Croner advising UK businesses to act now to meet looming DDA deadline

Croner, one of the UK’s leading providers of business information and advice, is launching a new software audit tool to support its comprehensive loose-leaf guide designed to help businesses comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

With the new requirements coming into force in less than two months, Croner believes UK businesses cannot afford to be complacent if they want to be compliant by the October deadline.

The new law will require service providers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure their premises are accessible to those with physical, sensory or mental disability which seriously affects their day-to-day activities. Around 8.6 million people, or one in seven members of the UK population, fall into this category.

To help UK businesses comply with its requirements as quickly and easily as possible, Croner is adding a new dimension to a product which is already proving to be highly successful.

Access and Inclusion - A Management System incorporates additional audit software from Norton Waugh, which enables users to easily identify areas of non-compliance and prioritise any areas requiring immediate attention.

The new software can also generate illustrated reports for presentation to Management, in order to raise awareness of the issues and secure funding for the work required to meet a company’s obligations.

Concerns have been expressed that the new law will require businesses to make significant and costly alterations to their premises to achieve compliance. Research conducted last year by Croner found that forty-two per cent of health and safety professionals polled think achieving compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act would be a financial strain on their organisation. Twenty-nine per cent of those polled were unsure of the financial impact of changes to the Act, signifying many organisations were unprepared.

Sally Wilson, product development manager for Access and Inclusion - A Management System said, Our research suggested that, one year ahead of the deadline, a significant proportion of UK businesses hadn’t done much, if anything at all, to examine how the new requirements were going to impact on them.

Judging from the calls we’re continuing to receive on our Business Support Helplines, there are still many companies who haven’t properly begun to take the necessary steps - and time is quickly running out for them to do so.

If they don’t, they risk prosecution, fines, legal costs and discrimination claims when the changes come into force. Not only could these costs outweigh the potential costs of achieving compliance, they could also significantly damage a company’s reputation and business.

The Disability Discrimination Act covers building design and construction, building approach and exit, as well as public places, such as footpaths and parks. Printed materials, such as company brochures or menus may also need to be available in Braille and audio formats, and websites should be suitable for disabled users.

Access and Inclusion - A Management System contains a loose-leaf guide offering practical advice to facilities and premises managers across all public and private industry sectors regarding access audits and making the required adjustments to the physical features of their premises to ensure access for those with disabilities.

It includes a legislative overview, management advice on compliance and inclusive design, plus records and procedures providing assistance in developing a disability access statement and policy.

Users also receive practical advice on carrying out access audits, which are essential in identifying barriers for disabled people.

Sally continues: Access and Inclusion does more than just explain the law - it actually shows organisations how to comply, using industry specific examples and practical advice. It will ensure organisations make the necessary changes at the lowest cost and is the only reference tool they need to achieve legal compliance.

The combined loose-leaf and software package for Access and Inclusion - A Management System is available now and costs 296 plus VAT and 2.50 postage and packaging.

For more information call 020 82471633, email: wilsons@croner.co.uk, or visit