DDA compliance

Access for the disabled

The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 places duties on those providing goods, facilities or services to the public or those selling, letting or managing premises.

Service providers

Service providers have a duty not to discriminate against disabled people and from October 2004, have to take all reasonable steps to remove, alter or avoid physical barriers that make it unreasonably difficult or impossible for disabled people to access their services. This is not just a moral responsibility, it is now the law. From 1st October 2004, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) will require you to make any necessary physical alterations to your premises to overcome barriers to access for disabled people. You will need to start planning now for any alterations that need to be made.

These may be the sort of alterations you will have to consider:

• Toilet facilities for the disabled
• Installation of ramps or the widening of doors to allow wheelchair access
• Relocation of light switches, door handles or shelves
• Adjustment of lighting or appropriate contrasts in décor for people with impaired vision
• Induction loops

In addition to the above, we also have the resources to successfully offer other services, such as:

• Level access showers
• Oval bath showers
• Stair lifts
• Door entry systems
• Lever taps to bathroom basins, baths and sinks
• Grab rails
• Handrails
• Silent door bell
• Banisters on stairs
• Drop kerbs for wheelchair users