Why Businesses Need to Understand the Disability Discrimination Act

One of the main services my company offers is that of “Access Auditing” for all manners of organisations be them small, medium, large or public/private sector and it always amazes me just how little many businesses know about the Disability Discrimination Act and their requirements. It is somewhat worrying that many do not understand that they do have a duty under this Act and that they are often placing themselves in a position where they could face legal action.

So what should all businesses know about the Disability Discrimination Act............

Firstly, all businesses must wake up and realise that they need to know about the Disability Discrimination Act and that ignorance could mean they face a legal action for misconduct in the future.

From the personnel stance, the main thing to consider is that any business with less than 15 employees must not and cannot refuse employment to someone due to disability. It is a requirement that all reasonable adjustments are made to your business premises and business practice to ensure that it is accessible to all.

From the customer stance, making your business accessible can only be good. Recent research by the Equality & Human Rights Commission found that whilst 1 in every 10 businesses would prefer not to alter their premises to make them suitable, 8 in every 10 believed that by doing so they would have a positive impact on their business. Figures also show that the spending power of disabled people is estimated to be around £80 billion per year (Source DWP). Can you, as a business, afford to discriminate against potential customers?

As a business, the best and most effective action to take is to conduct an Access Audit by a qualified Auditor. This will result in a full report that will highlight what barriers exist and what action needs to be taken.

Concerns about adjustments are usually founded on misconceptions – the main one being that implementation of adjustments will cost a lot of money. However, this is rarely the case and simple and effective changes can be made at little or no cost at all. An effective Auditor will take into account your business annual turnover and all recommendations will take into account what will be deemed reasonable for you and your business.

As an idea, adjustments can be made simply by:-

1. Removing barriers i.e. removing an unnecessary step etc

2. Alternatives to existing i.e. adding a ramp, providing clearer signage etc

3. Avoid a potential barrier i.e. a simple change to the internal premises

4. Provision through other means i.e. larger print, web accessibility etc

There are very few exceptions to the Disability Discrimination Act and you are required to make reasonable adjustments even if your business has no disabled employees or customers. Whilst some buildings may have restrictions on alterations i.e. listed buildings, they are not completely exempt and solutions are expected to be found.

Like many, you could choose to ignore the Disability Discrimination Act but the consequences are far reaching as the Act makes it unlawful to treat a disabled person less favourably and DDA claims are on the increase and figures show that last year an average of over £33,000 was awarded (Source: Employment Tribunal Services).

Can your business afford to do nothing?