Access Orkney

31/10/2024

Following our AGM held on 22 October 2024, we were unable to elect trustees to continue this fantastic group. We have decided to pause and continue recruiting for trustees.

If you are interested in volunteering for a trustee role with Access Orkney click here for more information https://www.vaorkney.org.uk/volunteering/volunteering-opportunities/ #/search/a0gQD000003FUVVYA4/trustees-chair-secretary-and-treasurer-roles?distance=10km&sort=relevance&display=list&page=1&lat=&lon=&location=

01/10/2024

Access Orkney will be holding their AGM on Tuesday 22nd October. It will take place in Room 2 at the St Magnus Centre for 7pm and will also be on Zoom

Three of our current board members are stepping down at the upcoming AGM in October due to other commitments. To ensure the continued success and operation of Access Orkney, we are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to step forward and take on these important roles.

We invite you to nominate yourself or other members for the following positions:

Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
These roles are vital for the governance and functioning of Access Orkney. Each position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our mission and make a meaningful impact on accessibility within our community.

How to Nominate
Please send your nominations, including the nominee's name, contact information, and a brief statement of interest or relevant experience, to me at sarahsemail2u@gmail.com by Tuesday 15th October.

Support and Training
We understand that taking on a new role can be daunting. Support and training will be provided through Disability Equality Scotland and Voluntary Action Orkney to help you succeed in your role.

Next Steps
After the nomination period closes, we will circulate the list of nominees and hold elections at our AGM, scheduled for 22nd October 2024 at the St Magnus Centre and online.

Why Get Involved?
Being an office bearer is a rewarding experience that allows you to develop new skills, meet new people, and play a crucial part in promoting accessibility in Orkney. We highly encourage you to consider this opportunity and get involved.

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Wilkins at the aforementioned email address. If you would like to attend the meeting but cannot make it in person, then please contact me for the Zoom log in details.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Access Orkney.

12/08/2024

Really interesting article by Ian Hamilton, BBC Scotland News on his experience of using Orkney Ferries https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7r542dy3xo

Join Access Orkney so you can help us make Orkney more accessible for everyone

The BBC's Ian Hamilton travelled on Orkney's ferries after people with disabilities raised concerns about their acessibilty.

10/06/2024

Our meeting scheduled for this evening has been changed to Monday 1 July 2024 at 7pm.

30/05/2024

In leaving the NorthLink ferry in Aberdeen, you need to left at the road junction with Market Street to avoid breaking the L*Z….

Please be aware that a Low Emission Zone (L*Z) will be enforced in Aberdeen from 1st of June 2024.

🔴 Unless your car meets the requirements, it is advised upon leaving the ferry in Aberdeen you must turn left at the road junction with Market Street. For a detailed view of the Low Emission Zone area you can use this interactive map of the L*Z, where you can zoom in and out to see all of the streets and locations: https://accabdn.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0e88f64e748c4315b21050683525df52

✅ The L*Zs are being introduced to address air pollution in city centres, mainly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), caused by road traffic.
✅ You can enter a vehicle registration number on the official website for Scotland’s Low Emission Zones to confirm if your vehicle will comply. There are also exemptions to the L*Zs, including blue badge holders.
✅ Find out more at https://orlo.uk/UsIOC
✅ The Low Emission Zone support funds for households, businesses, and the L*Z Retrofit Fund have all now resumed and are open to new applications - more information is at https://orlo.uk/VfiZw
✅ If you need more information this website is a great source: https://www.getabout.org.uk/lez/

Aberdeen City Council Low Emission Zones Scotland Transport Scotland Getabout

09/05/2024

We received an email today from Mitia Aranda, a PhD researcher at the University of Dundee and a member of the Dundee Access Group.

She is working on a research project called Blue Access Scotland. The aim of the project is to investigate blue spaces (i.e. beaches, lochs, rivers, ponds) in the country to increase accessibility and inclusion to such spaces. In line with this aim, they are launching a community survey to explore disabled and non-disabled people’s experiences in relation to access to blue spaces for leisure and health & wellbeing promoting activities. Their ultimate goal is to identify key actions to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with different types of conditions and/or impairments as a way to achieve wider benefits for all.

Please see the poster below for more details or go directly to the survey via this link:

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/dundee/blue-access-scotland-blue-space-survey-2024

This survey is only applicable for people aged 18 and over who live in Scotland.

I have also requested a BSL version as well to share with the Deaf Community.

02/05/2024

A new service has been set up in Orkney to help provide communication support for vulnerable suspects and accused people, primarily during police investigations.

Please click on this link to find out more.

https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=9032

22/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/dmPh6fcU6xy2dwny/

Help us develop our next British Sign Language plan!

Join us for a drop-in session at The Hub on Monday 26 February, 11 - 2pm, to learn more about British Sign Language in Orkney, how we're making communication more inclusive and to share your ideas!

29/01/2024

The next meeting of Access Orkney will be on Monday 5th February at 7pm. It will be held at the St Magnus Centre in Room 2.

This will be a hybrid meeting, so if you would like to attend but can't make it in person, then please contact me for the Zoom details.

We'll look forward to seeing you there!!

04/12/2023

Our next meeting is tonight at 7pm and ONLINE ONLY tonight. Please email contact@accessorkney.org if you would like the zoom link for joining.

07/11/2023

Our Secretary Sarah talked to BBC Radio Orkney this week about Access Orkney. Listen here https://m.mixcloud.com/radioorkney/around-orkney-on-monday-6th-november-with-adam-and-kathryn/?fbclid=IwAR0fwyX2JgpsN7hF9RpOI3oSDly201CimN8a62RFZHetQ3CO6Dfh42qn8Mo

Listen to Around Orkney on Monday 6th November with Adam and Kathryn by Radio Orkney