THE sky’s the limit; off limits; speed limits; parking limits.

Our life is ruled by these limits and many more that I am sure you could mention. But could we live without them?

Probably some but not all, I guess. However, disabled people have many limits imposed on them and quite often they are not necessary but nevertheless very restrictive, narrowing their lives and choices.

Take, for instance, a simple thing like going to the cinema. Those without a disability can decide what film, what day, what time and, hey presto, they are off. But is it the same for disabled people? Oh no, no, no.

Hearing problems? Then you need subtitles – seems simple doesn’t it? And it certainly would be if all cinemas recognised that deaf people would like choice too.

Only some performances have subtitles and only some films too. Immediately the choice is narrowed and the choice is limited. Why? Can anyone tell me?

Yes, there has been some improvement, but if it is available on one screen for one performance, what is the difficulty in doing it on all screens at all performances?

Am I missing a point here? On the same cinema topic, wheelchair users also have an imposed limit. In Oxford they can only watch what is available on the accessible screen (marked with an asterisk in the newspaper advertisement).

Tough luck if that film does not appeal to you or your friends. The manager has decided that that film is suitable for disabled people. Does he have this right to set a limit on what they watch?

Probably the answer is yes, but I would like to know why. Don’t the cinema chains make enough money to install ramps or small lifts as has been done at The Phoenix Cinema in Walton Street. Must disabled people be limited to the choice of one cinema? Our requests to the cinemas have, so far, fallen on deaf ears.

Now let us look at audio/visual displays on buses or, in fact, on all transport.

A simple matter to install a system that informs passengers which stop they are approaching. This system was being used in Poland when I was there in 1997 and for me, as a visitor, it was invaluable.

For sight-impaired people and also foreigners, of which we have many in Oxford, it would be wonderful. Not having this system limits many blind people from making journeys alone.

Oxfordshire Unlimited continues to campaign for this to be installed on all buses. The opportunity was there when Stagecoach had a new fleet of buses a short time ago; it would have been so much cheaper to install when the bus was being built than having to install at a later date.

Do disabled people have the same choice of restaurants as everyone else? Having taken part in a survey of many restaurants in central Oxford, I can tell you with certainty that our choice is limited. Small steps limit a wheelchair user’s access. But why? Other places have provided ways of overcoming this, so why do some places refuse?

Rest assured, Oxfordshire Unlimited is on the case, so watch this space for news of improvements.

And by the way, don’t forget The Parade for Equality on September 2 at 11am at the Running Track in Iffley Road.

Meet me there. I look like my photo at the top of this column, so no missing me.