Purple Tuesday: Making Accessibility Part of Everyday Life

At Fen Mobility Centre, accessibility isn't something we think about once a year. But Purple Tuesday is a good reminder of why it matters.

Today, 3 November, is Purple Tuesday, a day dedicated to improving the experiences of disabled customers.

It's a campaign we feel particularly strongly about at Fen Mobility Centre because, quite simply, accessibility is at the heart of what we do.

But accessibility isn't just about wheelchair ramps, automatic doors or disabled parking spaces. Those things are important, of course, but there's much more to making someone feel welcome, comfortable and confident.

Sometimes it's about having somewhere to sit. Sometimes it's about being given a little more time. And sometimes it's simply about being treated like everyone else.

What is Purple Tuesday?

Purple Tuesday is an international initiative encouraging businesses and organisations to improve the experience they offer disabled customers.

It challenges businesses to think about the barriers people face when shopping, visiting premises or accessing services, and to make practical improvements.

It's not just about large organisations or national retailers. Independent businesses have an important part to play too.

For us, Purple Tuesday is a chance to talk about something that should really be part of everyday customer service.

Accessibility starts before someone walks through the door

Imagine wanting to visit a shop but not knowing whether you'll be able to park close enough, whether there's a step at the entrance or whether you'll be able to use the toilet.

For many people, those aren't hypothetical concerns. They're things that need to be considered before every trip out.

It's easy to take a spontaneous visit to the shops for granted when you don't have to think about these things.

At Fen Mobility Centre, we've tried to remove as many of those uncertainties as possible.

Our showroom in Ely has accessible parking, step-free access and plenty of space to move around and try equipment.

We also have accessible toilet facilities, including provision designed to be more comfortable for customers living with a stoma.

These aren't particularly glamorous things to talk about, but they can make the difference between someone feeling able to visit and deciding it's simply too difficult.

And we never want someone to feel that visiting us is too difficult.

Not every disability is visible

One of the things Purple Tuesday helps highlight is that disability doesn't always look the way people expect.

Some people use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Others may have chronic pain, fatigue, hearing difficulties, sight loss, neurological conditions or disabilities that aren't immediately apparent.

Someone might be able to walk into a showroom perfectly comfortably but struggle to stand for long periods.

Another person might find a busy environment overwhelming or need information explained more slowly.

And someone who appears confident and independent may still need additional support.

That's why we try not to make assumptions about what someone can or cannot do.

A little patience and understanding can make an enormous difference.

Good customer service means listening

When someone visits a mobility showroom, there's often a reason behind it that isn't immediately obvious.

Perhaps they've recently come out of hospital. Perhaps their mobility has been gradually deteriorating. Or perhaps a family member has finally persuaded them to explore getting some help.

For some people, it's their first experience of looking at mobility equipment, and they may feel nervous or embarrassed.

We've met plenty of customers who begin a conversation by saying they don't want a mobility scooter, even though they're finding it increasingly difficult to get out and about.

That's understandable. Nobody wants to feel they're losing their independence.

Our job isn't to persuade someone to buy something they don't want. It's to listen, understand their concerns and help them explore their options.

Sometimes that means trying several products. Sometimes it means going away and thinking about things. And sometimes the best outcome is simply having a reassuring conversation.

There should never be any pressure.

Accessibility doesn't stop at the showroom

We're fortunate to have a large showroom where customers can see and try a wide range of mobility equipment.

But we also recognise that not everyone can get to us.

That's why home visits, assessments and demonstrations are such an important part of what we offer.

We regularly help customers across Ely, Cambridge, Huntingdonshire and the surrounding areas of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Visiting someone at home can help us understand their particular circumstances, whether that's a difficult doorway, an awkwardly shaped bedroom, a steep driveway or simply the challenge of getting around their local village.

It also means that someone who cannot comfortably travel to our showroom can still receive advice and explore suitable equipment.

Accessibility should be about finding ways to include people, not expecting everyone to fit the same approach.

The importance of dignity and choice

Something we talk about a lot at Fen Mobility is independence.

But independence doesn't necessarily mean doing absolutely everything without help.

For one person, independence might mean being able to get to the local shops on their mobility scooter.

For another, it might mean being able to get out of their chair without asking their partner for assistance.

For someone else, it might simply mean being able to choose when they get up in the morning or go to bed at night.

Those things are deeply personal.

Our owner, Sara, is an experienced Occupational Therapist, and that perspective influences the way we approach our work.

Rather than starting with a product, we try to understand what someone wants to achieve and what might be getting in the way.

It's an approach that helps us remember we're dealing with people and their lives, not just equipment.

Small changes can make a big difference

Purple Tuesday encourages businesses to think about what they could do better.

And that's something every business, including ours, should be willing to consider.

Not every improvement requires an expensive refurbishment or major investment.

Sometimes it might be providing clearer information on a website, making sure staff know how to assist someone with additional needs, offering a quieter appointment or simply asking a customer how they would prefer to be helped.

The important thing is to listen and be prepared to change.

We certainly wouldn't claim to have everything perfect at Fen Mobility. There will always be things we can learn and ways we can improve.

But we do believe that accessibility should be considered in every part of the customer experience, not treated as an occasional project.

A message to other local businesses

One of the reasons we're pleased to support Purple Tuesday is that improving accessibility benefits the whole community.

We're lucky to live and work in an area with so many wonderful independent businesses, from shops and cafés to restaurants, attractions and local services.

Imagine the difference if every business made just one improvement to help disabled customers feel more welcome.

It might be something as simple as making accessibility information easier to find online, keeping entrances clear, providing seating or giving staff a little more awareness training.

For a customer who has previously struggled to access a service, even a relatively small improvement could be enormously valuable.

And if you're not sure what would help, ask the people who use your business.

They're often the best people to tell you.

Our door is always open

At Fen Mobility Centre, we welcome customers with all kinds of mobility needs, disabilities and personal circumstances.

Whether you're looking for a mobility scooter, wheelchair, riser recliner, adjustable bed or a small piece of daily living equipment, our team is here to help.

You don't need an appointment to visit during our normal opening hours, although we're always happy to arrange one if you'd prefer some dedicated time.

We can also arrange visits outside our usual hours by appointment, where possible.

And if travelling to us isn't practical, please get in touch to discuss a home visit.

This Purple Tuesday, our message is simple: everyone deserves to feel welcome, respected and included. Not just today, but every day.

From all of us at Fen Mobility Centre, happy Purple Tuesday!

Fen Mobility Centre, Ely

Proudly supporting accessibility and independence across Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Visit www.fenmobility.com or contact us to find out more.