Diability Rights

Expanding Access for Disabled Employees

Disability rights legislation in Northern Ireland is to be brought into line with changes similar to those already announced for Great Britain. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) comes into force here from October. That gives you just six months to get your house in order! What it means is that no employer can treat a disabled employee or job applicant ‘less favourably’ because of his or her disability, without very good reason. Service providers also have responsibilities under the Act. They will have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in order to allow disabled customers to gain access to goods or make use of facilities or services. It applies to everyone and it makes no difference whether you own your premises or lease them from someone else. The duty to make adjustments is on the service provider and not the landlord.

For instance, shops and offices may have to increase the width of aisles to allow wheelchair access, or provide personal shoppers for customers with mobility difficulties. Where possible disabled customers should be able to obtain goods and services in just the same way as other customers. Separate entrances, counters, till aisles and toilet facilities should be avoided where possible.

How to prepare

Carry out an access audit assessment now.
Consult with existing disabled customers to identify the greatest barriers to access. Find out how disabled customers would like goods and services to be provided.
Consider all disabilities such as sight impairments, hearing impairments, physical/mobility impairments, mental ill health, learning disabilities and hidden disabilities such as epilepsy or diabetes.
Don’t wait until a disabled person turns up and cannot use your service. You are expected to anticipate that you will have disabled customers and to plan ahead.
Review your employment procedures to ensure they don’t contravene the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

If you are in any doubt about what is required under the Act please contact the Equality Commission. They can provide guidance and information booklets to businesses regarding their responsibilities as service providers and employers under this law. They can be contacted by telephone on 028 9050 0600 or by e-mail: information@equalityni.org or check out their web site at www.equalityni.org.

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			Diability Rights Expanding Access for Disabled Employees Disability rights legislation in Northern Ireland is to be brought into line with changes similar to those already announced for Great Britain. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) comes into force here from October. That gives you just six months to get your house in order! What it means is that no employer can treat a disabled employee or job applicant ‘less favourably’ because of his or her disability, without very good reason. Service providers also have responsibilities under the Act. They will have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in order to allow disabled customers to gain access to goods or make use of facilities or services. It applies to everyone and it makes no difference whether you own your premises or lease them from someone else. The duty to make adjustments is on the service provider and not the landlord. For instance, shops and offices may have to increase the width of aisles to allow wheelchair access, or provide personal shoppers for customers with mobility difficulties. Where possible disabled customers should be able to obtain goods and services in just the same way as other customers. Separate entrances, counters, till aisles and toilet facilities should be avoided where possible. How to prepare Carry out an access audit assessment now. Consult with existing disabled customers to identify the greatest barriers to access. Find out how disabled customers would like goods and services to be provided. Consider all disabilities such as sight impairments, hearing impairments, physical/mobility impairments, mental ill health, learning disabilities and hidden disabilities such as epilepsy or diabetes. Don’t wait until a disabled person turns up and cannot use your service. You are expected to anticipate that you will have disabled customers and to plan ahead. Review your employment procedures to ensure they don’t contravene the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. If you are in any doubt about what is required under the Act please contact the Equality Commission. They can provide guidance and information booklets to businesses regarding their responsibilities as service providers and employers under this law. They can be contacted by telephone on 028 9050 0600 or by e-mail: information@equalityni.org or check out their web site at www.equalityni.org. ^Top

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