Access and facilities for disabled people

Introduction

There are almost ten million disabled adults in the UK, of which:

• 2.75 million have a significant hearing impairment
• two million have a significant visual impairment
• some have more than one disability

You must not discriminate against disabled people who use your goods or services or disabled people whom you employ, or who apply to you for employment.

Since 1 October 2004, all businesses that provide goods and services to the public have been legally required to take reasonable steps to tackle any physical features of their premises that act as a barrier to service for disabled people. This is in addition to other duties not to discriminate that already apply.

This guide covers ways of making your premises accessible to disabled people.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• When a person is considered disabled
• Change practices to give disabled people equal access
• Provide extra aids or services so disabled people can access your goods or services
• Overcome physical barriers to access
• Improve access to and use of your facilities for disabled employees
• What to consider before making an adjustment for disabled employees
• Make significant changes to your premises
• Make significant changes to premises you rent
• Here's how ensuring accessibility for staff and customers has helped our business