WEST LOTHIAN COUNCIL /
DISABILITY WEST LOTHIAN

DISABILITY ACCESS AWARD

WHAT IS THE WEST LOTHIAN
DISABILITY ACCESS AWARD?

Providing access for people with disabilities is our responsibility as citizens and is a legal requirement.  It is also good business.  Our Disability Access Award recognises businesses and services in the West Lothian area that:

• Ensure people with disability have ready access to business and service premises;
• have a layout that enables easy movement around their buildings and
• provide ready access to information and to products and services.

WHAT DOES WINNING A
DISABILITY ACCESS AWARD MEAN TO YOU?

Winning a disability Access Award means that you are recognised as a business or service that is customer focussed.  It shows you want to make it easy for customers to get into your business or service and access your services and products.

You will be able to tell the West Lothian Community you are an Award winner.  You can use your Award in marketing and advertising your business.  It is a way of highlighting your commitment to providing excellent service.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO
TO WIN A DISABILITY ACCESS AWARD?

To be considered for an Award you need to send in an application demonstrating that the Service meets enough criteria to score at least 100 points from the list which follows.

For a small or large business (category A) that is all you have to do until we contact you to arrange a visit.

For a Transport Service (category B) highlighting the overall accessibility of the transport service.

If your application indicates you are eligible to be considered for an Award, then members of the judging panel will visit your premises to check its accessibility, taking into account the type of business or service.

WHAT CRITERIA DO YOU HAVE
TO MEET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AN AWARD?

Each of the following criteria your business meets can get you 20 points towards the Award:

• Level or ramped access at entrance and through more than 50% of the business.  Access should be possible without assistance.
• Doors which open easily or automatically.
• Unobstructed and uncluttered passage ways and open circulation space of wheelchairs.
• Guide dogs and attendant dogs permitted into premises.

In addition, 5 points are awarded for each
of the following criteria:

• Terminal leads extendable, tactile, with audible response.
• Clear signage - appropriately placed, with visual contrasts.
• Sales and information counter heights no more than 1 metre.
• Wheelchair accessible toilets.
• Disability lift, tactile, audible, reachable buttons (where applicable).
• Customer service training relating to people with disabilities.
• Non-slip, firm, even floors.
• Large print price tags, menus, brochures, information.
• Tactile surface indicators.
• Emergency alarms complimented by suitable visual alarms.
• Plain language in sales and billing materials.
• Hearing loop fitted.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

Click here to download an Application Form in MSWord format

To Request an application form by post write to:

Nominations are considered once a year (closing date 19th November 2007).  Good Access Award will be presented annually on European Day of Disabled People. 

WHERE CAN YOU GET MORE
INFORMATION ON DISABLED ACCESS?

The West Lothian Access Committee can provide more information about disabled access to premises.  They can be contacted by phone on 01506 774030 fax on 01506 774031, text 01506 774044 or at our website www.dwl.demon.co.uk 
You are invited to become involved with The West Lothian Access Committee.
The Committee contact person is Andrew Baird - phone 01506 774030 fax 01506 774031 text 01506 774044  or email andrew.baird@westlothian.gov.uk