Small businesses and high street shops warned not to alienate disabled customers

"Owners of small businesses and high street shops are at risk of alienating disabled customers because they are failing to upgrade essential information, leading charities have warned. SMEs are being urged to ensure their online accessibility guides are up to date so they do not neglect custom from the purple pound - the term given to the collective spending power of disabled households."

"Disabled households have a combined estimated contribution to the economy of more than 440bn per year, yet some are put off from visiting businesses or making shopping trips because they do not know if they will be able to access it."

"Guidance organisation AccessAble is encouraging businesses to create and update their own guides to include information about step-free access, as well as communication support, domestic abuse safe spaces and more."

The Independent focuses on critical issues like reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, advocating for accessible journalism without paywalls. It highlights the economic impact of disabled households, urging small businesses to update online accessibility guides. This ensures that disabled customers can plan visits and access services, which is vital for their participation in the economy. With the combined spending power of disabled households exceeding 440 billion annually, businesses are encouraged to enhance accessibility to avoid alienating this demographic.

Read at www.independent.co.uk