DDA Compliance

The Disability Discrimination Act - Understanding the Legalities

In 1995, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) made it mandatory for all establishments and service providers that are open to the public to take reasonable steps provide access for disabled people.

Specifically, the Act states:

Where a physical feature (for example, one arising from the design or construction of a building or the approach or access to premises) makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled persons to make use of such a service, it is the duty of the provider of that service to take such steps as it is reasonable, in all the circumstances of the case, for him to have to take in order to :-

• Remove the feature;
• Alter it so that it no longer has that effect;
• Provide a reasonable means of avoiding the feature; or
• Provide a reasonable alternative method of making the service in question available to disabled persons

Service providers included in the scope of the DDA include banks, shops, hotels, offices, schools, cinemas and theatres for example.

Service providers have a duty to provide auxiliary aids or services (such as wheelchair ramps) which will enable disabled people to use their services or access their premises. In many cases, it is not feasible to install a permanent ‘fixed’ ramp, which is where our portable wheelchair ramps can assist you meet the requirements of the DDA and show the appropriate care and respect for the requirements of disabled people