Sacc’s work on how polling stations and the Royal Court Chamber can be made more accessible precedes the proposals by ESS, and the committee is looking to be proactive rather than reactive in this area.
“We are committed to a more open government for as many people as possible, including those with certain mobility issues and other challenges,” said Sacc President Neil Inder.
“There is an assumption that we are not catering very well [for these people] in society and there are no expectations that the States would be any better.”
Pictured: Deputy Inder pointed out that the Royal Court Chamber is not very accessible for people with certain disabilities.
Deputy Inder said he has had contact from people who did not believe the States would accommodate them because of their disability.
“There’s a concern that if one has certain mobility issues, sensory issues, communication issues that it would be a burden and that it must affect what we are able to do for them.”
He said that was not the case and that no one should think they cannot participate in Guernsey because of their requirements.
Pictured: ESS want to make discrimination illegal on multiple grounds.
The committee expressed the need to have a plan in place to help inform and support any appropriate adjustments that need to be made to the chamber during the summer recess should they be required.
“The States of Guernsey has a peculiar status in that it is not really an employer or a service provider,” said Committee Member Emilie Yerby.
“There is an ambiguity there and it would be a mistake to say we can live with that.”
Instead, she said government should “lead by example” when it comes to inclusion.