PDF Shopability

Aims of the Shopability Award Scheme

The award recognises that retailers and business owners have a commitment to the Shopability Scheme and an awareness of the access requirements of disabled people.

Following the successful completion of Phases 1 and 2 the award of a Shopability certificate applying higher standards will indicate to consumers that the premises are accessible.

It is hoped that the receipt of a Shopability Certificate will encourage other retailers and business owners to take part in the Scheme. This should result in the accessibility of more premises being improved for disabled people and will raise awareness of disability issues.

Shopability Certificate

The Shopability Certificate indicates that the premises meet the accessibility critera at a given point in time.

If there is a change in use or facilities at the premises the managment can contact the Shopability Coordinator for a futher audit to be carried out.

Regular reviews of shops and other business premises are carried out. To date over one hundred premises have made improvements to access and facilties.

Out of 1200 shops audited, over 900 shops, restaurants and public houses have received a Shopability Certificate since the Scheme started in 1999.

How the Scheme works

Trained audit consultants visit the shop and business premises with  a standard audit form.

For a Certificate to be awarded, the premises must meet the criteria for accessiblity which is stricter than those applied in previous phases. If met, a Certificate is awarded to the manager with a covering letter and display sticker. The letter may identify some action points which would further improve the accessibility of the premises.

Since the completion of Phases 1 and 2, Shopability now provides an advisory and training service during office hours on the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Main Assessment Criteria

Shops, banks, restaurants, public houses, businesses etc where entry to the premises is required.

Shops banks, restaurants, public houses, businesses etc that provide a convenient, comfortable and safe passage throughout the premises.

Managers and staff who are motivated and ideally trained to identify the needs and to provide assistance to all of their customers.