Equal Access for All

On 1 October 2004, the final stage of the Disability Discrimination Act (“the DDA”) became law.

For some time now it has been unlawful for employers to discriminate without justification against a disabled employee or job applicants. There is also a positive duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments to assist disabled employees and job applicants.

Similarly, for some time, it has been unlawful for anybody who provides goods, services or facilities to the public (“a Service Provider”) to discriminate against disabled customers (eg. by refusing service in a shop). Service Providers also have, to a limited extent, been required to make reasonable adjustments to assist their disabled customers (eg. a restaurant offering, say, a Braille menu).

Now, for the first time, Service Providers are also required to make reasonable adjustments to their physical premises and facilities to overcome any physical obstacles that may exist which would otherwise prevent a disabled person freely accessing their services (eg. a step or kerb preventing wheelchair access to a shop).

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