years ago, Eastbourne’s Access Group (EAG) was set up during the United Nation’s International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP) 1981. An aim of IYDP was to encourage persons with disabilities to form local organisations through which they could express their views and promote action to improve their situation. The great vision was to promote equal opportunities, full participation in society, and living conditions equal to other citizen...

Our Eastbourne Guide for Disabled People has been updated on our website pages and there is a new PDF version also available. A useful Guide for people with a disability, their carers and families.

Eastbourne Access Group is proud to have supported and campaigned on behalf of disabled residents for 40 years. Whilst many campaigns have led to a growing understanding of disability locally we still find that society (Government and local councils) build in barriers that simply prevents disabled people from participating in society. Much of this comes from poor design and decisions which fails to be inclusive. We continue to campaign for a town centre which is inclusive to all residents. Inclusive design goes beyond providing physical access and creates solutions that work better for everyo...

Eastbourne access group 40 years young- still challenging barriers to accessibility. This is the first article in a series written by volunteers to celebrate our 40th year that will also appear in the local Herald paper. Eastbourne access group started in 1981 in the first International Year of Disabled Persons. The theme of the International Year of Disabled Persons 1981 was “full participation and equality”, defined as the right of persons with disabilities to take part fully in the life and development of their societies, enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens, and have ...

Eastbourne Access group needs YOU!  Can you spare 1 -2 hours per month to volunteer flexibly for the Access group from your home? We campaign to make Eastbourne more accessible for disabled people of all ages, their carers and families. We produce the Eastbourne Access guide that has lots of information in it about local attractions, businesses and other services.  We also run events and information stands. We meet currently on Zoom and are campaigning on transport, town centre, seafront cycling, entertainment amongst other other local issues. Come and join us. Please email admin@eastbourneac...

The subject of mask discrimination for disabled people was brought up in a recent letter sent to the National Police Chiefs’ Council. A spokesperson for Eastbourne Access Group said, “We know that some disabled people and their carers are concerned about being challenged to show an exemption and also some disabled people with hidden impairments are reluctant to wear the sunflower lanyards as they may choose not be labelled as ‘disabled’. “Members of the public might be concerned about misuse of exemptions but it has proved impossible for many people with complex impairments such as those w...

Message from Keep Sussex Safe NHS Be on your guard against fraudulent text and email messages as new scams are being sent to patients. People are receiving a text or email notification of their ‘vaccination appointment’ and are being asked to confirm it by clicking on a link. This looks very similar to the genuine texts being sent to patients to arrange their appointments at the GP led vaccination services. Please follow the advice below. The COVID-19 vaccination is ONLY available from the NHS and it is FREE – you will never be asked to pay for it or give your bank details. If you receive a...