Public Transport & Trips To Places of Interest...

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is being implemented over 25 years. In December 1998, the first phase of public transport rights was introduced and stated that all new trains and trams had to comply with accessibility regulations. This resulted in the implementation of audio & visual information systems, wheelchair accommodation and accessible toilets.

The second phase was implemented in December 2000 and stated that all new public transport buses and coaches must be accessible to disabled people. By 2017, every single public transport bus will be equipped to cater for disabled people and by 2020 all public coaches will be fully accessible as well. Although 2020 seems a long way off, progress is constant.

2020 is a very important year in the DDA timeline, as it sees all elements of the act in full force. From access into buildings to employment rights, from education to travel, any person with any type of disability should not face discrimination in any way, shape or form.

Travelling around and visiting different areas of the UK is made a lot easier for wheelchair uses since Part 3 of the DDA came into effect in 2004. This informed providers of goods, facilities and services that they had to remove, alter or find a way around any physical feature that made it hard for disabled people to use its services.

In the words of the act, "a company faces prosecution if their premises are inaccessible to people with disabilities. Companies must take reasonable steps to ensure that as many disabled people as possible have full access to goods, services and places of interest."

Some changes to your company's premises are necessary in order to comply with the DDA. For example, the introduction of a ramp for easy access into a building and the installation of a platform lift for getting around easily when inside it.

However, there are some small changes that can make a huge difference to wheelchair users that may be sightseeing and visiting places of interest, such as museums, galleries and historical buildings, or shopping in or around your area. These changes include:

• Removing any obstructions outside a building that may force the person to move around and possibly into the road to avoid.
• A brightly coloured doorway. This helps the person locate the entrance if they have impaired vision.
• Lowering the handle on the door for easy access in and out of a building. Or better still, replace the existing doors with automatic ones.
• Clear signage helps the people that are lower down clearly see different departments or areas of a building.
• Wide aisles and larger areas allow the wheelchair users better manoeuvrability when in busy or popular venues.
• Applying a type of flooring that won't restrict a wheelchair user.
• Guides and tours for people with learning disabilities.
• Staff training to raise awareness of people's different requirements.
• Include information on your website that details the building's accessibility, any special equipment that is available, alongside travel and parking information.

Simple but hugely effective changes give wheelchair users more confidence to travel about easily, safely and with more comfort.

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