VETERAN newsman and star of Strictly Come Dancing, John Sergeant, has presented awards to three businesses who have improved access for the disabled.
The first and second winners, The Directors Cut and John Martin estate agents, were the first to apply to and actually buy a ramp from the Local Shops Access Fund, which pays for half the cost of small adaptations.
The third award went to to Mirage opticians, who got their ramp before the fund existed. John Sergeant said in his opening remarks that he thought it was "quite shocking in the 21st century that people simply cannot get into the shops."
Councillor Mark Reen, who worked closely with the Ealing Centre for Independent Living (ECIL), as former Cabinet portfolio holder for adult services, said: “This fund will help small businesses comply with their legal obligations regarding access for disabled people, and I am pleased to support ECIL in their quest for full inclusion in the community.”
This is the fourth time ECIL has held The Disability Means Business Awards, which were presented at a living ceremony with Caribbean dancers in Pitshanger Lane, Ealing on Saturday. (5) The Local Shops Access Fund was developed by ECIL with Ealing Council last year. It pays for half the cost of small adaptations such as ramps, hearing loops and improvements to lighting.
Sian Vasey, ECIL director, said: ”We are hoping that shops all over the borough will apply to the fund. It is in their interests to do so as disabled people have money to spend and local shops can be invaluable to people who are less mobile such as disabled people. It is important that they are equally welcoming to all.”
