Image caption Anna Landre said the incident had “turned an honour into a humiliation”. Article information Author Harry Law Post BBC News
July 24, 2024
A woman who won the City of London Freedom Award for disability campaigning said it was “absurd” that she was unable to accept her award on stage because an accessible ramp was not provided.
Anna Landre told BBC London she fought back tears during the ceremony at London’s Mansion House on Friday.
“It’s a total irony that we have the freedom of the city but not the freedom of the room. It can’t be a myth,” said Landre, who describes himself as an activist, researcher and consultant who uses a wheelchair.
“We sincerely apologise to Anna Landre for not being able to join her on stage at the Freedom Award ceremony,” the City of London Corporation (CLC) said in a statement.
‘In shock’
One of the oldest traditions of the City of London, the Liberties are thought to have been granted since 1237.
The CLC says they are meant to thank individuals for their contributions to London or public life, or to celebrate significant achievements.
Image courtesy of Anna Landre
Image caption: Although a ramp was provided, staff assumed Landre didn’t want one.
Landre, who moved to the UK three years ago after studying in Washington DC, received the award on Friday in recognition of her contributions to computer science and the disability movement.
After being told she would not be able to accept her award on stage like other winners, the 25-year-old said she was “shocked and trying to think of what to do.”
“Are you going to leave, say something, or make a scene?”
“As a young woman with a disability and as a non-British person with a working-class background, being surrounded by all of the pomp and ceremony makes me feel a little nervous and belittled.
“It’s very classy and I don’t want to cause a scene. I was trying not to burst into tears for most of the ceremony. This happens a lot and I’m usually very calm about these things.”
“This was the clincher. Honor turned to humiliation.”
The Equality Act 2010 consolidates many of the rights first created by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, making it illegal for employers, shops, restaurants and other establishments to discriminate against people because of a disability.
Nonetheless, Landre said experiences like this are a systemic problem.
She said: “As an activist, every time something like this happens, it’s an opportunity to make it right for the next person, because if I don’t, it’s going to happen to the next person.”
“Much of my research is centered around the implementation gap.
“They don’t reflect the reality on the ground, so people with disabilities are left with a conundrum on how to realise their rights.”
“This is not a criminal case so the police cannot be called and there is no disability rights hotline.
“The only way out is to sue, and that’s an incredibly burdensome thing.”
“That’s why full implementation will never happen if the only means of enforcement is for people with disabilities to sue.”
Image caption: The ceremony took place at the Mansion House
She added: “This lack of access is a huge loss to society.”
“I think we would really benefit from an easier way to lodge a complaint, such as an ombudsman or leadership from the current administration to make disability rights a reality.”
“It’s nice to receive an apology. Admissions of wrongdoing are rare. But I can’t imagine it won’t happen again.”
A CLC spokesman said: “The City of London Corporation is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and is carrying out an urgent review to ensure accessibility in our buildings, facilities and events.”
“Once again, we offer our sincere apologies to Anna Landre and are committed to ensuring this never happens again.”