High Street Failing Disabled, Report Says

One in five high street stores has no disabled access, according to a government-backed audit of more than 30,000 businesses.

A study by DisabledGo also showed a third of department stores did not have an accessible toilet and only 15% of retailers had hearing loops for the partially deaf.

Researchers visited and assessed 27,000 high street shops and 3,716 restaurants in an audit backed by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Among other findings were that two in five food outlets had no accessible toilet, only 23% had menus in large print for the visually impaired and only 9% hearing loops.

Just 57 eateries, 14% of the total, listed information on accessibility on their website.

Lack of training for staff to help cater for disabled people was another shortcoming.

DisabledGo did not name any of the retail or restaurant chains visited.

Chairman Barry Stevenson said: "We are pleased that many retailers have invested significantly in improved accessibility in the last 10 years, but the majority are still not doing enough.

"It's entirely unacceptable for disabled people, their family, friends and carers not to be able to access all high street shops and facilities.

"Disabled people are not asking the earth - just that management do what's reasonable and think more about how they can help disabled customers better."

He added: "It doesn't need to cost a fortune to do the right thing - and it could be the deciding factor for disabled customers between you and a competitor."

The study estimated disabled people could spend up to £200bn this Christmas.

Minister for disabled people Mark Harper said: "Everyone deserves to be able to go Christmas shopping or enjoy a festive meal or drink with their friends or colleagues. Disabled people are no exception.

"I'm calling on the retail and hospitality industry to look at what more they can do to better cater for disabled people."

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