Ref. 73597-108THREE months since changes in the law were introduced to make shops and pubs more accessible for disabled people nothing in Swindon has changed.

That is the view of disabled people in the town and the charities that work with them.

Wheelchair user Dorothy Pithers, of Durnford Road, Penhill, said: "Even though there's been changes in the law things in Swindon haven't got any better.

"Shops still leave boxes in the aisles so you can't get wheelchairs around. Clothes rails are still too close together so you can't get through.

"As far as I can see nothing is getting any better. I think it's really bad. My money is just as good as anybody else's but people don't seem to want it.

"Shops haven't improved and restaurants are not getting any better either.

"Places are doing themselves harm by not making changes because they're losing out on disabled people's money.

"Places think by putting in a ramp that solves the problem. But it's no good to be able to get in if you can't get around once you're there."

The Disability Discrimination Act was introduced in October 2004.

The new law meant small businesses would no longer be exempt from laws regarding access for disabled people and would have to make reasonable adjustments to improve their facilities.

But it seems many small businesses in Swindon have refused to comply with the new legislation.

John Green is the co-ordinator of Working For Opportunities, an organisation which aims to help disabled people in Swindon find work and advises businesses what they need to do to make their premises accessible.

He said: "There has not been a steep change in businesses seeking to comply with legislation since October 2004.

"The views expressed by Dorothy Pithers are widely held and reflect those held by many members of our employment register.

"WFO has had a trickle of inquiries about access audits to date, which might suggest that employers are taking a wait and see approach before deciding whether they need to do anything.

"This could prove risky and costly if they find themselves facing a discrimination claim."

Sue Pryor, the deputy co-ordinator of Living Options, a Swindon charity providing services for disabled adults, said: "I must say I have not seen a lot of change but I think the problem is the law is not clear enough about what changes actually need to be made.

"There is the will there to make changes but the term 'reasonable adjustments' which the law uses is too vague. There is still a lot of ambiguity about what small businesses need to do."

To find out more about access audits for small businesses call Working For Opportunities on 01793 514055 extension 4758.

Gareth Bethell