Health authorities want to hear the public's views on the service provided by DisabledGo, a UK-based guide that reviews local venues in terms of their disability access.

The guide provides information on over 1,200 venues from basic contact details to the level of facilities available such as ramps, large print leaflets, disabled toilets, disabled parking and hearing loops. The contract held by DisabledGo is up for renewal.

Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle said: 'I am very keen to hear the public’s views on the service provided by DisabledGo. Back in 2003 when this scheme was first established, there were very few organisations with the skills and resources required to develop a disability access service. This has changed over the past decade and new providers have emerged.

'It’s estimated that around ten per cent of the Island’s population has some form of disability and it’s important that accurate information is available about a building or service’s level of accessibility. Understandably these facts make a real difference to disabled people when deciding which businesses and services they use, for example.

'I am keen to ensure that this Department delivers value for money services for the taxpayer. That’s why it is important that we understand the value the public feel the current guide offers them.'

The consultation will run for a six week period to Sunday July 13.


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