Part of 3. Questions to the Senedd Commission – in the Senedd at 3:03 pm on 1 March 2023.
That's very good. Thank you, Commissioner, for that answer. It's good to hear that progress is being made. Through Equal Power Equal Voice, I've been fortunate to have a keen political activist come to my office for an internship. Kevin, who is an aspiring councillor, is disabled and requires the use of a mobility scooter to get around. During his time in the office, I've seen first-hand how our estate is not fully accessible for people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters. For example, doors to the walkway between Tŷ Hywel and the Senedd building are not automatic on both ends of the walkways, and need to be pushed outwards. This makes it inaccessible for wheelchair mobility scooter users. Unfortunately, this has meant that unless Kevin is accompanied, he has to travel out of the main building at Tŷ Hywel to get to events, out to the front of the Senedd and go outside the building. I'm sure that you'd agree with me that this is not ideal in cold and wet conditions, or at any time at all. Furthermore, coming out of the lift to go down to the walkway that leads into the canteen, there is not enough clearance for a mobility scooter or a wheelchair to properly turn, coming through the door. There are further examples around the estate. Can the accessibility of the Senedd estate be looked into with immediate effect to ensure that this place is as welcoming to disabled people as it should be, and that disabled people have the independence that they not only want, but deserve? Diolch.