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We're working with businesses to improve accessibility on the high street

In 2018 our user-led group, Your Say, worked with Richmond Council to distribute portable wheelchair ramps to high street businesses to increase accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs. While many were distributed, some businesses moved on and ramps were forgotten about or not well advertised. The campaign came to a stand still because of COVID, but in 2023 Your Say decided to revitalise the work, widening our focus to include sensory and learning needs as well as physical.

In 2025, we did a series of secret shopping sessions with members to identify the most common barriers Disabled people were facing on Teddington High Street. We found that 36% of shops have obstructions upon the entrance and 31% don’t have level entrances. We also found most shops didn’t make any accommodations for those with sensory needs. Using the data gathered and lived experience of our members, we have created a programme offering free audits to businesses on Teddington High Street, helping to identify access issues and solutions.

Three people going down the street talking with each other. One is wheeling herself in a wheelchair and the other two are walking. One has a Ruils tote bag on her arm.

How can we help your business?

We are offering a free access audit, delivered by local Disabled who regularly encounter barriers to accessing businesses on Teddington High Street. We will:

  • Visit your business for 1 hour to complete an access audit, where we will walk you through a series of questions and take photos (with your consent)
  • Collate the information after the visit into a report with personalised recommendations
  • Set up a follow-up meeting to discuss our findings and recommendations
  • Follow-up with you in three months to see what changes have been implemented
  • Support you to publicise the increased accessibility of your business

We hope to be able to offer out audits to businesses beyond Teddington soon. In the meantime, you can download our quick wins guide below to get you started.

Business Access Audit Sign-up

Complete the form below to start your access audit journey. We are currently only completing audits on Teddington High Street.

We are currently only conducting audits on Teddington High Street.
Café, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Retailer, etc.
Is your shop wheelchair accessible?(Required)
Does your shop have a step or a narrow doorway? Would a wheelchair user be able to come in and support with the audit?
What days would be best for our team to come?(Required)
What times would be best for our team to come?(Required)

Get in touch

Woman with pale skin and brown and pink hair wearing glasses. She is wearing a black long sleeve shirt.

Lauren Rymel

Campaigns Intern