Three out of four firms lack disabled access

Many practitioners will have to alter their premises, such as re-site upstairs testing rooms at ground level, or fit a lift, before the next stage of the Act, which comes into force in 2004. From that date all providers of goods and services must also provide 'reasonable access' including ramps and automatic doors. Scope, the national disability charity whose focus is people with celebral palsy, found that in a survey of 500 businesses, 74 per cent posed one or more entry problems for disabled people. Steps were the most common barriers followed by buildings without lifts, automatic doors, ramps and inaccessible toilets. In addition, 36 per cent of businesses did not have level access. Brian Lamb, Scope's head of public affairs, said: 'Surely it makes sound business sense to ensure that services are available to disabled customers. 'There are 8.6 million disabled people in Britain representing a business market of millions of pounds.' The report, called Left Out, recommends: - Businesses to establish a disabled people's access panel to advise on services - Small businesses to consult with disabled customers on access requirements - Businesses to promote good practice within their sector - Businesses to publicise access arrangements for disabled people - Designers to adopt an inclusive approach to design and consult disabled people. hats off to the mad hatters Staff at Turners Optometrists in Bridgwater, Somerset wore 'silly hats' to raise money for the Marie Curie Cancer Care 'Mad Hatters Day' last month. All 14 members of staff got involved, and one patient even turned up in a western outfit. Practice owner, optometrist Richard Llewellyn said: 'Everyone felt quite close to the idea through personal involvement. They're all mad anyway!' The practice raised &\#163;152 from patient donations. (Photograph courtesy of The Bridgwater Mercury)