Disability Discrimination
Act Audits
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) gives disabled
people rights of access to goods, facilities and services,
buying or renting land or property and employment.
The Department of Education and Employment estimates that
there are approximately 8.5m people in the UK with a disability
covered by the Act and they spend around £40 billion
a year on goods and services.
Part III of the Act came into effect on 2 December 1996 and
made it unlawful for service providers to treat disabled people
less favourably than other people for a reason related to
their disability.
Since October 2004 service providers have been subject to
additional duties in respect of physical features that make
it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people
to use their service. They may have to overcome the difficulty
caused by the feature by taking reasonable steps to remove
it; or alter it; or provide a reasonable means of avoiding
it; or provide a reasonable alternative method of making the
service available to disabled persons.
This might, where it is reasonable to do so, include widening
doorways, installing ramps and lifts, providing suitable and
adequate signage, including Braille signs and lighting, ensuring
that entry systems, switches and controls are accessible etc.
It is therefore essential for service providers to comply
with the provisions now in force and make provisions for the
future not only to avoid committing an act of unlawful discrimination
but also avoid isolating themselves from a valuable sector
of their market. Rather than risk possible claims and adverse
publicity they should consider the benefits of a positive
public image and valuable business opportunities.
Our consultant surveyors are professionally qualified registered
access consultants and have a detailed knowledge and practical
working experience of this legislation and are able to undertake
an access audit and provide you with the best advice and the
most cost effective solutions for your business to comply
with the requirements of the Act.
Request a copy of our free guide to the Disability Discrimination
Act 1995.
dda@bowyerbryce.co.uk
Contact:
Return to top
|
