Plea to business – help us to spend with you

The issue is highlighted today on Purple Tuesday, which focuses on improving the customer service experience of people with disabilities by making changes to digital and physical accessibility.

Campaigners say that a lack of awareness of the power of the purple pound, the spending power of people with disabilities which accounts for some £274bn in the UK and £274m. in Guernsey, is being lost to the economy due to accessibility issues.

Physical barriers such as steps, steep slopes and heavy doors can prevent people with mobility issues from accessing a building, and digital barriers can include anything from unclear fonts to videos without captions.

‘We want people to be willing to engage and listen to the diversity of disability. That’s all we ask for – to take small steps to ensure that as many people as possible can go out and socialise and take part in leisure activities,’ said Guernsey Disability Alliance partnership director Karen Blanchford.

Disability ambassador Michael Ellis, who is visually impaired and has autism, said that small changes can go a long way.

‘There are businesses I definitely wouldn’t use, especially if they have websites I can’t figure my way around. If there’s an alternative then I will go elsewhere,’ he said.

‘People see the white stick and may know what its for, but autism is invisible. It’s noticeable when people are aware and do understand.

‘My barber moved premises by a few hundred yards and they contacted me before my appointment to say they could meet me at the old place first and then walk from there. It took all of two minutes and made it so much easier and if I am ever struggling to communicate they will try to make it easier.’

Before visiting a restaurant, Mr Ellis will use an app on his phone that will read the menu to him.

‘I find decision-making on the spot difficult so I make my choices before.’

There are 13,500 people affected by disability in Guernsey and 4,000 unpaid carers.

Fewer than 10% of organisations in the island have a targeted plan to access the disability market.

Dave Rowlinson was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis 10 years ago, a rare condition that causes muscle weakness and damage.

Although he is still able to walk short distances, he uses a mobility scooter for many of his daily tasks.

‘The biggest barrier is a step, something as simple as having a handle can make a massive difference. Toilets can be an issue, too. My disability is of that specific nature that I need something a bit higher. If you’re travelling or out all day that’s a potential problem. A lot of the restaurants in town have upstairs toilets.’

He added that he will avoid buildings with steep slopes and heavy doors.

‘It can be really difficult for a lot of people.’