AccessAble Borders

23/06/2026

🚗 Mobility is not a luxury. It is essential.

Our new research report explores disabled people's views on potential future changes to vehicle support schemes (including Motability) and what these could mean for independence, access and equality in Scotland.

Based on responses from 156 disabled people across Scotland, the findings show that access to an accessible vehicle is often essential for:
- Getting to work
- Attending healthcare appointments
- Accessing education
- Staying connected to family, friends and local communities

Many respondents expressed concerns about affordability, access to suitable vehicles and the impact that changes could have on their independence and ability to participate fully in society.

The report also highlights the need for clearer, more accessible information about mobility support through the Motability/ Accessible Vehicle and Equipment schemes. 44% of respondents said they were not receiving all the support they needed and were unsure whether they were eligible for additional help.

At Inclusion Scotland, we believe disabled people must be meaningfully involved in decisions that affect our lives.

Read the report and explore the findings in the format that works best for you:

https://inclusionscotland.org/new-motability-report-highlights-concerns-about-future-vehicle-support-for-disabled-people-in-scotland/



Image description:
A square graphic with a light green background and the Inclusion Scotland logo at the top. The headline reads: “Mobility is not a luxury. It is essential.” Below is a photograph showing a disabled person exiting a red car while talking with another person who is holding a crutch. Beside the image, text states: “Our new report explores disabled people's views on potential future changes to vehicle support schemes.” The graphic promotes Inclusion Scotland’s new Motability report.

23/06/2026

For those in and around the Hawick area! If you live with a long-term health condition or physical disability and would benefit from our new nail clipping service, please, get in touch. To book an appointment on the 8th of July call us on 01835 822099. See more details below.

16/06/2026

Have Your Say on the Future of the A7 Through Selkirk.

Local residents are invited to attend a Public Exhibition Drop-In to view and discuss proposed pedestrian improvements along the A7 corridor through Selkirk town centre.

Thursday 25 June 2026
4.00pm – 7.00pm
Victoria Halls, Selkirk

The proposals have been shaped by feedback from people who use the A7 as pedestrians, and this exhibition is an opportunity to learn more about the planned improvements, ask questions, and share your views.

Representatives from Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland, and Scottish Borders Council will be on hand to discuss the project and answer questions.

Whether you walk, shop, work, or live in Selkirk, your input matters. Come along at a time that suits you and help shape a safer, more accessible town centre.

🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🏘️

15/06/2026

Bird Gardens Scotland CIC is a beautiful place to visit. There are, of course, the birds and gardens themselves as well as a fantstic cafe and shop. The whole place has been built with accessibility in mind and, a heads up, a Changing Places toilet is currently being worked on to add to the facilities which will mean it is the perfect day out for all of the family!

04/03/2026

People with profound disabilities and complex needs will have greater freedom and independence with the development of five new Changing Places Toilets (CPT) across Dumfries and Galloway.

Backed by a total Scottish Government investment of £10 million into The Changing Places Scotland Fund between 2025-27, £4.7 million has been allocated this year to help individuals, families and carers across the country to take part in everyday activities and community life.

A second applications round of funding opens in 2026-27.

CPTs offer a vital facility for disabled people and their families and carers whose needs cannot be met through standard accessible toilet provision.

This includes people with profound or multiple disabilities, people with muscular dystrophy, older people, veterans, people who require the use of a larger wheelchair and people who require a calm and quiet environment.

The Eskdale Foundation receives £40,000 to build next to the current public toilet at the north end of Langholm to ensure the needs of people with disabilities can be met with dignity and so they can make the most of the community.

Craigs House is awarded £85,249 to site a toilet on the smallholding in Dumfries surrounded by buildings used for animal interactions and nature activities. Buildings are used for events, training, peer support and networking and skills development.

Happy Hooves Sanquhar C.I.C will use £90,021 to build a CPT at the outdoor riding arena.

A Patch Ae Land Sco54563 receives £92,066 to build a CPT in the community garden to benefit any individual with complex disabilities in North West Dumfries, ensuring the area is inclusive, welcoming, and safe for everyone.

The final new CPT will be at Summerhill Community Centre with £105,593 helping to make sure the centre in Dumfries provides a holistic approach to community involvement, empowerment and participation. The Environmental Umbrella Project enables a wide variety of outdoor activities and settings.

CPTs have key features which distinguish them from standard accessible toilets. They:
• offer adequate space (at least 12m2) for a disabled person when they are not in their wheelchair, as well as space for their wheelchair to turn, and one or two carers.
• have an adult-sized, height-adjustable changing bench to allow people to lie down to have their personal care needs met.
• have a ceiling hoist to lift people out of their wheelchair safely
• have a centrally placed peninsular toilet which provides access for people who require support on both sides.

More about the Fund here: https://inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/changing-places-toilets-fund/

22/01/2026

AccessAble Borders is your local Access Panel based right here in the Scottish Borders please view the advert for further details and get in touch if we can support you - we are here to help!

Our audits and services are delivered at an agreed cost or delivered on a donation basis subjects to the requirements and nature of the work undertaken.

18/12/2025

A little seasonal update from Borders

https://mailchi.mp/048105c85ada/seasons-greetings-and-upcoming-dates-for-the-new-year Season's Greetings and upcoming dates for an exciting new year ahead.

16/12/2025

What do you think about community transport?

Please complete and share our survey so as many people as possible can take part and have their views included in Transport Scotland’s Accessible Travel Framework.

Survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/atfcommunitytransportsurvey/

Downloadable Easy Read version: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/community-transport-and-active-travel-surveys/

15/12/2025

Please note that we will be taking a break over the festive period. Our office will close at the end of the day on Friday, 19th December and will reopen on Monday, 5th of January 2026. Sending seasons greetings from everyone here at the Access Panel for a very happy Christmas and all the best in the coming year.

03/12/2025

🌍 Today we mark the UN International Day of Disabled People, a reminder that disabled people must not only be included in society, but also truly heard.

Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities affirms the right of disabled people to full participation in political and public life, including the right to vote, stand for election, influence decisions and shape policies that affect our lives.

Real inclusion means removing barriers, and not expecting disabled people to navigate them alone. That’s why initiatives like the Scottish Government’s Access to Elected Office Fund administered by Inclusion Scotland exist: to ensure that disabled candidates in Scotland’s elections can campaign and participate on equal terms.

Find out more about the fund or apply today:
[email protected]

https://inclusionscotland.org/disabled-people-become-a-leader/civic-participation/aeo-fund

Disabled people have the right to lead, to represent, to govern, and to bring lived experience into decision-making spaces.

Today — and every day — we advocate for that right.



Image description:

A graphic with the Inclusion Scotland logo at the top. Below it, the text reads “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” on a pink banner. At the bottom of the image there is a diverse illustrated group of disabled people: a person with a guide dog, a child using crutches, a person with a prosthetic leg, an older person using a walker, a person with a limb difference, and a person in a wheelchair raising their arms.