Disabled ‘hit squad’ to test access standards

A TEAM of disabled volunteers is to carry out “mystery shopper” visits to restaurants, hotels, bars and leisure facilities across the Capital.

They’ve joined forces with wheelchair manufacturer Blackwood Housing to test the accessibility of city venues.

They will then approach managers to offer feedback on their findings and what improvements, if any, could be made.

Volunteer Ronnie Wilkes, 53, said: “If businesses want to know they are truly accessible to disabled customers, the best way to check it is to get a disabled
customer to review the business.
Most businesses have helpful staff and are compliant to individual requests. But businesses need to make sure staff are well trained to help make us feel comfortable. We recommend training for at least one designated member of staff on accessibility issues.”