Disabled people are being forced to shop online because of poor access in and around UK town centres and difficulties using basic but essential facilities such as changing rooms or toilets, a report has claimed.
Many disabled customers are struggling to access shops, cafes and restaurants, with some shoppers even saying they felt “invisible” after being ignored by rude and insensitive staff who addressed their companions or carers instead of them directly.
The report, Short-changed, compiled by the muscular dystrophy campaign group Trailblazers, was based on the experiences of a 100-strong group of disabled 16-30-year-olds.
They gave examples of retailers misusing changing areas, toilets and lifts – intended for use by the disabled – as storage space, breaching health and safety regulations by piling them high with boxes.
