|
21 May 2006 - DDA Campaign Aims to Wise up
Shropshire Businesses
Navigation
An "Adjusting for Better Business" Campaign has been launched in
Shropshire, aiming at helping local businesses understand their responsibilities
under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Figures show that In the West Midlands, there are 993,458 people
with a limiting long-term illness, which is 18.9% of the regional population.
This compares with 18.2% for the whole of the UK.
Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, calling for
local businesses to "follow the example of other successful businesses in the
area" by "wising up" on accessibility said:
"Many businesses in Shropshire have already woken up to the
economic and ethical arguments in making themselves accessible to disabled
staff, customers, their families and friends. More businesses need to wise up to
this.
"This campaign gives clear and practical guidance on the
range of disabilities and how easy and low cost it can be to make simple
adjustments to meet people's different needs. For example, a chair beside the
checkout can be as much a relief for a tired shopper with children as it can be
for someone with a mobility condition, arthritis or MS."
One example of just how beneficial a few simple changes can not
only benefit people with physical or mental impairments, but can also reap financial benefits to
businesses, can be seen by the action taken at the Dearnford Trout Fishery in
Whitchurch.
Jane Bebbington from Dearnford Trout Fishery said:
"It was important to us to make the business accessible to
everyone, because fishing is one of the few sports that is inclusive as it
allows disabled people to compete on the same terms as non-disabled people. It
is an activity that enables disabled and non-disabled people to really share
happy times together and to do so on an equal basis.
"It has been wonderful to be able to offer a totally new experience to some of
our disabled customers who haven't been able to get out on the water before and
take part in a sport like fishing. And it gives all our customers fresh air,
light exercise, competition and the chance to be out in nature."
The local media are highlighting the message to businesses, in
order to remind them of their duties to employees, potential employees, or
customers under the DDA.
Further information on the Disability Discrimination Act, plus
lots more information for the disabled, can be accessed from the Disability
Rights Commission Website by clicking the following:
The Disability Rights Commission
The Department for Work and Pensions Website also provides
information on the DDA which can be accessed by clicking the following:
DWP - The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and you
Article by Alexandra Johnston
 Click Here to
Email This Article To a Friend
|
