DDA - Access to Goods, Services and Facilities 

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Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) gives Disabled People important rights of access to everyday services.  The services included are those provided by local councils, doctors' surgeries, shops, hotels, banks, pubs, theatres, places of worship, courts, and voluntary groups such as play groups.  Non-educational activities provided by schools would also be included. Service providers must make "reasonable adjustments" to enable access for Disabled People.

In April 2005, a new Disability Discrimination Act was passed by Parliament which amends or extends existing provisions in the DDA 1995.  Some of the new laws came into force in December 2005, and some in December 2006.

Making 'reasonable adjustments' means: -

  • changing any practice, which makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for Disabled People to use a service (e.g. waiving a no dogs policy for customers who are blind accompanied by their guide dog);

  • providing an aid or service which would enable Disabled People to use a service (for example, providing a British Sign Language interpreter and hearing loops at a public meeting where hearing impaired people will be present);

  • overcoming physical barriers by providing services by alternative methods, or adapting the premises to improve accessibility.  These will include altering steps or narrow doorways, that prevent, or make it unreasonably difficult for Disabled People to access their services.

Buying and renting property

Under the DDA it is unlawful for landlords and other persons connected with the selling, letting and managing of premises to treat Disabled People less favourably for a reason related to their impairment, unless they can show that the treatment is justified.

In April 2005, a new Disability Discrimination Act was passed which amends or extends existing provisions in the DDA 1995. This includes, for example, making it easier for Disabled People to rent property and for tenants to make adaptations they need.

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has produced a Code of Practice which covers how service providers should comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

DRC Code of Practice,