Purple Tuesday - Improving accessibility for all

With nearly one in five of the working population living with a disability, improving access to everyday products and services, including financial services (and insurance in particular) for those living with health conditions and disabilities, is a hot topic. It’s also one that is rightly attracting increasing political, charity sector and consumer group attention.

In response to this growing need, the inaugural Purple Tuesday national awareness day is taking place on Tuesday November 13th.

So, what is Purple Tuesday?

Purple Tuesday is the UK’s first accessible shopping and services day, established to recognise the importance and needs of disabled consumers and those of us with health conditions. It will also raise awareness of the value of the ‘Purple Pound’, and promote inclusive access to products and services for all.

Purple Tuesday has been created and co-ordinated by disability organisation Purple. It wouldn’t be possible without the endorsement of the Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, and the support of some of the UK’s biggest retail brands, including SKY, Argos, Asda and Marks & Spencer.

What Purple Tuesday isn't

It’s not just a one-day shopping event. The aim of the day is to increase awareness of the value and needs of disabled consumers and those with health conditions. It’s to encourage sustainable changes in business practices that improve customer experience over the long term.

How you can become purple

If you are just starting out on your accessibility journey, here are four straightforward pledges to consider:

1. Conduct an accessibility audit of your organisation (Purple can provide checklists for you to follow)
2. With IDD CPD requirements and FCA Vulnerable Customer comments in mind, provide disability focused customer service training to your staff (training guides will be available through Purple Tuesday)
3. Sign up to the government’s Disability Confident scheme to demonstrate your commitment to becoming an inclusive workplace. If you are advising businesses on Group Risk needs, this for me, is a must do.
4. Appoint a member of your board or senior leadership team as your organisation’s 'disability champion' to take ownership of accessibility issues. For more information on this specific topic, please refer to Purple’s joint guide with KPMG - Leading from the front: Disability and the role of the board. Can I suggest that industry professional bodies and trade groups consider this point in particular.

For more information on all of the above and to register your interest in this important initiative, visit www.purpletuesday.org.uk