Disabled customers appreciate a ramp and friendly service at an old county store..
Customer Service, Disability Friendly Business, Disabled Consumers, Disabled Customers, Uncategorized

Disabled Customers: Country

Disabled Customers Find Great Service in the Country

Nothing beats a country store that believes in old fashioned southern hospitality to graciously meet the needs of their disabled customers.

We’ve been driving out to A.W. Peterson Gun Store and Museum for a few  decades for repairs and fresh air.  Hunters, outdoor men, law enforcement, veterans, cowboys, and collectors have been going to this small country business for generations.  Mr. Baker opened the 118-year-old business in Mount Dora in 1953.  We were told that parts of the old pecky cypress building are from the 1890s.

Disabled customers appreciate a ramp and friendly service. A welcoming front porch for ALL. Disability Smart Solutions.
Disabled customers appreciate a ramp and friendly service. A welcoming front porch for ALL. Disability Smart Solutions.

While the handicap ramp and sand parking lot might not meet the current code, it is sturdy and meets the needs of most disabled customers.  Inside the store, the well-worn wooden floors are smooth and the aisles are all wide enough for disabled customers to easily maneuver a wheelchair or scooter.  It’s been a few years since my last visit, but this time, I noticed that the aisles are now clear of any protrusions, making it comfortable for disabled customers with limited visibility.

The store is a comfortable place to shop or just to just  check out all of the old hunting trophies and vintage collectibles.  I always appreciate a store with plenty of places to sit.  Many times disabled customers might want to sit for a few minutes and relax before continuing shopping.  We often forget how many people living with a disability have limited stamina or muscle strength.

Bella, an Australian Kelpie who is a Deaf Alert Service dog, chilling in the grass. Disability Smart Solutions
Bella, an Australian Kelpie who is a Deaf Alert Service dog, chilling in the grass

I took advantage of the porch chairs to work on “sit” training with our service dog, Bella.  She was our daughters Deaf Alert dog.  Since our daughter has been in boarding school for the past 3 years, Bella has become a lazy pet.  We spent 20 minutes sitting on the porch without her moving to acknowledge people who walked in and out of the store.  She remembered.  Disabled customers with service dogs are welcome in Peterson’s.  I brought in Bella, without a vest, and all I heard was “what a pretty dog.”

The best part about A.W. Peterson’s gunsmith, is that he is honest and if he can fix it while you wait, he will.  My husband brought a jammed French collectible firearm to a Big Box sports store in Lake Mary.  After a two week wait, he was charged $69.00 and told that they couldn’t fix the problem.  The gunsmith at Petersons, spent some time examining it and discovered that there was old lint compacted in the barrel.  He charged $30 and spent  less than 30 minutes making the repair.  Nothing beats a great customer service experience, except a great customer service experience with a trip to the country.

ABOUT US

Disability Smart Solutions is full-service ADA Consulting firm offering ADA Compliance Access Surveys, Project Consultation, Post-Compliance Audits, All-Ability Customer Service Training, Undercover Disabled Guest Mystery Shopping, Universal Design Product Review and Keynote Speaking.  Please contact us to review your accessibility needs.