Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched London’s first dedicated action plan for Deaf and Disabled Londoners, setting out a comprehensive programme aimed at tackling inequality, improving accessibility and breaking down barriers across the capital.
Home to around 1.2 million Deaf and Disabled people, London remains a city where many residents face significant challenges, including difficulties accessing transport, finding suitable housing, securing employment and managing rising living costs.
The new plan forms part of the Mayor’s wider ambition to create a fairer and more inclusive capital. Developed in partnership with Deaf and Disabled Londoners, disability organisations and public sector partners, the strategy builds on a decade of work to improve accessibility and inclusion across London.
Over recent years, City Hall has introduced a range of initiatives designed to improve the lives of Deaf and Disabled residents.
Transport for London’s (TfL) Equity in Motion plan has driven improvements across the transport network, with the Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and London’s tram network now fully step-free. Every London bus route is operated by low-floor vehicles equipped with access ramps and dedicated wheelchair spaces, while 95 per cent of bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Accessibility improvements also continue across the rail and Underground network, with more than half of London Overground stations and over a third of Tube stations offering step-free access. TfL is additionally introducing lift fault-reporting technology to help passengers better plan journeys and trialling a calm space at Ealing Broadway station for travellers who may benefit from a quiet area away from busy environments.
The Mayor has also strengthened engagement with Deaf and Disabled communities through initiatives such as the Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations Forum, chaired by Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice Debbie Weekes-Bernard, and a disability co-production group established through the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).
Elsewhere, City Hall has signed the British Sign Language Charter, expanded support through income maximisation and welfare advice services, and promoted accessible housing through planning policies within the London Plan.
The newly-published action plan identifies five key priority areas:
Tackling Poverty
The Mayor has committed to improving access to advice services and expanding support to help disabled residents claim the financial support and benefits they are entitled to receive.
Policing and Community Safety
City Hall will work with the Metropolitan Police Service to develop a pilot programme aimed at improving the way disabled people report crime. The plan also includes measures to enhance victim support services and improve emergency preparedness with the London Fire Brigade and local authorities.
Housing and Planning
Accessibility will play a central role in the future development of the London Plan. The Mayor has pledged to work with boroughs, housing associations and developers to increase the supply of accessible housing and provide additional support for survivors of domestic abuse who require accessible accommodation.
Accessible Transport
TfL will continue working closely with disabled Londoners to improve accessibility across the transport network, increase awareness and uptake of concessionary travel schemes, and strengthen staff training programmes.
Employment and Skills
The action plan supports the delivery of the Inclusive Talent Strategy and Get London Working programme, aiming to remove barriers to employment and encourage organisations to create more accessible and inclusive workplaces.
City Hall has also pledged to deepen engagement with Deaf and Disabled Londoners to ensure services across the Greater London Authority group remain accessible and responsive to residents’ needs.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“It is unacceptable that Deaf and Disabled Londoners face barriers that affect their daily lives and prevent them from fully benefitting from life. I am proud that London is leading the way to address this.
“Since becoming Mayor, I’ve made it my mission to make our city fairer and more inclusive for all Londoners, and through this plan I’m committing to redoubling our efforts to improve the lives of Deaf and Disabled Londoners. By listening to Londoners and working closely with partners, we have created a plan that will tackle the transport, employment, housing, safety and cost-of-living challenges they face.
“London's future depends on the talents and potential of all its people and by working together, we can build a city that truly works for everyone.”
Image credit: iStock
