The short answer to this is ‘We all do’.

I often wonder just how much the outcomes of campaigning are taken for granted.

• Shopping in Kingston town centre has been cited as mostly trouble free not only for disabled people, but also older people or parents with prams and young children.
• Large sized lifts, automatic doors and good signage are there because for many years KCIL have campaigned with the vociferous support of its members who have felt passionately about improving access, facilities and services for the community it serves.
• Being able to use the facility of accessible lifts at Surbiton and Kingston railway stations took a long and hard won battle which was the result of continuous campaigning by KCIL and its members.
• Public transport was a non-starter for many disabled people, but the dedicated campaigning to put this right finally had a positive outcome.
• Access to Kingston’s Guildhall was a nightmare for disabled people and wheelchair users in particular, until a protracted campaign resulted in an electric lift being installed at the front of the building and internally.
• For several years KCIL campaigned to provide more accessible housing for disabled people and Wycliffe Noble who was KCIL’s Chair for several years, was an architect with international influence and respect that literally opened doors. Over time, KCIL gave numerous grants to disabled people locally to improve their housing where a Disabled Facilities Grant was not obtainable.

Disabled people have changed attitudes and members of the public have tried hard, in many instances, to positively respond. KCIL had a visible presence in the town centre on many occasions handing out leaflets and talking with people to create a better understanding.

Recently it has come to my notice that there are those who do not think that KCIL should be a campaigning organisation.

What?!!

This organisation has a history of success, much of which has been down to their commitment to campaigning for the improvement of the lives of disabled people. The off shoot of this has been that many non disabled people have reaped the benefits also – therefore a win-win situation for all.

Do you really think we could have achieved all this if campaigning had not been at the heart of the Organisation?

The next time you go through an automatic door or get on a bus, spare a thought for the time and dedication given to campaigning and the positive outcomes it can bring.

So come on KCIL – get back to core values and use the resources of your renewed Membership. Disabled people need to know that you are there to campaign on their behalf with support and action from Members to enrich and enhance their lives in small or more substantial ways. Independent Living has been a hard fought battle but it cannot survive without unity and drive.

Submitted by Pat Page, a KCIL Member