WHAT IS THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT (DDA)? The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 introduced new laws aimed at ending the discrimination that many disabled people face. The Act gave disabled people new rights of access to goods, facilities and services. Since December 1996 it has been unlawful for companies or “service providers” to treat disabled people less favourably than other people for a reason related to their disability. Now, from 1 October 2004, service providers also have to consider making reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access. FOR MORE INFROMATION ON THE Disability Discrimination Act 1995 click here

WHO HAS RIGHTS UNDER THE ACT? The Act protects a wide range of people with sensory, mental or physical disabilities. This includes people who use wheelchairs, blind and partially sighted people, deaf people, people with arthritis and people with longterm illnesses or learning disabilities. DOES IT AFFECT MY BUSINESS? The answer is “Yes”. Virtually every business in the UK is affected. There are no exemptions for companies on the basis of their size, no matter how large or small. Some typical examples of businesses affected would be shops, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers, dry cleaners, opticians, high street solicitors, independent cinemas and garages - though, of course, this is by no means a complete list. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY? A disabled person may bring civil proceedings and could be awarded compensation for any financial loss, including injury to feelings.