What can I do?
- Read our better business checklist
- Get some tips about dealing with disabled customers
- Get more information
You can also read our case studies to see what other people have done.
Better business checklist
These are the sort of things you might consider when planning your reasonable adjustments.
The checklists are not a full checklist for your business. They are only a general guide and not a full and authoritative statement of the law.
Accessing your information
| Signs and labels | Action? |
|---|---|
| Are signs and labels short and easy to read?
Read signs and labels tip
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| Printed materials | Action? |
| Do you have different versions of customer information? For example: leaflets, brochures, menus Read printed materials tip You could provide your information in easy-to-read, audio or Braille formats.
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| Contacting you | Action? |
| Can people contact your business in different ways? For example: by phone, email or fax Read contact tip Some telephone companies enable hearing impaired people to phone you by linking the person to an operator who relays the conversation.
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| Website | Action? |
| Is your website accessible? Read website tip For example: resizable text, descriptions for images, clear and logical layout. |
Accessing your premises
| Level access | Action? |
|---|---|
Is there level access into and inside your premises? This means no steps, steep slopes or lips on doorways. |
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| Ramp or lift | Action? |
| If there are steps, can you fit a ramp or install a lift so disabled people can get in?
Read ramps tip To be safe ramps must:
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| Bell or buzzer | Action? |
Can you install a bell or buzzer outside and go out to disabled customers when they ring? |
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| Alarm | Action? |
Do you have a visual as well as audible alarm? |
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| Door handles | Action? |
| Are door handles easy to grip and easy to reach for wheelchair users?
Read handles tip
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| Doormats | Action? |
| Are any doormats flush with the floor?
Read mats tip Avoid bristle matting – it can be difficult for wheelchair users
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| Colour contrast | Action? |
| Is there a colour contrast between your floors, walls, ceilings and doors?
Read colours tip Use matt paint in contrasting colours or different tones.
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| Corridors and aisles | Action? |
Are corridors and aisles clear enough for a wheelchair to pass through? |
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| Seating | Action? |
| Is there somewhere to sit down if customers have to queue or wait?
Read seating tip
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| Height | Action? |
| Are all key facilities on the main floor? Are popular products on a mid-height shelf?
Read height tip Provide a lap tray or clipboard if a lower counter section is not available. |
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| Lighting | Action? |
| Is it easy for visually impaired people to see everything they need to? Read lighting tip
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| Recording access needs | Action? |
Do you keep a record of all the access needs of regular disabled customers, so you can automatically provide the right support every time? |
Customer service
| Your advertising | Action? |
|---|---|
Do you mention your accessibility and say that you welcome disabled customers? |
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| Delivery | Action? |
Can you provide a personal shopping, home delivery or home visit service? |
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| Staff training | Action? |
| Do your staff know how to assist disabled people in an emergency? | |
| If you normally ban animals, you should consider relaxing this for assistance dogs. Remember it is not just visually impaired people who use assistance dogs. | |
| Are staff trained to give assistance if people ask?
Read training tip Help could include:
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| Customer feedback | Action? |
| Do you get feedback from your customers? |
Employing disabled people
| Flexibility | Action? |
|---|---|
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Have you thought flexibly about working hours or ways to do the job? Read flexibility tip It might help employees if they could:
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| Application forms | Action? |
Could you offer job application forms in different formats, like large print or audio tape? |
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| Interviews | Action? |
Do you hold interviews in accessible buildings? |