Disability Access Audits - What's the Law?

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 provides for disabled people to have the legal right to be treated equal to able bodied persons. This means that all service providers have to ensure that their business is accessible to do business with people with disabilities.

What does the Act require people to do?

From the 1st October 2004 the final part of The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires service providers to make 'reasonable adjustments' to their premises so that there are no physical barriers stopping or making it unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use services.

Who does it apply to?

The final part of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) applies to employers, service providers and those selling or letting land and property. It also applies to anyone providing a service to the public, whether you are a public or private operation no matter whether your services are paid for or free.

It has been estimated that over 11 million people in the UK are covered by the provisions of the Act with a combined spending power of £50 billion per year. By complying with the Disability Discrimination Act you can meet your legal requirements and make your business accessible to this market.

For full details of the Disability Discrimination Act please visit The Office of Public Sector Information.

Further information can also be obtained form the The Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Disclaimer: The Health & Safety Group Ltd have provided the enclosed information on the basis that the content contained within these documents is to the best of our knowledge accurate at the time of publication. The Health & Safety Group Ltd does not accept any liability for the accuracy of the information.