The Disability Discrimination Act comes fully into force next October (2004).  If you deal with the public - as an accommodation provider, or as a shop or restaurant for example - then you are responsible for complying with this.  As long as we make 'reasonable efforts' to comply, we do not actually have to rebuild our houses!  (It appears we are some way off providing for disabled persons, as one of my wheelchair-bound guests felt the need to leave the island half way through her holiday, not as a result of our inability to supply, but with the lack of accessible restaurants, coffee shops, and toilets!)  As I understand it, the tourist board is coming up with some info later, but we need to get our act together now. 

If your establishment is not suitable for disabled persons, here a a few simple things that might help:-

(info gleaned from  www.accessibletourism.org.uk )

1. When replacing a TV, ensure that teletext and ceefax is available.

    In larger hotels, hotel information should be available on the television

2. Have a portable 'vibrating alarm' available on request for guests who may have difficulty in responding to an audible fire alarm

3. If there is a bar or restaurant that has steps to reach it, provide table service to those who cannot access it

4. Ensure there is at least one copy of the menu in large print and offer to read the menu if appropriate

5. At a reception/entrance desk there should be paper and pencil for guests with hearing difficulties

6. Have available large print guest information and registration forms.

7. Accept working or service dogs in bedrooms and public areas

8. For allergy sufferers, ensure there are pet free and non smoking bedrooms and offer to remove flowers and pot pourri if desired.
 

9 Using coloured glassware and water jugs makes it easier for visually impaired people to see what they are using

10. When reviewing signage, incorporate clear typeface, in contrasting colours.

11. When decorating, ensure that door surrounds / frames are in contrast with the wall and door, with contrasting door furniture.

12. Ensure all steps are distinguishable through contrasting brightness.

13. Where there is not a low reception desk, ensure that a low desk is made available, and that reception staff approach a wheelchair user, and don't lean over the desk

14. Avoid an 'all white' finish in bathrooms and public toilets,

i.e. supply coloured towels where there is white furniture as they are more easily located by visually impaired guests

15. Use cordless kettles when provided in bedrooms.

16. Ensure blocks are available on request for raising the height of beds.

17. Trim any overhanging plants or hedges along pathways.

18. Make sure that glass doors or other large glazed areas are identified with coloured stickers.

19. If appropriate to your reception/entrance area, display a 'hoot car horn for attention' sign.

20. Ensure all advertised facilities are available.

21. Disabled people are individuals just like everybody else. Don't make assumptions about their abilities or their needs
 

22. If a disabled person is with someone, talk to the disabled person directly, not to the person who is with them.

23. When talking to a wheelchair user, don't lean on the wheelchair it is part of the user's personal space.

24. If someone looks as it they need assistance, offer it, but wait for them to accept before you help.

25. Undertake a disability equality training course. Greater awareness and sensitivity to the needs of disabled visitors can only enhance the tourism experience for providers and guests alike.

26. As well as practical considerations, a review of in-house policies, practices and procedures should be undertaken regularly.

Although we are giving you the best advice available to us at this time, please be aware that due to the on-going development of legislation relating to the DDA, you should seek continuing advice to ensure that your services and facilities remain compliant with your statutory obligations. It is also essential that all areas of provision are reviewed and access provided to all facilities where it is reasonable to do so. Please also note that the above list is not exhaustive and that even if any or all of the above are introduced, it may not be sufficient to meet future statutory obligations.

Info taken from www.accessibletourism.org.uk