Disability Equality Scotland is looking for new members to join the new Access Panel in Moray to promote inclusive design and accessibility in the area. Access Panels can be found across Scotland, and they are groups of volunteer disabled people who work to improve accessibility in their local areas. Access Panels work with many different groups in their area such as the local authority, community council, and other groups to help improve accessibility for disabled people. Disability Equality Scotland is the umbrella body for Access Panels in Scotland. Access Panels work to improve physical access and wider social inclusion in their local communities. They are made up of groups of local volunteers, including disabled people, who come together to improve access in their local communities. This doesn’t just mean access to the built environment. Access Panels are increasingly concerned with ‘access’ in the fullest sense, including: roads; employment; education; health; transport; the countryside and leisure and recreation, etc. Panels provide a valuable service in their communities, including: • Engaging with local authorities and other public bodies on access matters and independent living • Examining and advising on building warrant applications and planning • Undertaking site visits Many take on specific projects, such as: • Researching and publishing local access guides for disabled people and tourism • Disseminating information on access and independent living • Offering advice and guidance to architects and designers Access Panels can help their communities in many ways including: • Creating a better physical environment for all • Assisting local authorities, public bodies and designers meet their statutory obligations • Promoting full social inclusion • Encouraging people to take ownership of what happens in their own communities • Keeping access and independent living issues to the fore What is an Access Panel? Access Panels are groups of volunteers who work to improve access and inclusion for disabled people in their local community. They do this by raising awareness and helping to change attitudes among the general public about the need for inclusive access. Access Panels are made up of people of all ages and abilities who share a passion for the issues faced by disabled people. With the help of Disability Equality Scotland as the national umbrella body, Access Panels support their communities to become as accessible as possible, particularly in relation to the built environment, healthcare, employment, education, and transport.

How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full. Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well? To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you! If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch. What does the role involve? Assisting your local fundraising group in organising, promoting and taking part in a variety of activities to raise money for Guide Dogs. It costs £58,000 to support one single guide dog throughout it's life, so without our amazing Fundraisers raising money for us, we wouldn't be able to provide our life changing services! Main responsibilities: * Organise and facilitate fundraising events such as street collections, stalls at local fairs, tea parties, garden sales, sponsored events and anything else you can think of! * Attend group meetings * Take collection boxes to local businesses * Keeping track of what we sell on our stalls at events (including the cuddly toys!) * Count donations Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.

EDAP require members who could assist with some of the work which will be required to ensure that all projects are carried out well. It doesn’t mean that you need to commit huge amounts of time – you could just volunteer in an area that is of interest to you. You could give as much or as little of your time as you are able and you would not be put under pressure to take on anything we weren’t comfortable with.

Our amazing Community Volunteers play a key role in connecting blind and partially sighted people, awareness-raising, tackling barriers to independence and fundraising for our work. Depending on your availability, training and interests, you will have the chance to take part in some or all of the following: • help run events and regular groups • give talks about sight loss, eye health, the work of RNIB and partners • help with local campaigns • organise fundraising events like store collections • attend information stalls and cheque presentations, and • make wellbeing calls to community members.