Otis Calls For More Clarity In The Impact Of The DDA

Otis, our parent company and the worlds leading lift and escalator manufacturer, has recently announced the results of a nationwide customer survey on awareness of the implications of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Otis surveyed a cross section of customers involved in the building maintenance management sectors. Over 120 responses were received. The results show widespread confusion as to the impact of the DDA. More than half of the respondents (54%) did not think that they understood the full implications of the legislation. 86% of those surveyed also felt that the Government had not provided the industry with enough information on the potential impact of the DDA. The legislation looks set to have a serious impact on all building owners and managers. In basic terms, the act makes it illegal for service providers to discriminate against others on the grounds of disability.

Owners and managers must act fairly to all and make reasonable provisions to allow access to not only public areas, but also the work environment. It would be wrong to deny access to certain parts of a centre on the basis of disability, just as if you operate a business it would be wrong to deny employment because the prospective candidate could not access the building in its current state.

Derek Smith, Technical Sales Support Director at Otis commented, "We carried out this research because of the major consequences this new legislation could have for so many of our customers. It is very worrying that such a high proportion of responses indicate concern about the level of information that has been made available."

Derrick Beck, our General Manager, says of the survey, "Movement Management is committed to working in partnership with its customers and is making its experts available to provide consultation and advice to those that need it."

For more information on how the DDA could affect your business, please contact us via this website.

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