Your DDA Compliance Requirements

Some compliance 'experts' would have you believe that 'reasonable steps' involve huge and expensive changes. This is not the case. The Code of Practice linked to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)states that what is 'reasonable' depends on a number of factors such as:

• The type of service provided

• The nature, size and resources of the provider

• The effect of the disability on the service user

• The financial, practical and disruption implications of steps taken

As long as you do your best to follow good practice, you don't have to fear the worst.

What you have to do

As a service provider, you must think ahead and continually look at how your services and premises can be improved for disabled people, if you are not sure what to do call us for advice on 0845 0049 507 or to request a DDA audit.

Areas you might consider include training, disability escape etiquette, steps and raised areas, entrances and exits, doors, gates, public facilities (counters, service desks, telephones, washrooms etc), light and ventilation, lifts and escalators, signage, marketing materials and your web site.

As a requirement you need to provide auxiliary aids that ensure your services can be accessed by disabled people. Some examples are listed below:

Wheelchair users                                        

• Portable ramps
• Drop down counters
• Lap trays
• Light weight doors                        
• Well positioned displays
• Easily accessible form dispensers

Hearing impaired

Loop induction system and tester

• Means of taking and exchanging written notes
• Audio-visual fire alarms

Visually impaired

• Spoken announcements
• Strong colour contrast on physical features (i.e. counter edge)
• Uncluttered aisles and floorspace
• Magnifiers

Arthritis impaired

Easy to use intercom

• Portable ramp                                                           
• Easy-grip pens                                                             

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

• If you have not yet complied to DDA or even considered it, here are 3 very good reasons why you should:
• Disabled and older people represent around 20 percent of the UK population. By not accommodating them, you will limit yourself to a smaller and smaller customer base as time goes on and the population grows older and more disabled.
• At a conservative estimate, this customer group represents £80 billion a year in spending power that non-compliant organisations are missing out on.
• Penalties for non-compliance can result in heavy compensation claims. Many thousands of claims for 'injury to feelings' have already been upheld in court. Since DDA compliance became compulsory in October 2004, the number and size of fines have increased.