The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new campaign informing small businesses that they may only need to make simple adjustments to their premises and operations, in order to meet the needs of disabled people.

This new advice is vastly different to the focus on expensive changes highlighted when the Disability Discrimination Act was first launched in 2005. Changes of a structural nature to floors in buildings and improved lift access were commonly discussed, improvements with huge cost implications. Thankfully for the small business, these changes are not considered ‘reasonable’ under the DDA.

The Adjusting for Better Business campaign is calling for more straightforward and cost-effective measures. By communicating more clearly for those with impairments, providing information in different formats or simply providing seats for those with mobility difficulties, reasonable measures are deemed to have been taken. Anne McGuire, minister for disabled people believes that the outlook is positive: “Making these adjustments is good for disabled people and good for business because it encourages more customers through your doors,” she said.

DWP has released an information pack to coincide with the campaign. Aimed specifically at small businesses, it illustrates in detail further adjustments that can be carried out.