White Rose Shopping Centre is celebrating Purple Tuesday tomorrow (7 November 2023) with events and guest feedback sessions to raise awareness of sensory and accessibility issues.
Purple Tuesday is an annual initiative which looks to improve the customer experience for disabled people and their families year-round. Participating organisations must make a commitment to greater inclusion and accessibility, to ensure a positive experience for all visitors.
The centre will be hosting a variety of events from 10am–5pm on Tuesday to increase awareness of the facilities available for visitors.
Leeds Autism Services will also be in attendance at White Rose, and Guide Dogs for the Blind will be sharing information and accepting donations from 10am–4pm. ‘Hidden disability’ sunflower lanyards will be available for guests to take away, and visitors will be able to experience sensory toys and learn about their benefits.
The centre will also be hosting a drop-in session inviting guest feedback on accessibility services.
White Rose is dedicated to continuously improving inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors year-round. Accessibility facilities at the centre includes:
- Quiet Mornings every Tuesday from 10am-midday. Between these times, the centre and their retailers reduce noise for those who prefer a calmer shopping environment without music, product demonstrations or mall activity.
- Newly-installed stoma-friendly facilities are available, providing a safe, clean, and helpful space for bags to be changed.
- Changing Places toilet facilities for people with profound and multiple disabilities, each fitted with specialist equipment such as a hoist and changing bench with enough space for up to two carers to assist those with a disability.
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire to ensure guests with mobility issues can enjoy their visit.
- Free sensory toys and hidden disability lanyards which can be collected from White Rose’s Customer Service Centre.
Steven Foster, Centre Director, said:
“There are estimated to be 16 million people in the UK with some form of disability, almost a quarter of the population, and around 80% of disabled people have hidden impairments.
“It’s really important for us that anyone with additional needs feels welcome and supported at our centres, and we’re keen to understand what we can do to improve our visitors’ experience.
“A trip to the shop may seem straightforward for some of us, but can present difficulties for others in ways we might not immediately think of. It’s important that we consider and remove these barriers wherever possible.”
For further details, please visit white-rose.co.uk
This post is based on a press release issued on behalf of White Rose Shopping Centre
Photo: Stoma-friendly toilet facilities
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