Opened a new concept salon adapted to customers with disabilities – it will be an example for others

The digital services company “Bitė Lietuva” opened a new concept salon, even more adapted to customers with mobility, hearing and vision disabilities. Paralympians and representatives of disabled people’s organizations who took part in the opening event of the showroom located in Vilnius shopping and entertainment center “Akropolis” say that the problem of quality service for customers with disabilities is extremely acute in Lithuania, and there is still a lack of shops and service facilities adapted to them, according to a press release.

“Technology provides opportunities for all people to communicate. We invest so that our customers with mobility, hearing or vision disabilities can more easily try smart devices that meet their needs and receive various services. In all highly developed countries, people with disabilities are full-fledged members of society, and that is what we strive for in Lithuania,” said Gintas Butėnas, General Director of “Bitė Lietuva”, at the salon’s opening event.

The head of the digital services company added that “the renovated salon will become a prototype, according to which other customer service points of Bitė will be updated throughout the country.

In one of the largest Bitė salons, which has been renovated, a height-adjustable desk is installed so that consultants can adapt to any client and communicate with them at eye level. This is especially relevant for customers with mobility impairments.

A tactile path has been installed for visually impaired customers leading to customer service specialists. For customers who are hard of hearing or have a mild hearing disability, the cabin is equipped with a so-called induction loop, which improves the sound quality of communication and also reduces ambient noise. In addition, all employees of the “Bites” salon in Vilnius “Akropolis”, as well as other customer service specialists of the company, are trained to communicate with customers with different needs.

In the opinion of the guests who participated in the opening of the updated “Bites” salon, business attention to the integration of people with disabilities in society is extremely important.

“The accessibility of both the informational and physical environment is a very important aspect of the life of any person with a disability, helping them to overcome everyday challenges more easily. So we are very happy that businesses are taking the initiative and making changes now, rather than waiting for the implementation date of the accessibility directive. This example of the “Bites” salon not only improves the accessibility of services for everyone, but also serves as an educational tool”, says Andžejus Ravanas, Information Environment Accessibility Specialist of the Lithuanian Blind and Visually Impaired Union.

According to Lithuanian Paralympic Committee President Mindaugas Bilius, despite technological progress, many people with disabilities still cannot fully use all retail services.

“This is especially important for the community of people with disabilities, because an accessible environment is one of the most important components in achieving an inclusive society, equal opportunities for all, and a dignified life for everyone. Without business support, it would be impossible to achieve this, so we are very happy that Paralympic sports patrons Bitė Lietuva are actively contributing to improving the accessibility of the environment and at the same time setting an example. Thanks to such initiatives, a disability-friendly environment becomes the norm”, says M. Bilius.

According to G. Butėnas, the company plans to refurbish other “Bites” salons according to the new concept, so that it would be even more convenient for people with disabilities to use all communication and smart services. Currently, the company has 45 showrooms in Lithuania.

At the beginning of this year, Bitė Lietuva, together with TV3, became a sponsor of the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee and pledged to provide it with 1 million dollars over four years. financial support and communication and publicity services. In the spring, the company introduced the “SuperGalių” exchange program, during which “Bitė Lietuva” employees share their professional knowledge and competences with persons with disabilities.