North East and Cumbria: Disabled enabled?

Gerry Jackson Politics Show, North East and Cumbria

Your comments on the Bush visit to Sedgefield

Are you disabled enabled? and how an eight year old law could be about to catch up with your business.

More issues than wheelchair access

If you run a business, even a very small one, you have less than a year to make changes to cater for customers who might have disabilities.

The Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 will come into full effect in October 2004.

And if you've escaped or neglected your responsibilities so far, the warnings are coming thick and fast.

So far, companies with fewer than fifteen employees have been exempt from the Act, which requires reasonable adjustments to buildings that offer goods or services to the public.

Next year that exemption runs out, and offenders could face fines of up to £50,000.

There is more. That does not mean just putting in the odd ramp for a wheelchair user.

Depending on the size of your business, and what it offers, and the layout of your premises, it might be a reasonable adjustment to install a hearing induction loop, large letter signs, or to train your staff in disability awareness issues.

It might even be sufficient to provide a pen and notepad on your shop counter.

So what is reasonable?

Good question. If you are the boss of a small business, the short answer is it is up to you.

There is no handbook of regulations that will cover every butcher, baker and candlestick maker.

You are expected to seek advice; ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse.

See you in court

And here, after eight years, is where the legislation is most controversial.

The Federation of Small Businesses says it isn't fair to leave hundreds of thousands of people wondering whether they're breaking the law.

In effect, the employer might only find out where they stand when they're taken to court.

The Disability Rights Commission says there is no real alternative.

But common sense should be the best guide ... it would not, for example, be reasonable to expect all the shops only accessible by a flight of stairs to install a lift via the shop downstairs!

Don't miss out

Maria Eagle: "One year to go"

In the meantime, the Commission, and the Disability Minister, Maria Eagle, are urging us to wise up.

People with disabilities have £50bn a year spending power; 70% of them say they routinely find it difficult to access basic services.

If you have a small business, the argument that I don't have any disabled customers won't wash.

Besides, says the Commission, how do you know whether you're not getting those customers because your premises are behind the times?

Are the forthcoming disability regulations reasonable?

Or will they create unnecessary confusion?

Have your say

So what do you think? Watch the programme and give us your view.

Send in your comments on the form below.

Join Mary Askew and Tony Baker on the Politics Show this Sunday, November 16, at midday on BBC1.

The Politics Show

See more on the story with Mary Askew and Tony Baker, on the Politics Show, on Sunday 16 November at midday on BBC1.

Your views on recycling from last weeks programme!

---