BY ADRIAN MULLAN
FOR the second time in a fortnight, Omagh District Council has come under heavy fire for not ensuring its facilities are suitable for disabled patrons. And whereas the council was able to cite the age of Omagh Leisure Centre by way of mitigation when disabled users complained of its poor access, the new £10 million state-of-the-art Strule Arts Centre has no such get-out clause.
Finished only a few months ago, the arts centre boasts great facilities, but not for those with a disability, say campaigners.
Outside the centre is largely cobbled which makes it unsuitable for people using crutches. Inside, a lift opens onto a fire-door, and the doors throughout are too heavy and don't open automatically.
Disability campaigners are also angry about the fact that the facilities were reportedly tested for suitability for disabled people by putting an able-bodied person in a wheelchair.
Campaigners said that, not only will that method not show the true accessibility or inaccessibility of the building, but it is insulting to disabled people.
"An able-bodied person is going to have strength and balance that a person who, for example, had their legs amputated would not have," said one campaigner.
A spokesperson for the council said, "It is Omagh District Council's objective to ensure that access to the new Strule Arts Centre for people with disabilities is in line with best practice. In many areas, the minimum requirements have been exceeded to make the centre as user friendly and accessible as possible.
"Access to the building for disabled users has been specifically included in the design scheme. A smooth, uncobbled path, complete with handrails which are compliant with disability regulations, provides access for ambulant disabled users from Bridge Street while vehicular access is available from High Street, with parking facilities for disabled users being completed close to the entrance. "This area has granite surrounds to the square sets, to provide smooth and level access to the building."
The spokesperson continued, "Throughout the project, the council has worked with disability groups to ensure that the facility is accessible as possible. This has resulted in additions above and beyond the regulation requirements, including Braille and tactile signage and extensive handrails throughout the building.
"Recent audits have been undertaken by a disability group to identify any remaining difficulties."
Ciara O'Hanlon, Disability Action, Access Officer, told the UlsterHerald, "I would encourage the Arts Centre to adopt best practice guidelines in order that the facility is as user-friendly and accessible as possible.
"I have contacted the Arts Centre with a list of comments and recommendations which I'm happy to discuss in more detail with the relevant parties," she said.
