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 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.

Areas you might consider include 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 minimum requirement, you need to provide auxiliary aids that ensure your services can be accessed by disabled people. Click on the disability groups below for examples:

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 testing.

• 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 (ie counter edge)
• uncluttered aisles and floorspace
• magnifiers

Athritis impaired
Easy to use intercom

• portable ramp
• easy-grip pens

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