The DDA - comments from key organisations

In light of the final part of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) coming into force on October 1st, we asked some key organisations what this means to them.

Below we highlight some of the responses:

'With the full implementation of the DDA happening on 1st October, this has obviously been a major factor influencing the access proposals in applications for Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grants. Compliance with the Act is often quoted as one of the aims of a project, although HLF will only fund physical access improvements where they form part of a wider project. However, the law is not the only motivating factor; many applicants recognise the sound business case of being fully accessible for disabled people and many are influenced by the good practice championed by such organisations as the Sensory Trust. One of HLF's own strategic priorities is to 'ensure that everyone can learn about, have access to and enjoy their heritage', which includes access to natural and designed green spaces as well as historic buildings.' Tony Crosby, HLF

'CABE Space's Manifesto for Better Public Spaces argues that public spaces belong to everyone and should be designed to be interesting and accessible for all. The Manifesto has had huge support from people all over the country, demonstrating that improving our public spaces, for everyone's benefit, should remain a high political priority. Good design is inclusive design and CABE believes that the DDA offers a chance to move inclusive environments higher up the agenda.' Julia Thrift, CABE Space

'We welcome this legislation as another important step towards improving services and access for blind and partially sighted people. Whilst the legislation may still seem daunting it is important to remember that it calls for 'reasonable adjustments' to alter or remove any physical barriers which prevent access. This doesn't always mean knocking your building about and making expensive improvements. Often the solutions are far more simple! Organisations such as ours are happy to to assist with that information and advice. Help is available in putting together an access action plan to ensure that you meet the spirit of the DDA. Working together we can create a better environment, benefiting everyone, whilst primarily improving opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to access and enjoy the outdoor environment.' Alison Harding, RNIB

'As the park is very new we have incorporated access into the design from the outset. This doesn't mean that we are complacent. All new build e.g our new toilets currently been built in the children's play area, have been designed with people with disabilities in mind. I suspect that eventually it will be second nature to think like this but for now at least it is a move in the right direction.' Michael Rowan, Mile End Park, Tower Hamlets, London

'The National Trust for Scotland is continually reviewing how to improve all forms of access, whether it be physical, sensory or intellectual, to its properties and services, and wants not only to comply with the DDA, but also to go further in providing a top quality experience for all visitors. The awareness of the DDA has already been noticed within the NTS, and we have been undertaking disability awareness training throughout the organisation.' Bertha Walker, National Trust for Scotland

'In Sheffield buildings have all been assessed and a programme of adaptions is being implemented subject to capital funding being available in order to make them compliant. Access to all our greenspaces is a bigger and more complex issue, therefore with the help of the Sensory Trust and others we are developing a 'Toolkit' which will enable us to identify and address areas requiring attention. In my view, however, it is important that the national focus is sustained by all those people who have influence, to ensure a much more inclusive approach to access' Martin Page, Sheffield City Council

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