Shopping Challenge

The Shopping Challenge 

How commonplace is it that disabled people are having problems in supermarkets and convenience stores?

Despite the introduction of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act in 2004, there is still a general lack of awareness about the need for smaller shops to provide reasonable access for disabled people.  Unfortunately many companies, particularly small businesses, are burying their heads in the sand, afraid of the substantial costs they believe are involved in meeting the legislation.

However, the majority of larger organisations, certainly major supermarkets are doing all they can by providing facilities and staff training to ensure they meet the needs of disabled people.  Unfortunately, with the number of staff employed at such stores, there will be occasions where people make mistakes.  The feedback facility on www.directenquiries.com allows these companies to continually monitor these lapses in staff service and provide better training and facilities to eradicate the problems.

Firstly, it is something they have to do by law, so they must immediately start looking into ways to improve their service.  The easiest place to start is the Free Access Assessment designed by RADAR and Direct Enquiries.  Available on our website (www.directenquiries.com), the assessment can save companies money and provides a quick method of finding out how compliant they currently are.  It is also imperative that the stores communicate the facilities they are unable to provide (Section 4.26 of the DDA Code of practice).  Registration also gives access to an Action Plan, which helps them to understand better how they can provide good service, through both physical alterations and staff training.

Disabled people in this situation should communicate with the Disability Rights Commission, who will advise them and act on their behalf in the case of a legal claim. - 08457 622 633