Well as much as I like to shop, it has become very apparent that for those with accessibilty needs, it is not as easy as it should be. Many store owners feel that one step may be alright for the frontage of their store. I am here to say no.
Unfortunately as I took my son shopping in his power chair yesterday, there were many stores he was unable to browse thanks to that one large step. Lucky for us we can still leave the chair outside and lift him up to ambulate around the store. But imagine those that can not. How frustrating it must be.
Store owners should take a look at the entrance to their store and ask themselves if they have done all they can for accessiblilty. If they haven't they have just blocked out a nice percentage of shoppers.
Malls tend to be friendly in this area as there are flat floors and elevators, but it is the small malls and individual shops that seem really difficult to navigate. Even some resaurants.
In my opinion stairs in business entrances should not be permissible as they are exclusive unless there is an alternate entry available.
