The Disability Discrimination Act
Many people believe increasing accessibility and compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 will be expensive and disruptive, this is not the case. Although some solutions to your barriers to accessibility may require some expenditure, you will be able to address many issues at low or even no cost. If you address the low cost issues quickly you may be able to incorporate the more expensive changes into your current maintenance or refurbishment plans. This will enable you to complete the work using a step by step approach and in the most cost effective way possible.
Spencer Bales Consultants Ltd (SBC) conducts extensive access audits nationwide. All audits are conducted in a highly professional and considerate manner. An SBC audit assesses 23 separate areas of your accommodation, from the approach to your premises to the way in which you provide your marketing information.
SBC assesses accessibility for all aspects of disability:
- Physical disabilities
- Hearing and vision impairments
- Psychological impairments
- Learning difficulties
Any identified barriers to accessibility are accompanied by only the most practical and cost effective solutions available. SBC provides positive and prioritised recommendations empowering you to develop and implement your own accessibility strategy for your business.Top Tip:
If you are concerned that your reception area may not be as accessible as it should be, simply provide a clipboard, paper and an assortment of pens for someone with a mobility or dexterity impairment. Then install accessible reception furniture when you next refurbish this particular area.
With over 11 million disabled people in the UK increasing your accessibility will also open up your doors to a new and potentially huge market. Don’t forget accessible services also benefit older people and parents with young children.
If you would like further information regarding your responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 or how an Access Audit conducted by SBC will benefit your business then please call 0845 838 1903