A disabilities campaigner has been appointed the Island's Accessibility Officer to ensure access for all.

Keith Simmons, a quadriplegic, will be responsible for making sure buildings comply with disability legislation and as a Government policy advisor.

His appointment was announced by the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation.

A wheelchair user from Devonshire, Mr. Simmons will be based within the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged but will also advise other Government departments on policies for the disabled.

A Government spokesman said: "Mr. Simmons will interact closely with the Building Control section of the Department of Planning, in particular at application plans' examination stage, and inspections and assessments of properties and facilities, in order to ensure compliance with the current legislation, codes, and regulations that relate to accessibility and the Government's National Policy on Disability.

"One of Mr. Simmons' main goals is to raise awareness at all levels of the need for accessibility in building and development generally throughout the community, and to encourage construction design professionals in particular to produce an accessible environment for all.

"In his position he will seek to facilitate dialogue and interaction with agents submitting plans for building permit approvals, and will advise architects/engineers at the initial stages of design to integrate accessibility requirements within commercial and residential design."

He will also serve as a technical officer to the National Accessibility Advisory Council and assist in education materials on disability issues.

A recipient of The Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour for Community Service, Mr. Simmons was a former consultant within Building Control and has several construction-related qualifications. He is currently studying for International Code Council Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner Certification.

Claudette Fleming, executive director of Age Concern, said yesterday: "This appointment of Accessibility Officer has been a long time coming. Keith is very passionate about these issues, and, being a wheelchair user himself, knows all about the challenges that are faced by people."

Mrs. Fleming said: "The City of Hamilton in particular seems to be getting less and less accessible these days due to all the construction going on, not just for wheelchair users but also people who need level surfaces, such as those with walking canes.

"We even got a complaint the other day from a mother with a baby carriage, saying she couldn't get around.

"It's ok to say that when the buildings are finished they will be accessible, but right now with all the building, some of the sidewalks are inaccessible, particularly if you're in a wheelchair.

"I would like to challenge the Mayor of Hamilton to spend a day trying to get around Hamilton in a wheelchair, to see just how hard it is."

She added: "But this appointment of Accessibility Officer is certainly a positive step."

Willard Fox, chairman of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association, said: "There's a lot of buildings you can't get into at the moment, particularly with wheelchairs, so this Association supports an Accessibility Officer.

"We've been calling for greater access for wheelchair users for years, so we are very pleased with that."

The National Policy on Disability received cross-party support when it was tabled in the House of Assembly in 2007. It forms the basis for legislation on accessibility and other issues.

At the time, former Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs Wayne Perinchief said the National Policy aimed "to ensure that disabled persons have every opportunity to reach their individual potential and to see the removal of barriers that prevent their full participation in Bermudian society."

He added: "Existing planning legislation is violated when inaccessible buildings exist and inaccessible renovations and new construction continue to occur across Bermuda.

"As a result, people with disabilities have to change healthcare providers, transportation routes to work, and have limited access to buildings in general and recreational and sporting events."

According to the 2000 Census, disability affects 3,000 residents on the Island five percent of the population.