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Disability
Discrimination Act
Organisations and business have to comply
with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. If they are not willing
to comply and make their services more accessible to people with a
disability they are now liable to prosecution and that damages in
respect of discrimination in a way which is unlawful under this Act
may include compensation for injury to feelings whether or not they
include compensation under any other heading.
Do you know how the DDA affects you?
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, it is unlawful to
treat a customer with a disability less favourably than you would
treat customers with no disability.
By offering a lower standard of service or
providing a service in a worse manner.
By providing a service on worse terms..
By not making a reasonable adjustment, if this is necessary to
enable the person with a disability to fully use the service.
Do you know about 1st October 2004?
From 1 October 2004, where a physical feature makes it impossible or
unreasonably difficult for disabled people to make use of services,
a service provider will have had to take reasonable steps to: remove
the feature; or alter it so that it no longer has that effect; or
provide a reasonable means of avoiding it; or provide a reasonable
alternative method of making the services available.
Do you know about Access Audits?
An access audit is a way of assessing an existing building, or
proposals for a new building, against some pre-defined criteria, so
that it provides access for everyone, including those with
disabilities. It describes the liability of the organisation under
Part II and III of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995). The
assessment of a building is known as an 'Access Audit'. The
additional, detailed recommendations and costing form part of an
'Access Consultancy'.
Do you know who in an organisation is affected?
All those involved in providing services are affected - from the
most senior director or manager to the most junior employee, whether
full or part-time, permanent or temporary. It does not matter
whether the services in question are being provided by a sole
trader, firm, company or other organisation, or whether the person
involved in providing the services is self-employed or an employee,
volunteer, contractor or agent.
Do you know about Web Site Access?
Companies running websites that throw up barriers to users with
disabilities could soon receive a startling reminder of their
responsibilities - in the form of a lawsuit demanding they defend
their designs in court. The requirement for companies to have
accessible websites has been enshrined in UK law since 1995, as part
of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). But the law has
received little attention - until now, as a number of individuals
prepare to launch legal action against websites that they claim
flout the law.
Do you know about Awareness and Training?
Probably the biggest challenge to compliance is staff awareness.
This can only be fully address by the implementation of a tailored
training policy. Awareness and training courses are supplied in all
disciplines and are bespoke to each organisation.
Do you know about Signage?
Research shows that poor signage is the largest cause of stress to
customers. Clear and concise signage reflects in both the brand
image and customer satisfaction. With the growing shift in
demographics towards a more elderly population it is a natural
assumption that visual impairment is on the increase.
Do you know about Care Packs?
Care packs are been designed to address the needs of both motor
skills impaired and visually impaired customers. 9 million people in
the UK suffer problems that make difficult reading (and completing)
forms and literature. The Care packs have been designed to aid both
motor skills impaired and visually impaired complete everyday tasks.
Do you know about Easy Drop Counter Solutions?
If you have a high level counter, or point of sale area, then this
is an area which is going to be very expensive to address without
applying the practical solution of a drop down counter attachment.
Attractively designed and with an upright storage facility it is
easy to use with an ergonomic, cantilevered mechanism. It achieves
independence for the user.
Do you know about Portable Ramps?
Easy to use, lightweight, non corrosive. is an ideal solution for
organisations who will not have the resources to make major physical
adjustments to achieve compliance. The Disability Rights
Commission has recently stated that the use of a portable ramp and
an intercom system is a reasonable measure for a small business to
take to aid accessibility into their premises.
Do you know about Intercoms?
The use of an intercom system, together with a portable ramp, may be
a viable solution for a smaller organisation or business to aid
accessibility where the removal of physical features is not
achievable. This could be due to planning restrictions, or perhaps
the building which houses the business has listed or historical
interest status.
Do you know about Communication Devices?
Portable induction desk loop systems, induction loops and infrared
systems useful in a variety of situations. suitable for one-to-one
communication with someone wearing a hearing aid with a 'T' facility
and ideal for providing compliance without major upheaval or
expense. Systems are most often used in venues such as hospitals,
theatres, cinemas, places of worship. You will also find them in
airports, shopping centres and bus and train stations. The size and
purpose of the venue may influence the type of system. Counter loops
are useful for bank or ticket office windows where there is a glass
screen between
staff and customers.
PRISON SERVICE FINED £420,000 UNDER DDA RULING RELATING TO
WORKPLACE STRESS
PLYMOUTH RETAILER FINED £17,500 IN
BENCHMARK DDA CASE RELATING TO ASTHMATIC EMPLOYEE
PUB LANDLORD FINED £4,000 FOR NOT ADMITTING GUIDE DOG AND OWNER
RESTAURANT IN BRADFORD FINED £2,500 FOR 'UGLY' JIBE AT FACIALLY
DISFIGURED CUSTOMER
AIRPORT WORKER AWARDED £22,500 AGAINST EMPLOYER WHO FAILED TO
ADJUST WORKING PRACTICE
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