Wheelchair Access At Polling Stations 2010
During the recent electoral polls a wheelchair user had to be dragged in to a venue in order to vote due to the polling station having no disabled access, and the apparent lack of help from the polling station staff.
Azheem Ditta, of Accrington, has told the story of how he was told that he could not vote due to there being no wheelchair access at his local polling station in a primary school in Accrington.
Mr Ditta told of how officials refused to help him after he was unable to get up the steps leading into the polling station. There was no help offered by the staff at the polling station and no alternative route into the building offered.
Mr Ditta's family then attempted to get his wheelchair up the steps where his wife then slipped causing considerable pain to her legs after getting trapped by the wheelchair. Mr Ditta was then finally able to make his vote but felt he had deserved an apology after the 'disgusting' treatment he had received at the polling station.
This year's elections were marred by complaints and controversy with many people being refused and unable to vote before the 10pm poll station closing time.
A council spokesperson said of Mr Ditta's case, "When looking for polling stations we do try our best to identify buildings with disabled access. However, in one or two cases across the borough, this isn't always possible.
The fact that Mr Ditta could have been prevented from casting his vote if his family hadn't of physically carried him and his wheelchair into the polling station is bound to draw attention to the flaws in the current system.
Lots of people agree a rethink of the whole voting process has been called for after numerous cases like Mr Ditta's and the people unable to vote due to stations closing caused public uproar.
The use of mobility aids can help people greatly. In order to find reliable crutches and other mobility aids it is a good idea to visit a reputable company.
