Fitness centres and gyms

Why should we?

1. It is the law.

The Equal Status Act, 2000 makes it illegal to discriminate against anyone on the basis of disability. If you are providing a service for the general public you must, by law, make it accessible to people with disabilities. Ignorance of the law will not be accepted as a defence.

Grants may be available if it is necessary to make expensive changes to your premises, but most adaptations for people with vision impairments cost little or nothing. One such adaptation is Disability Awareness Training for your staff.

Some basic Disability Awareness Training may be available free of charge; a more comprehensive package is available, for a professional fee.

2. It's good business.

Making your premises and activities suitable for people with vision impairments makes it better for ALL your customers. Better colour contrast and lighting, attention to potential hazards, and awareness training for staff benefits everyone and improves the safety and attractiveness of your Fitness Centre / Gym.

Any difficulties with Insurance Companies should be referred to the Equality Authority, Clonmel St, Dublin 2.
Lo-Call Number: 1890 245545
Phone: 01 4173333
Fax: 01 4173366
Text Phone: (01) 4173385
Email address: info@equality.ie

Being able to say that your centre is accessible is very good publicity, and assures all potential customers that you are committed to quality service provision.

Staff who receive Disability Awareness Training usually find it very interesting and motivating, which improves overall morale, and often leads to better interaction with ALL customers, not only customers with vision impairments.

People with vision impairments often like to bring a sighted companion to provide assistance and support – if you allow a sighted companion to come in free of charge, you relieve your staff of the job of looking after the person with vision impairment. Often by the time the person with vision impairment can manage on their own, their sighted companion may have joined up your gym.

How can we make our Centre more accessible?

You can:

1. Have an Access Audit of your premises.
2. Make any necessary changes identified by the Audit.
3. Provide Disability Awareness Training for your staff.
4. Get your leaflets / literature put into accessible format.
5. Ensure your Website is accessible.