Inclusive businesses celebrated with Congleton's first Disability Welcome awards
Three Congleton businesses have been celebrated for accessibility and inclusion.
The town council has awarded its first-ever Disability Welcome awards.
This new scheme aims to encourage businesses to make adjustments to help disabled people shop and visit local pubs and cafes.
Congleton Veterinary Centre, Crown Bank Dental and Congleton Information Centre have all received Disability Welcome 'Silver' awards.
Dr Deborah Lawson, chair of the council's Equal Access Advisory Group, said: "The Social Model of Disability explains that people are not disabled by their impairments, but by the barriers in society that prevent them from participating like everyone else.
"These organisations have taken meaningful steps to remove those barriers and create genuinely welcoming spaces.
"I warmly congratulate them; their awards reflect a real commitment to inclusion."
She added: "A heavy door or small step might seem minor, but for a wheelchair user, it can be the difference between being included or excluded.
"Where an automatic door isn't possible, something as simple as a doorbell at wheelchair height can make all the difference – it alerts staff that someone needs assistance, whether that's opening the door or putting out a portable ramp.
"Likewise, a large print price list or a fold-up chair for someone who needs to rest are simple adjustments that help more people feel welcome.
"We have some fantastic businesses here in Congleton, and it's been really encouraging to see how positive they are about joining the scheme."
Any business with a shop front is invited to apply for 'Disability Welcome' status.
Managers must complete a checklist to ensure people with different needs and characteristics can fully access the business and its products or services.
If businesses can tick off enough items on the list, they will be awarded a 'Disability Welcome' window sticker and certificate, and be included in the Disability Guide to Congleton.
Town Mayor, councillor Kay Wesley, said: "Congratulations to these three organisations who are doing a fantastic job in driving inclusion.
"As well as the physical characteristics, it was clear that the staff working in these establishments had a really good understanding of the issues and provide excellent customer service.
"All the businesses we have discussed this with have been enthusiastic about the scheme, and of the 11 checklists we have had returned so far, it is great that these three met the standard straight away. However, many of the others are close and may need to make just one or two adjustments, so we will follow up with them.
"We plan to publish a Disability Guide to Congleton, and any organisation that joins the Disability Welcome Scheme will be featured in it, which is a great incentive. Just as importantly, around 32 per cent of households include someone with a disability. That's a substantial customer base, and businesses that are inclusive are far more likely to attract and retain those customers."
Celebrating the award, a spokesperson for Congleton Veterinary Centre said: "We have been awarded The Disability Silver Award for recognition as a Congleton Disability Welcome Business due to commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
"Thank you so much to our Congleton Town Mayor for awarding this to us."
A staff member at Crown Bank Dental added: "Our wonderful Congleton team are proud to be awarded with the 'Disability Welcome' Award for our commitment to inclusive, accessible dental care!
"Everyone deserves a healthy smile - register with us today and experience dentistry without barriers!"
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