Annual Report 2003-2004

C: Work Programme for 2004-2005

45. In February we published our Work Programme for 2004-2005. This sets out our priorities for the year, our main activities, how we are going to achieve them, and how we can demonstrate whether or not we are succeeding.We will report on progress in our Annual Report for 2004-2005, and review the priorities for the 2005-2007 period during the coming year.

The priorities

46. For 2004-2005, as last year, our priorities are to:

Consider issues related to our statutory function - our primary function is to advise Government and we are asked to carry out some specific functions.

Consider relevant Disability Rights Task Force recommendations - we will be monitoring progress and focussing effort where we can make most impact.

Measure and monitor accessibility - we will examine progress and plans for measuring access for disabled people.

Mainstream accessibility - we will encourage everyone who influences transport and the built environment to take ownership of the need to improve access for everyone.

Develop guidance on accessibility issues - we will continue to develop guidance that assists those responsible to provide an inclusive environment.

Provide information to disabled people - we want disabled people to be advocates of their own transport and built environment needs and providers to learn from disabled people what their priorities are.

Our activities for 2004-2005: Proactive tasks

Task 1: Influence the content, introduction and passage of the Draft Disability Discrimination Bill.

Task 2: Produce guidance for the Department for Transport on addressing the needs of disabled people.

Task 3: Develop and implement a revised Communications Strategy, including publishing the Annual Report 2003-2004, and reviewing www.dptac.gov.uk to ensure it remains relevant and informative.

Task 4: Develop a specification for an on-board wheelchair for use on aircraft.

Task 5: Promote changes to the planning system to ensure revisions play an effective role in securing an inclusive environment.

Task 6: Update the Access Directory.

Task 7: Identify the need for resources to assist disabled people and local access groups to influence transport and built environment providers locally.

Task 8: Develop and promote a Housing Action Plan that will promote and support existing advice on housing provision and fill gaps in that guidance.

Task 9: Develop model policy document for architects on inclusion.

Task 10: Initiate a review of concessionary fares for disabled people inviting comments from operators, local authorities and disabled people.

Task 11: Develop an action plan to proactively engage the Bus, Coach and Community Transport Working Group with operators (including private, public and voluntary sector), manufacturers, regulators and trade groups in jointly understanding the requirements of disabled people.

Task 12: Promote the enforcement of the PSV (Conduct) Regulations 2002.

Task 13: Seek to promote elected councillors' understanding of the need for an inclusive environment.

Task 14: Identify what professional skills and competencies in access for disabled people are necessary and available, making recommendations on meeting this need.

Task 15: Promote Future Inclusive undergraduate award for students showing clear appreciation of inclusive environments in their studies.

Task 16: Influence primary schools' curriculum with regard to inclusive environments.

Task 17: Develop advice on congestion charging.

Task 18: Initiate research evaluating the effectiveness of DPTAC's guidance on large passenger ferries and terminals.

Task 19: Complete research on increasing the availability of private hire services to disabled people.

Task 20: Develop and publish guidance on the handling of wheelchairs at airports to limit damage during loading and unloading from aircraft.

Task 21: Publish a specification for improving access to toilets on aircraft.

Task 22: Develop and publish guidance to passengers and industry on boarding and alighting vehicles using ramps, in conjunction with Department for Transport's Mobility and Inclusion Unit and Association Of Train Operating Companies.

Our activities for 2004-2005: Reactive tasks

Task 23: Respond to all other consultations of relevance to access for disabled people.

Task 24: Advise the Department for Transport's Mobility and Inclusion Unit on exemptions from the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations where they are contentious, to help clarify points of principle.

Task 25: Advise on any future stages in the review of the Blue Badge Scheme.

Task 26: Contribute to Association Of Train Operating Companies project to develop a national map of current, step-free access at stations.

Task 27: Monitor progress following Department for Transport consultation on taking forward the Disability Rights Task Force transport recommendations.

Task 28: Advise the Secretary of State on Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations exemption applications.

Task 29: Provide strategic advice to Strategic Rail Authority on Franchise Replacement Programme and specific advice and feedback to operators.

Task 30: Provide strategic advice on prioritisation criteria for major works at stations under the Access for All Fund.

Task 31: Advise on policies for accessible taxis, if the Government comes forward with proposals, and press for progress if they do not.

Task 32: Contribute to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) research into Disabled Persons Reporting System.

Task 33: Provide strategic advice on the Strategic Rail Authority/ Network Rail Modern Facilities at Stations Programme and monitor implementation.

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