The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) was passed in 1995 and requires that those responsible for all "public" and most "private buildings" must make reasonable provision, with regard to access to their premises, for people who have a disability or special need.

The Act has three stages of compliance and by October 2004 physical barriers to access must be removed.

In April 2000 the government established the Disability Rights Commission to respond to issues relating to the Act. In particular the commission will assist disabled groups and individuals to take action against anyone who has a building that does not comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

What types of Barrier to the Disabled need to be removed in a building?

Section 21.2 of the Disability Discrimination Act states that:

"Where a physical feature makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for a disabled person to make use of a service or building, it is the duty of the provider of that service to take such steps that are reasonable to remedy the situation"

• Remove the feature

• Alter it so that it no longer has that effect

• Provide a reasonable alternative method of making the service available to anyone with mobility or disability access requirements

What am I actually required to do?

In order to make it possible for disabled people to use your services you may be required to:

take reasonable steps to change your practices, policies or procedures with regard to making your services available to disabled people.

Why can't I deal with any problems as and when they arise?

Because you must plan ahead to meet the requirements of your disabled customers.

Very few disabled people use our services, so is adapting my premises really necessary?

There are almost 9 million people in the UK with a current disability covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Of these, 2.75 million have a significant hearing impairment and 2 million have a significant visual impairment. Some people have more than one disability and some have disabilities that cannot be easily recognised. Any adjustments you make for people with disabilities will benefit all your customers and your staff as one in four customers has a disability or is close to someone who has a disability. You will also avoid the threat of legal action against your business.

What happens if I fail to make reasonable adjustments?

You may have a claim made against your business if your service is unreasonably difficult to access.

For further information on Mobility & Disabled Access or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995:

Call MDA Now on 0800 083 4425