Hints and tips
When you are looking for ways to improve your service for people with disabilities, a good first step is to ask your customers themselves. Here are some ideas to get you both thinking.
Entering your shop or premises
- Make sure external signs area clear to help people with visual impairments or learning difficulties identify the shop.
- Where possible, install access for wheelchair users (in new buildings the minimum opening width is 800mm for external doors and 750mm for internal doors; in existing premises 750mm is acceptable for both).
If wheelchair access is not possible, you could:
- provide a temporary portable ramp
- position door handles at an easier height
- make doors less heavy to open
- provide a bell to alert staff when a disabled customer needs assistance to enter.
Adapting your services
If you are a goods supplier, you could help customers with mobility issues by operating a telephone mail order or local delivery scheme, or putting orders together and bringing goods to the nearest easy collection point.
Accessing goods and services
For people with visual impairments who have some use of sight, consider:
- clear signs, product labeling, pricing and menus.
- providing written information in large print versions or having staff read information aloud.
- guiding customers round the shop or bringing goods to them.
Disabled WCs
Where WCs are provided for the public (for example in cafes) consider their accessibility for disabled customers. If there is space available, modify a WC compartment to full wheelchair accessible standards.
A disability access audit is still the best way to ensure you meet your duties under the Equality Act in regards to accessibility.
To find out how Inclusion can help you, call 01892 704065 or email Contact Inclusion. For more information about improving your service or read our Guide to Accessibility.
To find out how Inclusion can help you, call 01892 704065 or email Contact Inclusion.
