Correct position...

FURTHER to the recent correspondence in the Gazette regarding access to premises for disabled people and wheelchair users, it may be of interest for your readers to know the correct position regarding this subject.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th May 2012, 09:25 BST

The Equality Act, 2010, and the numerous Disability Discrimination Acts dating back to 1995, all laid down a legal requirement for providers of goods and services to make reasonable adjustments to enable all disabled people to access their businesses and services. Failure to do so is illegal and considered to be discrimination.

The duty is of a pro-active nature, and any business or organisation failing to provide such access can be taken court by any person who has been discriminated against by such a failure to make the goods or services accessible. Awards of up to £5,000 are not unusual.

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The Equality and Human Rights Commission publishes codes of practice and guides, with practical examples, for providers and consumers. Its telephone number is 0845 604 6610.

The description “reasonable adjustment” is a matter of judgement for a court but generally it is in the interests of all business and service providers to take measures to ensure full accessibility.

As indicated by your editor’s note (Gazette letters, April 26), the provision of a wheelchair ramp can be considered one such reasonable adjustment. However as all disabilities have to be catered for, hearing loops and extra assistance for people with sight disabilities and those with learning disabilities should be considered.

Our local area is somewhat unique, with Arun District Council among only a few district councils in the UK that do not employ a dedicated access officer. Consequently, premises in Arun are often well below the standards legally required and indeed found elsewhere.

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Arun Access Group was established by volunteers about 18 months ago with the aim of improving access to venues and services throughout Arun, including Littlehampton. We provide premises surveys, advice and disability awareness training to businesses and others. Our web site is www.arunaccessgroup.org.uk

Anyone who wants to be actively involved in our group is welcome to come along to one of our meetings. Our next meeting is at 10am on Thursday, May 24, at Dove Lodge, 49 Beach Road, Littlehampton.

Any business wishing to know more about our surveys or training should contact us by e-mail at [email protected]

Mike Dunne, chairman, Arun Access Group

Dove Lodge

Beach Road

Littlehampton

Related topics:Arun District Council