| In the UK as a whole, wheelchair users represent | | | | Non disabled staff might see it as favouritism or even |
| roughly only 4% of all disabled people. However | | | | political correctness 'gone mad'. |
| because of their lack of mobility they are probably one | | | | These are sensitive areas and managers should |
| of the most challenged groups when it comes to | | | | consult thoroughly will all parties before making |
| accessibility issues in the workplace. | | | | decisions. The last thing you want is to cause friction |
| For this reason its important for those employers that | | | | between different members of staff. |
| can to introduce measures in their general working | | | | Below is a list of practical points that employers should |
| environment that can assist wheelchair users. There | | | | address: |
| are three reasons for this firstly on a practical level it | | | | Ensuring the emergency exits comply with health |
| will help their disabled employees with access and | | | | & safety legislation as regards facilitating wheelchairs. |
| mobility around their workplace and therefore improve | | | | Well firstly they should always consult with all |
| their productivity and performance. Secondly it will | | | | members of staff before they make any major |
| make disabled workers feel more valued by the | | | | alterations to building or facilities. This way everyone |
| company and therefore they will be more loyal. Thirdly | | | | will be on board and there will be no problems later on. |
| by following correct safety guidelines you will be | | | | Stair lifts with a wheelchair platform to assist |
| ensuring that you fulfill your obligations under the | | | | getting up steps. |
| Disability Discrimination Act and other related legislation. | | | | Ramps can be installed on the outside of building to |
| Employers advertising disability jobs must adhere to | | | | assist in gaining access. |
| current legislation which encourages them to make | | | | Special toilet facilities that allow wheelchair access. |
| 'reasonable adjustments' to remove barriers and | | | | Low level reception counters can be more user |
| accommodate wheelchair mobility. However | | | | friendly and practical. |
| workplace policies to help wheelchair users cannot | | | | Height adjustable office desks can be very useful |
| always be practically implemented for various reasons | | | | to someone in a wheelchair. |
| including disruption to other non disabled workers. | | | | Installing facilities for wheelchair users can mean |
| A good example of this is the kitchen scenario, lets | | | | expenditure and disruption to a organisation. As with |
| say senior managers decide to install a low sink for | | | | most things in the real world implementation of positive |
| wheelchair users. This might be fine for the wheelchair | | | | practises usually comes down to money. Past |
| users but no so useful for a member of staff who has | | | | experience has shown that it is mostly large private |
| a bad back and cannot bend down. In the above | | | | and public sector organisations with deep pockets that |
| scenario if the low sink is installed then it may upset | | | | are more able to afford and absorb these extra costs, |
| and cause friction with certain workforce colleagues. | | | | no matter how beneficial they are to their staff. |