Purple Hound launches accessibility star ratings initiative
(PRWEB UK) 18 May 2017 -- Accessibility champion, Purple Hound, http://www.purplehound.org.uk/ is launching its series of stickers which rate venues on how accessible they are. A video explaining what Purple Hound is can be found here.
With over 11 million disabled people in the UK , and the combined spending power of disabled people – the so called purple pound representing a possible £249 billion (as recently revealed by the government), there isn’t a better time to get behind the initiative.
Executive Chairman of Purple Hound, Ted Hill MBE and CEO of national charity The British Polio Fellowship, says neglecting those with accessibility needs is not just immoral – it makes no business sense whatsoever.
“Our sticker rating system will offer clarity as to just how much a venue or company is doing to make sure those with accessibility needs are catered for,” said Ted. “This is something that should be known publicly already, but unfortunately there isn’t a national standard – that’s why we’re delighted to be able to launch a system to acts as a signpost on such information.”
The stickers aim to improve standards of UK accessibility with a range of differing sticker ratings, confirmed by 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 star ratings stickers. In addition to these, there is a core principals ‘standard’ Purple Hound sticker, and the Sound as a Hound sticker (which recognises special efforts made by a retailer or venue in ensuring accessibility for all). Those who commit to Purple Hound’s core aims will be allowed to place a standard Purple Hound sticker in their window, with the remaining sticker levels awarded based on that venue’s particular accessibility features.
Ted says it’s Purple Hound’s aim to get as many stickers as possible into a wide array of venues such as retailers, cafes, bars, hotels and restaurants. This must be done however on the basis that owners understand the problem of poor UK accessibility, and are happy to commit to helping improving standards.
To find out more about the work of Purple Hound, check out the YouTube link.
Jon Gardner, BeyondPR, +44 1142756996, [email protected]
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