I am dreading outdoor dining.
It’s not accessible for me with the weather, and being unable to regulate my temperature, and needing to stay out of the heat in the summer.

If dining is on footpaths, it will decrease space for wheelchair and scooter users and prams to travel.

I understand we need to have outdoor dining to reduce the risk of Covid, and to ensure restaurants can reopen.

But not everyone will be able to participate and enjoy it. I fear for many of us, we will continue to be isolated because we won’t be able to access the Covid normal.

I need to read more about the Victorian roadmap out of lockdown.

Covid aside, it’s really hard to request accessibility at events, restaurants etc.

I dread having to call a restaurant & potentially argue my need for an indoor seat because I cannot dine outside.

Things that could help:

A welcoming statement from restaurants to say they will try to meet access needs where they can.

Enough indoor dining options.

Not having to disclose disability when requesting access.

Shade, heating and cooling outdoors.

More things that could help:

Enough room on footpaths for people mobility aids, prams etc to move past outdoor dining spaces.

Blankets (cleaned after each use).

I really hope @DanielAndrewsMP @MartinFoleyMP @VictorianCHO etc have an accessibility plan alongside their Covid safe plan, so that everyone can enjoy the easing of restrictions. I am here to consult if needed.