The Disability Discrimination Act is now firmly in place and whether or not you are a small, medium or large business unless you have made “reasonable adjustments” to your premises you may be for the high jump! And that could be a fine of as much as £50,000.

If you are a retailer making your premises more easily accessible to the disabled does not mean spending vast sums of money. Take an objective look at your sales/showroom area and decide what aspects could cause access problems. A well planned, logical layout is important.

The range of improvements you may need to make can be straightforward and relatively easy to implement. For example, a suitably positioned handrail and clear signs will make all the difference

Ensure that there is at least one route into your premises that can always be accessed by a person in a wheelchair. Provide reasonable ramps wherever steps present an obstacle. And make sure access ways are free from clutter and obstacles and that a wheelchair can pass comfortably between them.

All service literature and instructions must be easily accessible. Also bear in mind that “disability” is not only physical, it also includes blind people and customers who are deaf or have a speech impediment or may be suffer from a mental problem. So it is as well to have staff who are understanding and know how to cope with all eventualities.

Andrew Leech, 01753 884216