In a word, no. The equality act can only be enforced by individuals taking cases, be they on the basis of sex, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, age or disability. There is no government body that goes around to check these things, though planning permission for new buildings often … Continue reading Isn’t it the governments job to make sure businesses comply with the equality act?
I’m not discriminating, I’m treating everyone the same!
The law says that if you don't make reasonable adjustments for disabled people then you are discriminating against them. You can find more information about this at Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010, on the Equality and Human Rights Commission Website, and in the post on where to find the law. Even when thinking … Continue reading I’m not discriminating, I’m treating everyone the same!
How do I find the law on access for disabled people?
You can find the equality act here. The part that deals with 'reasonable adjustments' is section 20, and you can find it here. In addition to the legislation there is a statutory code of practice The Equality and Human Rights Commission has helpfully provided guidance on what the law means for service providers that is … Continue reading How do I find the law on access for disabled people?
Can’t I just serve wheelchair users on the street?
This is unlikely to be considered reasonable if the alternative is to get a ramp and bell that would cost as little as £30 pounds and certainly under £100. The equality and human rights commission code tells service providers that they must provide a service for disabled customers that is as close as reasonably possible … Continue reading Can’t I just serve wheelchair users on the street?
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 