Sue
As Hilary points out the DDA 2005 has introduced new duties in relation to
the provision and management of premises - including housing. See Ch 15 of
COP- Rights of access- services to public, public authority functions,
private clubs & premises for explanation of the duty to make reasonable
adjustments in relation to premises.
As a door entry system is listed as an auxiliary aid I wouldn't have thought
it would be necessary to get an OT assessment, but you may find its the only
route the housing provider is familiar with. Minor Adaptations Without
Delay, a joint publication by the College of OTs & the Housing Corp
identifies works which might reasonably be done without referral to an OT,
where suitable procedures and training are in place. Door intercoms are also
included on this list. See
http://www.housingcorp.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.7502
In contrast to Karen's experience, the Authorities I have worked for (also
as an OT) have only funded adaptations in privately owned/rented homes.
Where the home is owned by a RSL recommendations go to them to provide.
There can be lengthy delays in getting adaptations done. Different
authorities and RSLs deal with minor adaptations very differently. I suggest
you try finding out what procedures exist locally. My view is that the
housing provider should provide but if they think there's a chance someone
else will fund, they'll pursue that route! I can forsee arguments over
funding of auxiliary aids.
As Karen says, Social Services will have criteria for provision & you could
find some disabled residents meet the criteria while others don't.
Hope that helps
Carol Johnson
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sue Fox" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:50 PM
Subject: Door entry systems and the DDA
Residential flats with a common front door / hallway area but with common
front dorr entry system opeertaed by each resident from their flat.
I think this is correct: Entry system to resident , already in place for
some and provided by housing provider - housing provider to provide
accessible systems for those requiring them.
Any ideas on this one though?
Entry system to resident, not already in place - should housing provider
provide accessible systems?
Just to confuse you even more:
DDA Code of practice is not helpful:
2.20 Complex issues arise in the case of premises with more than one
occupier, where there are common areas such as entrance halls, stairways
and lifts. The Act does not expressly state whether or not the landlord
(including any operator of the common parts) in such a case is a service
provider for the purposes of the Act in respect of those common areas.
Therefore, it does not make it explicit whether the landlord is under a
duty to make reasonable adjustments to the common parts to make them
accessible to disabled people.
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