About the DDA

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 1^st 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 providers.

Individuals 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.

This 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.