Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum (ACDAF) earned a nomination in the Community Organisation Award for Disability at the National Diversity Awards 2025. This opportunity lets us recognise the grassroots efforts that make Calderdale more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
How ACDAF Strengthens Accessibility in Calderdale
“Central to the Accessible Calderdale Project is the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum, commonly known as ACDAF, whose members are residents of Calderdale with lived experience and a wide range of disabilities.” Moreover, by involving people with firsthand insight, ACDAF shapes every recommendation around real needs and daily challenges.
ACDAF’s Impact on Accessibility and Inclusion in Calderdale
“ACDAF is a pan disability diverse group which includes people with protected characteristics, all with an equal voice.” First, the forum consults on new council-run venues; then it conducts detailed accessibility audits of parks and public transport. Because ACDAF drives co-production from the design stage—“key to the co-production and planning at the design stage of services, organisations, venues and green spaces”—Calderdale now features clearer bus signage and more inclusive play areas.
The Value of Lived Experience
“There is a real added value of working with people with lived experience and ACDAF members provide a pan-disability approach to improving accessibility in Calderdale.” For example, their input led to practical changes: new public toilets in Halifax now include adjustable sinks and alarms, and redesigned drop-kerb crossings accommodate wheelchair turning circles. Consequently, co-production moves beyond theory to transform everyday environments.
How You Can Help Celebrate ACDAF
Voting remains free and takes only moments. To support ACDAF at the National Diversity Awards 2025, visit:
https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2025/nominations/accessible-calderdale-disability-access-forum/
For more about the work of ACDAF or to join us https://visitsunlimited.org.uk/the-accessible-calderdale-project/
Thank you so much!
By casting your vote, you’ll spotlight lived-experience expertise and inspire further positive change across Calderdale and beyond.