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| “ACCESS
AWARE” FOR THE DISABLED UNDER
The Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in employment in the provision of goods and services. Part III of the Act prohibits discrimination against disabled people in the provision of goods, facilities, services and premises, whether charged for or free. This includes services provided by public authorities, charities, professional bodies, private agencies or individuals. Goods and Services provision applies to ALL organisations, however small. How long before implementation? From 1st October 2004 Services Providers have to make “reasonable adjustments” to the physical features of their premises ie. physical barriers removed regarding access, to ensure the disabled are not to be discriminated against; being in compliance with The Disability Discrimination (Providers of Services) (Adjustment of Premises) Regulation 2001. Statutory Instrument 2001 No.3253. This means satisfying the requirements under Part M 1999 Edition of the Building Regulations 1991 or latest edition in force at the time for new premises and modify existing, so thereafter they continue to substantially meet those requirements. What if someone claims disability discrimination? If a disabled person feels wrongly excluded from provision of goods or services, they have recourse through the Courts and can claim damages, not only financial loss, but also injury to feelings; being no set limit to the latter that can be awarded. The Courts can be expected to take account of the fact that organisations will have had eight years notice to meet their obligations by 1st October 2004 under the Act. How to avoid physical access disability discrimination? Firstly
undertaking a Disability Discrimination Act 1995 ‘Audit/Cost Exercise’ Where
can you seek advice and remedy the situation on access discrimination? Current Disability Discrimination Act works in progress with the West Hertfordshire and East and North Hertfordshire N.H.S. Trusts, which covers some two hundred and fifty buildings. The company has accreditation to professional/industrial standards being registered ‘Quality Assurance’ under BS: 575 ISO. 9001. The professional organisation having the requisite technical qualifications for senior management/personnel, including the Principle Surveyor being a member of B.I.A.T. and A.C.I.O.B. who has also undergone certified safety training under C.D.M. Regulations 1994 during the last three years, together with full team support. What approach is recommended to be access compliant under the Act? STAGE 1 Premises Surveyed using a Disability Audit to assess the premises status under the Disability Discrimination Act 1999 (being fully compliant with BS:8300:2001 Code of practice). Scope: This document will be presented on computer CD disc format using Microsoft Excel 2000. STAGE 2 Initial
Cost Appraisal of Disability Audit under the Act. (i) Outline action summary for the “Scope of Works” as identified under the Audit Sections A to G above which is focused on Section M of Building Regulations (1999 Edition) or latest edition in force at the time; and incorporating the proposals under BS:8300:2001 “Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people – Code of Practice”. (ii) Plan(s) of Building (iii) The Budget Cost Analysis Document lists all necessary access items required giving their priority and respective budget costs with overall grand total. This document will be presented in two bound hard copies together with computer CD disc format in Microsoft Excel 2000. STAGE 3 Removal of physical barriers to premises:- ·
Going out to ‘Competitive Tender.’ Where to find us:
Tel
No: 01992 763333 |
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Tony F. Lamberti, Building Services Director |
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Allan
G. Laing, Health & Safety Specialist |
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Blyth
& Blyth Consulting Tel
No: 0131 317 7337 |