20/07/2006
Newtownabbey woman wins disabled access case
A Newtownabbey woman has successfully challenged a shop over their failure to provide disabled access for wheelchair users.
Ann Collins, who uses a wheelchair, took Carrickfergus firm Craftswoman Fabrics to court following an incident where she was not able to enter their shop. Bringing the lack of facilities for wheelchair users to the attention of the owner, she claimed that the company told her that she should “shop online” for their goods instead.
Following legal action by Ms Collins, the firm settled out of court, and said they would make substantial changes to the shop, including the construction of an entry ramp and the installation of a lift.
Commenting on the case, Anne McKernan from the Equality Commission has warned that the incident provides a reminder of the importance of keeping up to date with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
She stated: "We would urge all businesses and service providers to make revisions to their premises rather than waiting until customers complain."
(CL)
Ann Collins, who uses a wheelchair, took Carrickfergus firm Craftswoman Fabrics to court following an incident where she was not able to enter their shop. Bringing the lack of facilities for wheelchair users to the attention of the owner, she claimed that the company told her that she should “shop online” for their goods instead.
Following legal action by Ms Collins, the firm settled out of court, and said they would make substantial changes to the shop, including the construction of an entry ramp and the installation of a lift.
Commenting on the case, Anne McKernan from the Equality Commission has warned that the incident provides a reminder of the importance of keeping up to date with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
She stated: "We would urge all businesses and service providers to make revisions to their premises rather than waiting until customers complain."
(CL)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.