In the heart of London, a city known for its rich history and cultural diversity, a glaring irony unfolded that underscores a critical issue facing organisations today.
Anna Landre, a dedicated disability campaigner, was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for her outstanding contributions to computer science and disability rights.
However, in a twist of bitter irony, she found herself unable to collect this prestigious award on stage due to the absence of an accessible ramp.
This incident is a stark reminder that words alone are insufficient in driving genuine inclusion and equality.
Despite the City of London Corporation’s (CLC) sincere apologies and commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the oversight during such a significant event reflects a deeper, systemic issue that continues to plague many institutions.
The Absurdity of Symbolic Gestures
Anna Landre’s experience is not an isolated incident but rather a manifestation of the broader “implementation gap” that many disabled individuals face.
Despite the legal protections enshrined in the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act and later consolidated in the 2010 Equality Act, the reality on the ground remains disappointingly stagnant.
The law may forbid discrimination, but its practical enforcement is often left wanting.
Organisations frequently pat themselves on the back for their inclusive statements and policies, yet fail to take meaningful action to ensure these words translate into reality.
This discrepancy not only undermines the credibility of these institutions but also perpetuates the cycle of exclusion and indignity experienced by disabled individuals.
The Real Cost of Inaccessibility
Ms Landre’s ordeal at Mansion House turned what should have been a moment of celebration into one of humiliation. Her poignant words, “It’s the absolute irony to be granted the Freedom of the City but not the freedom of the room,” encapsulate the frustration felt by many.
Such experiences underscore the real cost of inaccessibility—not just in terms of personal indignity but also societal loss.
Inaccessibility impedes the full participation of disabled individuals in public life, depriving society of their valuable contributions.
Moreover, the burden of enforcing rights often falls on the very individuals who are being discriminated against, further entrenching their marginalisation.
A Call to Action
The City of London Corporation’s response to undertake an urgent review to ensure accessibility is a step in the right direction. However, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for all organisations.
Genuine inclusion requires more than just policy declarations; it necessitates proactive measures, continuous assessment, and a genuine commitment to creating accessible environments.
Organisations must move beyond symbolic gestures and take tangible actions to bridge the implementation gap. This includes not only ensuring physical accessibility but also fostering an inclusive culture that recognises and values the contributions of all individuals.
Alyson Malach
25.7.24
A Poem on the Impact of Exclusion
The Freedom Not Given
They called her name to honour,
But the stage was set to shame,
A freedom bestowed in theory,
Denied by barriers the same.
With tears she fought to silence,
In a room so grand, so high,
The irony stark and bitter,
‘Neath the City’s ancient sky.
For words can paint inclusion,
In deeds they often fall,
A stage without a ramp,
Is no freedom at all.
The rights we fought to gather,
Enshrined in legal frames,
Are dust without enforcement,
Just promises, just names.
Yet in her heart, a warrior,
With strength to light the way,
She calls for real inclusion,
For action’s brighter day.
So let this be a lesson,
To those who lead and say,
That words are but the starting,
It’s deeds that pave the way.
Anna Landre’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that the journey towards genuine inclusion and equality is far from over.
It is a clarion call for all organisations to reflect on their practices and ensure that their actions truly align with their words.
Only through sustained and sincere efforts can we hope to create a society where everyone enjoys the freedom they deserve.
Listen to learn, to understand and to empathise and not to minimise the experience
ACTIONS not words
Alyson Malach