Getting a ramp will allow people to get in if they can get your attention, but often that is difficult. Lots of wheelchair users upon seeing a shop with a step or high threshold won't even bother to try to get in because they are used to lots of businesses being inaccessible and hearing the … Continue reading I’ve got a ramp, why do I need a bell and sign?
Q&A
The Mill Road debacle
There have been a number of press reports of legal action against traders on Mill Road. You can find them here, here, here, here, here and here. Ms Leighton posted correspondence with the traders association that started over a month before she began making formal complaints to traders themselves. It read: Date: Thursday, 7 July 2016 Subject: … Continue reading The Mill Road debacle
Can’t you just shop in places that are already accessible?
No. It is that kind of thinking that led to segregation and apartheid. Disabled people have the right to be treated as closely as reasonably possible to non disabled customers. This means, at a minimum, they should be able to get into shops, get around the shop, ask questions of the shop keeper and pay … Continue reading Can’t you just shop in places that are already accessible?
My shop is rented, can’t you sue the landlord?
No. The requirement to make adjustments falls on the person offering the service, effectively the business owner. You can find more information about this in the equality act itself or in the Equality and Human Rights Commission code of practice for service providers.
My step is too small to need a ramp.
If it is under 0.5cm then it could be too small to need a ramp, but anything over that needs either a slanted edge or a ramp to be considered level access. The equality act doesn't specify when you might need a ramp, but it does say that disabled people should be able to access shops, businesses and public functions on an equal basis with non disabled people.
I’ve never been asked for a ramp before
That's because people who can't use your shops are just shopping elsewhere - mostly in the high street chains in the other part of town.
Some wheelchair users can get in without a ramp
Unfortunately that doesn't mean all wheelchair users can. There are often big differences between people that use manual wheelchairs and those that use powered wheelchairs. There are also differences between people that use different kinds of powered wheelchairs.
Can’t I help someone up a step?
Not without their consent - and if you do you risk injury to yourself, them and anyone else helping. Wheelchairs understandably vary in weight, but including the person in them can come in at over 200kg. That isn't a safe weight to lift.
Towards Access 