It all changed last year when I met Adam Thomas, and we started chatting about accessible properties abroad and he told me about a project he was working on. It was in Cyprus, somewhere that we had looked at previously to buy a property, as we had visited numerous times both for training camps and family holidays. I explained some of the difficulties that I experienced in accessibility, but also the importance of design and aesthetics, of wanting somewhere that was suitable, but looked nice too ! My father is an architect so these are some of the things that I grew up with. The project that Adam was working on also had a gym and a spa (I spend more time in the latter than the former these days). Getting all those things right is so important and needs time, and good people behind it.

I was asked to put some of my experience of training facilities and gyms into practise by looking at the designs and concept, but I knew that if I wanted to do it properly then I would have to go and visit the parent company and also the site. I have just come back from Cyprus where I met George, the architect behind all the plans and designs that I had seen in the UK. George is forward thinking and committed to beautiful designs that work – he listened to what Adam and I have had to say about the balance of accessibility and style. I also has a chance to look at the site where the apartments are going to be and also the surrounding area, they are in a great place and there are some exciting developments on their way which I will tell you more about soon !!!! I think that what is going to happen there is going to be a brilliant long term investment and have been so pleased that I am buying an apartment, and am in the process of picking the apartment that I would like. There is definitely more to come…

It is a beautiful, unspoiled island of contrasts. The rural Turkish north and the more developed Greek Cypriot south; sleepy villages and lively nightlife; Byzantine art and architecture and popular beach resorts. The weather, the food and the people alone make it a fantastic holiday destination.

Because it is such a popular tourist destination, in recent years facilities for disabled people in the south have really improved. Cypriots themselves are friendly and helpful and there is a general willingness to help overcome the access hurdles.

In the larger hotels in the south, you’ll find a reasonable level of wheelchair access – though as ever it’s worth checking precise details in advance. Prices compared to the UK are good.

When Adam and I visited, we travelled with Cyprus Airlines, who were excellent and really took care of us. You pay a little bit more but get a great service. British Airways, Monarch and Easyjet are among the 50+ airlines who also fly there.

We spent a day driving all over the island, including up into the mountains where the views are incredible. We picked out our very own plot for an apartment too!

But the Q Well Being project is in complete contrast to that – as are The Quality Group, whose Managing Director and chief architect I’ve had the pleasure to get to know. For once, when I suggest changes that will boost the accessibility and usability of the apartments and the site as a whole, I get a really positive response. Cost is not the constant justification for rejecting suggestions.

It really is a breath of fresh air. I’ve had a great time recently, advising on the interior of all the Q Well Being apartments. I’ve been paralysed myself since 1981 so I know just how important your ‘home’ space is for being able to feel comfortable, safe and independent.

Let me explain why. The show is a fantastic show case for 1000’s of really useful but functional items, designed by some really clever engineers. But what struck me was the lack of aspirational offerings to a consumer group who are obviously just as discerning as the wider population. Of course there were other kitchen manufacturers there, but Adam’s kitchens were the only products I saw in any category that really looked and felt great, as well as doing the job they were designed to do.

This is exactly how I see Q Well Being positioning itself beautifully designed luxury apartments that are also incredibly functional.

I was really impressed with the equipment and how it was easily changeable for use by both disabled and able bodied alike. We will use some of this equipment in our development

It was also worth nosing around in the changing rooms to see the facilities there. I was less impressed here, I think we will be able to do much better at Q Well Being.

It was useful to see the ramp into the pool and this will definitely be incorporated in to our pool. Interestingly though Paul Smith of the SIA, said that certain types opf wheelchairs float! So we will have to choose carefully.

From there we went to The Thermae Bath Spa in Bath (ironically!) and wow what a fantastic experience; not only is the architecture superb but so was the accessibility of every facility apart from the rooftop pool where we couldn’t work the hoist! Also there was no bed in the changing room for Adam to get into his swimming gear. Even though the facility is impressive it stressed on us the importance of thinking of every detail to ensure the experience is enjoyable and not frustrating for the disabled user!

Well in 16th April 2009 Savvas, Tanni and the Mayor of Larnaca launched the Q Well being Accessible beach to the TV and press in Cyprus! It is not built yet but will be soon.

To date the site plan has been agreed and filed with the planning authorities, and has been approved. We have spend a lot of time ensuring that every part of the site is accessible from the entrance to parking to communal areas and the restaurant , spa and gym. Where possible every part of the site has been designed either to Part M or Sport England accessibility standards.

Adam, Tanni and George are finalising the layouts of the apartments (with special attention to the kitchens and bathrooms), the gym and spa and we hope to have an Access Statement from David Bonnett Associates on 29th May 2009, ready for our launch at the Mobility Show on 4th – 6th June 2009.

The information is just not readily available. I was having a dinner meeting with Adam and Tanni and it was really important to find a restaurant that met all our needs. In the end I plumped for Pizza Express!

Things must change and if it’s like that in London…

Disability Awareness Day (DAD) is an annual independent living exhibition and a family fun day rolled into one. The main aim of the event is to promote independence throughout life and work. The exhibitors at DAD reflect a wide range of support services that help us achieve this aim. DAD is supported by a week of complimentary events, and on the day we have arts, sport and entertainment for everyone.

The next show is on Sunday 12th July 2009. We look forward to seeing you there!

The 4th – 6th of June QIS will be attending the Mobility Roadshow where we will showcase our latest development – Q Well Being.

This family resort, due for completion in 2012, is being built to the highest specification. It has been designed by user for users – including the access advisor for the Olympic Village, architect David Bonnett, and accessible kitchen designer Adam Thomas, a former Spinal Injuries Association trustee. This means it will have all the facilities to provide a positive experience for disabled or older people experiencing mobility difficulties and their families.

More information available at the Mobility Roadshow website. Visit us at stand B23 (location map).