Businesses must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ so disabled people can access their services. This is a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010.
Making your business accessible is good for you as well as for your customers.
Disabled people and their families had a combined spending power of about £446 billion in 2023/24. (Source: What support can firms give disabled consumers? [Money Advice Trust, PDF].) This is sometimes called the ‘purple pound’.
Consider your disabled customers’ needs. Review anything that might make it difficult for them to access your services.
Reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments do not always need to be expensive or complicated. Small changes can make a big difference.
Examples of adjustments made by local businesses include:
- installing a ramp to help negotiate a stepped entrance
- installing a doorbell at wheelchair height
- installing a hearing loop for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing
- ensuring that aisles are wide enough for a person in a wheelchair to move around
- providing information in accessible formats
- ensuring staff know how to assist disabled customers
Further information and support
To find out more, read the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s guidance about reasonable adjustments.
The Equality Advisory and Support Service provides free advice about equality and discrimination.
Ask a qualified access consultant for advice about making your business premises accessible.
