DNH NEWSLETTERS 2014 | Page 7

High streets are losing out on disabled shoppers Trailblazers, an organisation of people with muscular dystrophy, recently published their Short-changed report which reveals the findings of their investigation into access to the High street. The report found that: 75 percent felt forced or limited to shop online owing to a lack of physical access in and around their town centre Two thirds said that access always or regularly affects where they can go. Nearly half say that staff attitude discourages them from revisiting local shops 85 percent see disabled toilets, changing rooms or lifts being misused as storage space 70 percent believe there is inadequate access information on websites If you would like any further information on the Trailblazers, please get in touch with them. Tanvi Vyas, Trailblazers Project Manager Muscular Dystrophy Campaign 61a Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BU Tel: 020 7803 4846 Fax: 020 7401 3495 Email: [email protected] Website http://www.mdctrailblazers.org/ Businesses need to realise that good access means new and repeat customers. Our Christmas lunch at the Honeycombe was planned as a result of recommendations from members. How accessible is your high street? How understanding and welcoming are shop staff? Where are “accessible” toilets unusable? Which company's premises do you usually find are accessible? Where do you find information on access? Come to our coffee mornings to share your experiences and advice. 7