The Disability Discrimination Act

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was first introduced in 1996. Since then, the requirements of the Act have been gradually changing:

Since December 1996 - It is unlawful for service providers to treat disabled people less favourably because of their disability

Since 1st October 1999 - Service providers have to make 'reasonable adjustments' for disabled people, such as providing additional help or making changes to the way they provide their services

Since 1st October 2004 - Service providers have to make 'reasonable adjustments' to their premises, to overcome physical barriers to access. Examples include changing the height of door handles or installing ramps or platform lifts

Equality and Human Rights Commission

In October 2007, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) merged into the new Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society. It brings together the objectives of the three groups, including:

• Eliminate discrimination against disabled people.
• Promote equal opportunities for disabled people.
• Encourage good practice in the treatment of people with disabilities.
• To advise the Government on disability legislation.

The CAE

The Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) is the leading authority in the field of inclusive design in the built environment. It works with providers and users of access products, to ensure that buildings and services provide equality and access for all.

Find Out More

View our disabled lift range

For more information about the Equality and Human Rights Commission visit www.equalityhumanrights.com

To learn more about the CAE, visit www.cae.org.uk

Public services all in one place www.direct.gov.uk/disabledpeople and for specific DDA information visit this page

Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) - www.dlf.org.uk

Association for Spinal Injury Research & Rehabilitation & Reintegration (ASPIRE) - www.aspire.org.uk

Alternatively, sign up to receive our ezine, Stepping Out for news on disabled access. Here you can read about the DDA, its effects and how you can ensure you are up to date with current legislation.