We aim to provide excellent, accessible services that meet the needs of all our residents, visitors and our workforce.
Reasonable adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in the way they deliver services. It is against the law for us to treat disabled customers less favourably than it treats non-disabled customers.
We have a duty to remove the barriers which may stop disabled people accessing our services or may make it more difficult for them; this is called making reasonable adjustments. These adjustments can include changing policies and procedures which may discriminate.
They could also include providing equipment or making adaptations, providing information in alternative formats, and providing a service in a different way. We provide guidance on making reasonable adjustments in the way we deliver services for customers and disabled pupils.
Accessible Sheffield
Through the Accessible Sheffield project, we are working in partnership with AccessAble, Disability Sheffield and Nimbus Disability to support the ambitions of Sheffield to become an accessible and fairer city for all who live, work, study and/or visit Sheffield.
Access Guides
The Access Guides, from AccessAble, have detailed access information for over 2,000 venues in Sheffield, including shops, community halls, places of worship, Council buildings, hospitals, universities, bus and train stations, hotels, and more.
An Access Guide includes information about a venue’s facilities, including wheelchair access, automatic doors, accessible changing rooms, large print, sign language, and parking.
Developed by disabled people for disabled people, the Access Guides improve choice, control, independence and inclusivity.
View Sheffield’s Access Guides below.
Access Card scheme
An Access Card uses symbols to show what barriers the cardholder faces and the reasonable adjustments that person might need. An Access Card informs providers quickly and discreetly about the cardholder’s support needs. This can make the bookings process for theatres, arena and music venues across the UK easier.
At some venues the Access Card can also be used as a loyalty and discount card.
You can apply for an Access Card below.
Carer Card scheme
The Carer Card is provided by the Carer’s Centre. It shows providers what support a carer might need. It can also give a carer access to things like concessionary goods and services without having to go into lots of confidential personal detail.
Accessible Information Standard
We are working towards the Accessible Information Standard. This is a standard for information and communication for disabled people in relation to both NHS and social care services that came into full effect in September 2016. This follows on from the Equality Act 2010 which placed a legal duty on all service providers to take steps or make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in order to avoid putting a disabled person at a disadvantage. The new standard is set out in law in Section 250 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
Disability Confident
The Disability Confident scheme aims to help employers make the most of the opportunities provided by employing disabled people. It is voluntary and has been developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives.
The Disability Confident scheme has 3 levels. Employers must complete each level before moving on to the next. We are currently at Level 2 working towards Level 3.