What is the DDA?

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed in 1995 to introduce new measures aimed at ending the discrimination that many disabled people face.

The DDA covers the following:
Employment
Access to goods
Facilities and services
The management, buying or renting of land
of property
Educational establishments

Many of its measures have already become law. It is aimed at ensuring that disabled people are not discriminated against terms of the way services are offered.
Under Part 3 of the Act, from October 2004 service providers will have to ensure that the physical features of their premises do not create barriers to access.

How will it effect my business

The DDA and the DSE will effect your business, the way you deal with customers, your staff and your general working environment in a number of different ways.

The DDA is forcussed on accessibility. If you provide a service, then your premises must be accessible to the disabled. The DSE staff operating or accessing computer terminals, work to ensure that they are following correct safety guidelines.

As such, you may have to make physical alterations to your premises and change your working policies to ensure that you meet the requirements of this legislation.

DDA and DSE

By October 2004, all businesses that provide services will have to comply with the new requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The Act aims to ensure that no disabled person is discriminated against when using or accessing any of the services offered by businesses.