In 1991 Elisabeth Berrisford launched a new initiative to seek public support for the establishment of a new Access Action Group.
The Steering Committee, under her Chairmanship, set out terms of reference that were put to a public meeting in 1992. The proposal was:- “The Access Action Group will comprise of volunteers experienced and qualified to represent the views of people with disabilities on matters of accessibility to transport, the outdoor environment, buildings and facilities”. The Steering Committee received its mandate and thus the organisation Spelthorne Committee for Access Now (SCAN) was established.
Lis became the first Chair of SCAN and its elected membership of disabled people was very broad based and its concerns have resulted in action in attempting to achieve a barrier free environment for people.
Planning applications are consistently reviewed by SCAN'S Chairman.
The provision of transport services for people with disabilities saw the introduction of Spelride as part of the Spelthorne Accessible Transport System.
Access to shops and banks has been identified in the audits undertaken.
Staines Shopmibility, has been a very successful enterprise. Assistance for shoppers with disabilities with powered and manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters. An escorted shopping service is also available for visually impaired people.
SCAN is a member of Disability Rights UK and Chairs the local Spelthorne Physical and Sensory and Cognitive Disability Forum.
There is still much to be done by SCAN. There is a growing recognition that disability is not an attitude of some people being unable to meet the demands of society but rather it is the failure of society to recognise its own disabling potential.
Our Access Guide in 2004 was dedicated to the Memory of Elisabeth Berrisford who died on March 22nd 2003.