Is Your Business Ready for the Disability Discrimination Act?

It has been feared that businesses will face difficulties in dealing with the new requirements for the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) coming into force on 1 October. However, survey results released today from Thomas Eggar, South East law firm, reveal that 84 per cent of businesses in the UK are prepared for the new DDA.

By October 2004 all service providers will have to make reasonable modifications for disabled people, such as providing extra help or making changes in the way they provide services.

Peter Busby, Partner at Thomas Eggar, comments: ìIt is very positive that businesses are taking note of this new legislation, but they must ensure full support mechanisms are in place, not just the obvious fixtures and fittings.î

The fundamental issue is the definition of disability itself. Disability is not simply about wheelchairs. It encompasses any mental or physical impairment that has an adverse effect on an individualís ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. The effect must be substantial and long term, and therefore would not apply to short term illnesses such as the common cold.

Disability is a wide-ranging issue and important considerations to be taken into account by businesses are:

Mobility
Manual dexterity
Physical co-ordination
Continence
The ability to lift, or carry
Impairment of speech, hearing or eyesight
Memory and the ability to concentrate
Understanding of the risk of physical danger
Peter continues: ìA major issue for many businesses is that if they do treat those who are disabled less favourably ñ remembering the wide-ranging definition of disability ñ then they will inevitably face claims in the civil courts.î

If you believe you have been discriminated against, or would like to seek advice on how to avoid acting inappropriately, please contact Peter Busby on 0845 275 7777 or visit