Ramping Up Access for the Disabled

How lifts can help

submitted by Sheridan Lifts

More than 20% of the U.K.’s 50 most popular attractions provide only partial access to disabled people, reveals a survey conducted by Sheridan Lifts, an independent family-owned lifts company in the U.K. These less-disability-friendly destinations can be found in popular cities such as London, Bath, York and Manchester. This, in conjunction with findings from online training company AccessChamp, which show that only one in 10 hotel rooms currently meets special needs, highlight that more has to be done to assist those with restricted mobility.

Tony Sheridan, managing director at Sheridan Lifts, said:

“The U.K.’s travel and hospitality industry needs to cater for better accessibility for people with disabilities who are currently being excluded from various tourist attractions in our hotspots. They’re left with less choice and control over how they can spend their time off and access recreational activities, and the sector is missing out as a consequence. The value of the ‘purple pound,’ as reported by VisitEngland, is over £2 billion each year in England, based on the spending of tourists who have a health condition or impairment, and their travelling companions.”

Sheridan Lifts advises that in terms of improving accessibility, access lifts within this industry are among the first requirements. These cover a host of lift types designed to cater to those with restricted mobility, including platform lifts, through-floor lifts, hoists, stairlifts and step lifts. Such features can significantly impact a visitor’s experience and satisfaction, and a place’s reputation. Monitoring how well the lifts are performing, where they’re situated and what capacity they have are also important.

Performance can be easily determined by ensuring regular maintenance visits and adhering to strict health and safety regulations. Failing to comply can, at best, attract a hefty fine and, at worst, contribute to a major accident that could cause serious harm to people.

The Equality Act 2010, which replaced the former Disability Discrimination Act and exists broadly to provide guidance on inequality across different areas of society, states that undertaking a lift refurbishment or performing lift upgrades might be required to comply with current legislation.

Ensuring that lifts are accessible to all is a must for those offering services to the public and this often means making tweaks to the existing lifts and conducting physical adjustments throughout the venue. This way, those with visual or hearing impairments, neurodiverse conditions or restricted mobility can be provided with a seamless experience.

Some of the lift features that are added during lift upgrades might include floor announcements, tactile and audible push buttons and signals, lift car handrails and accessible intercoms. Braille signs, soundproof walls and sensory lighting are also appreciated.