The Department for Work and Pensions has invited Forum members to comment on the Access All Areas awards, in which small and medium sized businesses that have shown innovation and creativity in opening their services up to disabled customers could be in line for recognition.

The second annual Access All Areas awards, launched on May 19, calls on firms up and down the country and across the business sectors to put themselves forward for recognition. The awards are an opportunity for firms to demonstrate that opening up services to disabled customers is good business practice.

The awards recognise small and medium sized enterprises with fewer than 100 employees that have made their services accessible to disabled people in an innovative and creative way.

Forum Response: National Autistic Society

A spokesman for the National Autistic Society said: "These awards are a great opportunity to highlight the fact that accessibility for people with autism is not just about making physical adaptations. Although people with autism often have accompanying sensory problems, attitudes and understanding also play a huge role in making goods and services accessible for people with autism. The NAS will be submitting nominations for small businesses who have not only demonstrated innovation and creativity but actively welcomed people with autism and their carers."

Forum Response: Disabilities Trust

Natt Townsend, public affairs officer for the Disabilities Trust, said: "The Disabilities Trust welcomes this DWP initiative to commend those businesses who have made concerted efforts to open up their premises to all customers, including people with disabilities. The needs of disabled consumers have for too long been neglected by some organisations, both big and small and now at last that is to change. It is important however that change does not just result from statutory obligation but that business recognises the benefits of making the changes required under the provision of the DDA and that this recognition is reflected in business culture. By tapping into a market of up to ten million economically marginalised people, companies can open up new opportunities for themselves and benefit all of us as many innovations initially designed to meet the needs of disabled people, make all our lives easier."

Forum Response: Guide Dogs for the Blind Association 

A spokesman for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association said: "The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is delighted that a second Access All Areas awards is taking place.
 
"The charity's own campaigning mirrors the ethos behind the awards.  Guide dogs provide mobility and independence for blind and partially sighted people, but this freedom can be undermined if businesses refuse to accept guide dogs, or make their premises and services difficult for blind and partially sighted people to use.
 
"We've been greatly encouraged by the pro-active approach taken by many pubs, restaurants, banks, building societies and public transport operators in recent years.  Providing Braille menus and information and training front-line staff to understand how they can offer practical assistance for visually impaired customers are just two of the positive examples we cite.
 
"Guide Dogs congratulates all the organisations nominated at the awards ceremony.  We look forward to working closely with the business community in coming months, helping them adapt their infrastructure so that it is accessible to guide dog owners and other visually impaired people. Together, we can ensure everyone is ready for the next stage of the Disability Discrimination Act, coming into force in October."