The Disability Discrimination Act
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed in 1995 to end the discrimination that many disabled people face. It protects disabled people in:
- Employment
- Access to goods, facilities and services
- The management, buying or renting of land or property
- Education
Elements of the Act became law for employers in December 1996.Others were introduced over time.
For service providers (e.g. businesses and organisations):
- Since December 1996 it has been unlawful to treat disabled people less favourably than other people for a reason related to their disability
- Since October 1999 they have had to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, such as providing extra help or making changes to the way they provide their services;
- From October 2004 they will have to make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access.
The DDA affects ALL UK businesses and organisations, regardless of size you should make sure that you are doing your part.
Some service providers view the DDA as simply imposing extra costs and legal obligations.
If you think this is right, ask yourself whether you've looked properly at the business case for making your goods and services more accessible?
More than 20% of the UK population that's 8.6 million people have physical, sensory or mental impairments.
These people have the right to access to your goods, services or facilities and have an annual spend of over £56 billion.
The DDA is an Act that helps the disabled have access to your goods and services which can only mean more customers, leading to a higher turnover and a better service to your community.
It is worth noting that only a very small percentage of people are born with a disability, over 80% become disabled during their adult life.
Although this is an Act of Parliament that you must comply with it is also a great oppurtunity to gain new business and provide a service to your community.