Is your business accessible to everyone?
The Saugeen Shores Accessibility Advisory Committee reminds merchants that legislation dealing with accessibility standards for customer service is due to come into effect on January 1st.
Chair Mini Jacques says the rules ensure that buildings are open to people with disabilities and that staff and volunteers are trained to know how to assist them.
Jacques says customer service includes people being able to access information through appropriate signage, menu boards and lighting and so forth.
Jacques says she’s been talking to business people and many were unaware that the law comes into effect January 1st.
She urges corporations and franchise operations to check with their head offices on what policies are being set up.
Jacques admits there may be some cost borne by the business owner — but she points out there are over 18 thousand disabled customers in Bruce and Grey Counties.
She says if the stores follow the law and make the changes — those customers will appreciate the effort and will make return visits to spend money.
Jacques says any business in Ontario that has one or more employees must train their staff for accessible customer service.
Jacques believes the province will handle the enforcement of the rules, probably based on complaints from disabled persons.
