Congleton Town Council has awarded its first Disability Welcome Awards to three organisations who have ensured their premises and services are accessible.
The purpose of the scheme is to encourage businesses to make the adjustments needed to help disabled people to shop and visit local pubs and cafés. Managers complete a checklist to ensure people with different needs and characteristics can fully access the business and its products or services.
Congleton Information Centre, Crown Bank Dental and Congleton Veterinary Centre were all awarded Disability Welcome ‘Silver’ awards, and the Town Mayor Cllr Kay Wesley, her Consort Mike Wesley and Chair of the Council’s Equal Access Advisory Group, Dr Deborah Lawson, visited each to present the awards.
Cllr Wesley said: “Congratulations to these three organisations who are doing a fantastic job in driving inclusion. As well as the physical characteristics, it was clear that the staff working in these establishments had a really good understanding of the issues and provide excellent customer service.
“All the businesses we have discussed this with have been enthusiastic about the scheme, and of the 11 checklists we have had returned so far, it is great that these three met the standard straight away. However, many of the others are close and may need to make just one or two adjustments, so we will follow up with them.
“We plan to publish a Disability Guide to Congleton, and any organisation that joins the Disability Welcome Scheme will be featured in it, which is a great incentive. Just as importantly, around 32% of households include someone with a disability. That’s a substantial customer base, and businesses that are inclusive are far more likely to attract and retain those customers.”
Dr Lawson added her congratulations, saying: “The Social Model of Disability explains that people are not disabled by their impairments, but by the barriers in society that prevent them from participating like everyone else. These organisations have taken meaningful steps to remove those barriers and create genuinely welcoming spaces. I warmly congratulate them; their awards reflect a real commitment to inclusion.
“A heavy door or small step might seem minor, but for a wheelchair user, it can be the difference between being included or excluded. Where an automatic door isn’t possible, something as simple as a doorbell at wheelchair height can make all the difference – it alerts staff that someone needs assistance, whether that’s opening the door or putting out a portable ramp. Likewise, a large print price list or a fold-up chair for someone who needs to rest are simple adjustments that help more people feel welcome.
“We have some fantastic businesses here in Congleton, and it’s been really encouraging to see how positive they are about joining the scheme.”
Any business with a shop front is invited to complete the checklist and apply for ‘Disability Welcome’ status. If businesses can tick off enough items on the list, they will be awarded a ‘Disability Welcome’ window sticker and certificate, and be included in the Disability Guide to Congleton.
The list is being distributed as a leaflet, is available at the Information Centre in the Town Hall and can be downloaded from the Town Council’s website: (www.bit.ly/disabilitywelcome).
