Many people with disabilities sail in clubs with no specialised facilities. Problems of physical access are overcome by a positive attitude on the part of all concerned and a tolerance for some loss of independence on the part of the disabled sailors.

Accessible facilities benefit all club members whether disabled, ageing, or simply burdened with kit. If facilities are right for people with obvious disabilities, they are excellent for others. (A club which hosted a World Disabled Sailing Championship built a bridge to provide access to the first floor. Now, this bridge is much appreciated by all club members and brewery delivery staff as a short cut to the bar!)

Jetties Jetties should be stable and wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass safely. Depressions in the surface should be sufficiently narrow to avoid tripping people and jamming wheelchair castors. A raised edge guides partially sighted sailors and reduces the chances of wheelchairs (occupied or otherwise) being 'lost overboard' (Fig. 30).

Avoid wide, unstable fenders such as rubber tyres. They increase the space between the boat and the jetty, and make transfers more difficult.

Ramps to the jetty should have handrails (Fig. 31a). The surface of the ramp should have transverse strips wide enough to give a good footing for a walker but short enough to allow the wheels of a chair to pass (Fig. 31b).

If it is impossible to use jetties, some disabled people may be able to transfer into moored keel boats from rubber tenders. It may be possible to use the rigging (boom etc.) to assist.

Shore If a boat must be launched from the shore, it is essential that a firm, smooth beach is selected for the purpose. Old carpets can be laid over soft or muddy surfaces. Heavy duty rubber matting provides a longer lasting solution.

Generally, it does not matter if wheelchairs are pushed a little way into salt water but it is worth-while hosing them soon afterwards with fresh water.

Doors & Steps A stiff door and a high threshold can be difficult for a wheelchair user. Both sides of a threshold should be ramped (Fig. 32).

Doorways should be at least at least 70 cm wide.

To assist the partially sighted, there should be good colour contrast between the door, the frame and the surrounding wall. Clear labelling at a consistent height is appreciated.

An independent wheelchair user can often negotiate one step; however, two steps are impossible and should be bridged with a ramp.

Alternatives to Stairs At some time, most wheelchair athletes have been carried up and down stairs (the majority of sailing club bars are on the first floor!). While carrying is a simple temporary solution, it will always be hazardous and undignified for all concerned. Alternatives are expensive. You may care to approach your local government, sports council or charities for grant aid. Bridges (Fig. 35), lifts, stair lifts etc. require specialist advice from an occupational therapist or architect, and may need to meet local building safety regulations.

Change Rooms & Toilets Check that change rooms and toilets are clearly labelled and accessible (see Doors & Steps, p.27).

Privacy and independence are important to everyone and should be central to the planning or modifying of all club-houses.

Floor surfaces should be non-slip especially in areas likely to get wet.

Temporary, wheelchair accessible cubicles can be created in a variety of ways (Fig. 35) but in the long term, well established guide-lines for disabled toilets should be employed (Fig. 36).

A plastic garden chair in a shower cubicle with a curtain, provides a temporary solution. A more permanent facility should have no steps or threshold to the shower tray. The floor surface should be non-slip. A fold-down seat and plenty of grabs rails should be provided.

Showers should be simple to control with adjustable shower head height. Check that partially sighted sailors are familiar with the layout and operation of the shower, and that the controls are within reach for a wheelchair user.

It is comparatively simple to lower the height of a wall mirror for use by wheelchair users and younger club members. Raising or lowering a hand-basin is a bigger job. Simply removing the panelling from below the basin may allow access for a wheelchair user.

Social Areas Much advice is available for making buildings accessible for people with disabilities but it tends to focus on ramps and toilets. One disabled Scottish sailor was heard to voice the view of many 'Never mind all that, I want to join my mates in the bar!'

Obviously, a 'social' area implies integration. Much can be achieved by a sincere welcome and a discreet check (few people enjoy causing disruption with their arrival).

An untidy environment is both inconvenient for a wheelchair user and hazardous/disorientating for a partially sighted person. Try to be consistent with layout and avoid placing furniture in routeways.

A traditional bar is designed to be leant on by a standing drinker. It should be possible to create a lower section for a seated drinker.

The use of chairs rather than fixed benches gives wheelchair users access to tables.

For further information, see Chapter 10 - Disability Awareness.