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 0345 8910 326 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
Signs and documents in large/clear print
- 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.
Act now!
Courts will take into account preparations, planning and
changes made by service providers when considering if they have met
their legal obligations.
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