The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

Over 70 per cent of disabled people currently find it difficult to access shops or use services on offer

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), as updated on 1st October 2004, has a direct affect on every business, employer and service provider in the country.  The DDA has been designed to give disabled people new rights in employment, and access to goods, facilities and services.
The Act applies to:

• All organisations that provide goods, facilities or services to the public
• Whether paid or for free
• Irrespective of the size of premises or number of employees

Since 1st October 2004 all employers have certain duties to ensure that disabled people are not discriminated against. One of the duties is to ensure that disabled people are not treated less favourably than others for any reason relating to their disability unless this can be justified.

Service providers are required to make various alterations to enable disabled people to access and use services as easily as everyone else. Such alterations could be:

• Improvements to the physical structure of buildings
• Adapting interiors
• Removing physical barriers
• Providing an alternative easily accessible service

The law applies, to all service providersIndividuals can now take legal steps against organisations that discriminate. Additionally, the Disability Rights Commission itself may choose to take legal action in extreme cases of discrimination.

ADT’s Fire and Security SolutionsWe can offer you solutions that are designed to address requirements of the DDA whilst not compromising the effectiveness of your fire and security systems.

Access Control SystemsDifferent kinds of access control system will impact upon disabled people in different ways. ADT developed a range of access control systems that comply with the DDA.

Hands-free reader with ID authority
One of the preferred options that satisfy needs of the DDA and employs hands-free readers, which require no further physical action other than that of proceeding to the access point whilst carrying an authorised tag. These readers are highly recommended for medium to high security access points.

Optical turnstiles
A superior alternative to the traditional turnstiles – optical turnstiles, use infrared beams to control the entry of people. Optical turnstiles usually have both, visual and audible indictors. As well as speed of access, the main advantages of include ease of access and no discrimination (one point of entry for all).

Hotel/commercial locking systems
To comply with the Act, it is recommended to employ a lock that uses the DDA friendly round ‘return to door’ handle. With this type of handle, users with limited physical dexterity can more easily operate the handle. This type of access control can incorporate a contact-less proximity reader for ease of use.
DDA friendly egress devices
The user is allowed to gain egress either by no action or by a method which is easier to operate for those with limited dexterity control. Hands-free method would be by long range reader – allowing the access system to log entry and exit events. Alternatively, egress can be control by beam or volumetric device.

Power operated (automatic) doors
The British Standard on Compliance with the DDA (BS 8300:2001) supports the use of automatic door operators controlled, for example, by a motion sensor or a hands-free proximity reader.

Fire Alarm Systems - The fire alarms systems also have to be adapted to fit the requirements of the DDA. The fire risk assessment should make allowance for disabled employees and visitors and consider the methods of alerting deaf people in the event of fire. ADT recommends visual alarm systems and tactical devices.

Visual alarm systems and tactical devices
BS5839 makes reference to tactile devices such as radio alarm systems that are ideal for people working in isolation or for deaf people.   The system consists of two parts – a transmitter linked into the fire alarm control panel and a receiver which is a vibrating pager. When the fire alarm is activated, it automatically and immediately switches on the radio transmitter that sends a digitally encoded radio signal to each alerter in the building. The alerter vibrates and displays the text fire message.
Radio based integrated systems consists of a radio transmitter and a portable receiver.

Aspects of the transmitter

• Automatically activated by the fire alarm system
• Transmission continues until reset by the fire control panel

Aspects of the receiver

• Vibration intensity should attract attention
• Portable device must be capable of giving a visual and tactile signal
• Equipment should be licensed with the Radio Communications Agency
• An alarm should show within 5 seconds of the fire alarm system activating
• Should differentiate between fire and general messaging signals
• Fire signals must take priority
• The design should prevent the device being accidentally turned off
• Must have low battery monitoring

Flashing lights, beacons and strobes are referred to as visual alarm signals.  Only useful when they can be seen

• Likely areas to be covered include workstations, canteens, toilets and meeting rooms
• Must be monitored
• Can require a lot of loop power
• Consider people with photosensitive epilepsy
• May be disorientating in smoke filled areas
• Ineffective when people are asleep

Public Address/Voice Alarm Systems and Disabled refuge alarm systemsPA/VA systems enable audible communication of instruction in the even of emergency. While disabled refuge alarm systems are designed for use in allocated ‘safe areas’ and can be used for communication when assistance is required.

Induction LoopInduction loops are designed to help people who have hearing difficulties.

DisclaimerThis information is given as a general guide only.  It is not intended to contain definitive legal advice.  Professional legal advice should be sought as appropriate in relation to a particular matter.