Corporate Disability Access Forum
Established in 2013, the Corporate Disability Access Forum (CDAF) is a partnership of local and regional disability organisations, local access groups and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
The role of CDAF
The CDAF is a two way information and communication channel for the council and local and regional access and disability organisations. The aims of the CDAF are to:
- work with developers, architects and project managers to encourage greater accessibility at major new developments and in the public realm.
- promote the adoption of inclusive design and management to create environments which are universally designed and usable by everyone
- promote and encourage greater access to information and in accessible formats and more positive attitudes towards disabled people when providing services
- ensure that local issues are addressed from an informed and representative consumer viewpoint by a group that is made up of people who are either disabled themselves or others who represent disabled people
Meetings
Meetings are held approximately every two months, usually at council premises around the borough. The CDAF is chaired by Councillor Val Armstrong.
Organisations involved
The following local and regional disability organisations are represented on the CDAF.
- Alzheimer’s Society
- Chester Accessibility Action Group
- Chester Adult PHAB
- Cheshire Centre for Independent Living
- Cheshire Older Peoples Network
- Cheshire West and Chester Council
- Chester and District Federation of the Blind
- Deafness Support Network
- DIAL House Disability Rights Centre
- Healthwatch West Cheshire
- Learning Disability Partnership Board
- Muscular Dystrophy Campaign North West Muscle Group
- Neuromuscular Centre (NMC)
- Profound Intellectual Multiple Disabilities Sub-Group
- Vale Royal Disability Services
- Vision Support
- Vivo Care Choices
Accessible Britain Challenge Awards
The Corporate Disability Access Forum was announced ‘winner’ in the ‘Improved Mobility’ category at the first ever Accessible Britain Challenge Awards. The Awards took place in March 2015 at the House of Commons. The Forum was praised for its work in involving disabled people and their representative organisations in the design of major buildings and facilities including the Chester’s new theatre and library and bus interchange.
Terms of reference
The Terms of Reference provides more detailed information about the CDAF including the aims and objectives, membership, and details about the structure of meetings. The document is updated annually.
Further information
If you would like to learn more about the Corporate Disability Access Forum or would like to know how to get involved, please contact:
- Email: equalities@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- Telephone: 0300 123 8 123