Disabled access and facilities in business premises

Businesses have a legal duty not to discriminate against disabled people who use their goods or services. Businesses are also required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.

Reasonable adjustments

Businesses that provide a service to the public are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises where they may put disabled people at a disadvantage. This is in addition to other duties not to discriminate by treating disabled people less favourably for a reason related to their disability.

Around one in five people in Northern Ireland have a disability so it makes good business sense to ensure all your customers and potential customers are able to easily access your goods and services. The Equality Commission's every customer counts initiative helps businesses promote accessible services.

This guide explains how to improve access for disabled people, providing auxiliary aids or services and how to improve access and use of facilities for disabled employees.