The DDA – Are You Aware? John Johnston of MCA Consultancy
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 Unlawful to discriminate against disabled persons in connection with: Employment Provision of goods, facilities or services Disposal or management of premises Employment of disabled persons Establishment of a National Disability Council (DRC)
The DDA Part 1Disability Part 2Employment Part 3Discrimination in other Areas Part 4Education (SENDA) Part 5Public Transport Part 6National Disability Council Part 7Supplemental Part 8Miscellaneous
What counts as a disability according to the law? A mental or physical impairment Adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities Adverse effect is substantial Adverse effect is long-term (has lasted for 12 months, or is likely to last for more than 12 months or for the rest of your life)
Types of Discrimination Direct discrimination Failure to make reasonable adjustments Disability related discrimination Victimisation
Reasonable Adjustments Remove the feature Alter the feature Avoid the feature Alternative means
Reasonable Adjustments Effectiveness Practicality Cost Disruption Employers financial/other resources Amount already spent Availability of grants
Disability Awareness Common Statements “We don’t get disabled people in here” “But we have a disabled toilet” Auditor – “Do you have an induction loop?” Client – “Eh?” or “I don’t know how to work it” “We have a ramp, do we comply?”
Disability Awareness Environment Communication Don’t stereotype – sub-normal, burden, pitiable, sinister (Captain Hook), ridicule (Mr Magoo) Publicity and information
Where to Start? Access audit –Site visit –Examination of existing premises, policies and procedures –Report –Prioritised action plan
Audit = Compliance? No! ‘Snap-shot’ Access audit is advice on improvements Step in the right direction
Summary Full weight of the law – 100% success rate Types of discrimination Reasonable adjustments Disability awareness Disability access audit
The DDA – Are You Aware? Questions?