§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will outline the measures taken, facilities offered and adjustments made in his Department and agencies for which he is responsible to facilitate access for disabled people; what plans he has to improve access; and if he will make a statement. [18584].
§ Mr. HowardThe Department has a continuing commitment to meet the needs of its disabled staff, customers and visitors. In doing so, it takes into account the programme for action to achieve equality of opportunity in the civil service for disabled people; many of the measures taken to improve access for staff also benefit disabled customers and visitors.
1231WMeasures over recent years have included the installation of a ramp in a listed building with steps to the main entrance and a survey to identify further areas where accessibility could be improved; wherever feasible action was taken. An audit of facilities for disabled people in central London buildings has also been carried out. The majority of buildings in the Home Office estate have toilets accessible to wheelchair users and car parking spaces reserved for disabled drivers. Access for disabled people is taken into account in the design stage of new buildings and renovations.
Induction loops are available for use in the public enquiry office in the immigration and nationality department, in all United Kingdom passport offices, and a further two induction loops are currently being purchased for use in conference rooms in the central London estate. Accommodation staff in IND have participated in accessibility training at the centre for accessible environments. An information pack on disability has been made widely available to staff in the Department.
Disability awareness seminars have been run for staff, covering such matters as access, equipment, disability etiquette, management of disabled staff and awareness of the social context of disability.
Continuing consideration is being given to producing information in accessible formats. Arrangements are in place across the Department to translate material into braille and large print. The UK Passport Agency has staff trained to use sign language in all its regional offices, and the use of minicoms with the "Typetalk" service is also available.
The needs of disabled staff and visitors are kept under regular review through departmental action groups. Future plans include the provision of leaflets listing facilities for disabled people in the main London buildings.