Capability has recently teamed up with disabled campaigner Mark Cooper to improve the accessibility of Edinburgh's pubs and clubs.
In February, Mark was inspired to launch his 'Barred!' campaign after visiting a pub in Edinburgh with disabled access, but no disabled toilet – meaning he was forced to leave in the middle of his drink.
Launching a facebook site which attracted over 700 members in its first week, Mark is now working closely with Capability to determine whether his local campaign could have a national impact. Edinburgh City Council's Licensing Board has already agreed to survey the accessibility of the city’s pubs, but Capability is now considering if legislation could be changed to improve accessibility in pubs across the whole of Scotland.
Mark, 24, is also about to start a volunteer policy placement with Capability in which he hopes to gain valuable work experience to develop a career in policy and campaigning on disability issues.
Mark said: "I approached Capability because they are fully committed to achieving equality for disabled people. As one of the leading disability charities, I knew they would give my campaign a level of support and national exposure that it deserves."
Susie Fitton, Senior Policy Advisor for Capability, said: “We are delighted to have Mark on board. As someone who is passionate about equality for disabled people, he is the ideal candidate for a policy placement.
“We have long campaigned for improvements to physical access for disabled people, and Mark’s vibrant campaign is a reminder that there is still more to do to remove the barriers that disabled people face in everyday life.”