Apeirons finds party offices and websites inaccessible to disabled people

Several political party offices and websites in Latvia are inaccessible to people with disabilities, an experiment by the Association of Disabled People and Their Friends Apeirons found, LSM reported. The association randomly visited several party offices without prior notice, or attempted to do so, to assess access and encourage greater political participation by people with disabilities.

Apeirons also found that many party websites were not properly accessible to people with disabilities.

The first visit took place on the cobbled streets of Vecrīga, at the National Alliance office in Jēkaba Barracks on Torņa Street, opposite the Swedish Gate. “You cannot get inside. Look, there are the stairs. Nothing is indicated. It is completely impossible,” said Voldemārs Lapa, who uses a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy and visual impairments.

Several high steps lead to the office entrance, and there is no lift. Although the building can be reached without stairs from the Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics Boulevard side via a fairly steep slope, the National Alliance office is on the second floor. People with visual impairments cannot know this because there are no signs, according to the report.

National Alliance office manager Ieva Preimane acknowledged that the rented premises were difficult to access for people with mobility impairments. She said the organisation would need to ask the property owners, Riga Nami, about plans to improve access.

Preimane said installing a lift would probably not be possible because of the existing stairwell. She suggested that a platform lift, similar to one used on the stairs of Parliament, could be considered instead. The office offered to meet with Apeirons to discuss the problems.

Access to the Latvia First office on Aldaru Street was easier, but Lapa did not attempt to enter with his wheelchair because of two high steps at the entrance. Office representative Ingūna Millere agreed that the problem needed to be addressed.