How disabled-friendly is your company?

Wednesday February 8, 2017

Sadly, people continue to shock us with their amazing selfishness and lack of decency. This was demonstrated clearly in a Supreme Court ruling.

Mr Paulley, a wheelchair user, was denied access on a bus because a mother had used the space for her pushchair, and refused to give it up. Many headlines have named the bus company and Mr Paulley, but no-one has named and shamed the mother.

Most pushchairs can fold away and children can sit on a mother’s lap. The wheelchair user, on the other hand, cannot get on the bus and has to wait for the next one. And if you live in a country area, you will know how long that can be.

The Supreme Court has stated that the driver of a bus has to do more than merely politely request a person to move. They should be very firm and state the person is required to move seats, even stopping the bus for a time to emphasise the request.

There are more than 6 million disabled people of working age in this country, and the Equality Act gives them the right to be able to access goods and services. Our question is ‘How disabled-friendly is your company?’.

Dementia is a disability. Training staff to be patient with such customers and help them sort out payments makes life better for them and for those watching. Marks and Spencer is excellent here.

Do you have a hearing loop for deaf and hard of hearing visitors?

Are steps clearly marked and is your lighting good for those with sight problems?

Does your website meet disabled standards?

Nineteen percent of the population is a huge customer number that will be loyal to your business if you make their lives that much easier. Being a disabled-friendly business pays dividends.

For any advice and guidance on making your workplace disabled-friendly just get in touch with The HR Dept

Preventing People Problems

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