Disability Shopping Charter
A new Disability Shoppers' Charter to recognise the importance and needs of customers with disabilities has now been launched in Coventry.
The Disability Equality Action Partnership (DEAP) (which is made up of the Council, disability organisations, universities, schools and colleges and individuals with disability) has teamed up with the Business Improvement District (BID) to improve access and shopping experience in the city centre for those with disability.
The Charter outlines commitments including: recognising the ‘purple pound’ as a valuable source of income to the shops; introducing personal shoppers and staff training where possible; accessible toilets in stores with automatic pushbuttons, sliding doors and sign posting; and disability logo stickers at the entrance of shops to offer a welcoming experience.
The aim is not only to improve awareness among retailers of the difficulties faced by disabled shoppers, but to also build a commitment to put in measures that are both practical and possible to improve access and inclusion at our city centre shops. While it is not a compulsory measure for all businesses to comply with the charter, many recognise that their actions are advantageous to their business in attracting more disabled customers.
Chair of the Disability Equality Action Partnership (DEAP) and Disability Shopping Charter lead, Cllr Christine Thomas said: “This builds on making our city a disability friendly place and goes towards forming part of the legacy for the Year of Wellbeing and City of Culture 2021”.
“Looking forward to 2021 it is important that businesses understand the value of the ‘purple pound’, and equally important that disabled persons feel included in the planning of our city.”
The Disability Shopping Charter came about in response to feedback gathered from a variety of groups, organisations and individuals with disabilities, stating more needed to be done to ensure the freedom and inclusion of all persons with disability across the city.
Director of Public Health and Wellbeing at Coventry City Council, Liz Gaulton said: “The new Disability Shoppers Charter marks an important commitment by Coventry, to making community shopping accessible for all.
“Small changes matter and can have an enriching impact on the life of a disabled person, both from an accessibility point of view and in terms of their mental wellbeing”.
Director of the Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), Trish Willets said: “This is about showing that we are a city that cares, but this is only the first stage (Phase 1) in making our city centre more disability friendly.
“We will then look to review and gather feedback from the community to future proof this charter ready for 2021, so that Coventry will be at the top of the list of cities for disabled persons go shopping in and feel welcome.”
As time goes on, pop back to Let's Talk Coventry where in a while we will be asking questions about how the charter is making a difference to shopping in Coventry.
