Hi Everyone,
I have been watching this debate with a keen interest. One way to obtain guidance perhaps is to write and ask for a ruling. That option is certainly available in Australia.
By writing to the ? commissioner (or whatever term you have there), you are setting a precedent by the commissioner issuing a ruling.
Worth a shot.
cheers,
Di
>>> <[log in to unmask]> 02/10 7:46 am >>>
It's not just buildings that are covered by the DDA. Student support services
probably are too (counselling, Careers advice, Accommodation Service, etc) and
refectories as these are not strictly speaking education. Until there is guidance
from a tribunal or a court case we won't be sure where we stand. And none us want
to be that case, do we?
Bryan Jones
Equal Opportunities Adviser
London Guildhall University
On Tue, 9 Feb 1999 15:23:29 -0000 Ian Francis
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I had a discussion with government disability advisers the other
> day. They were of the opinion that although higher education is
> excluded from the DDA, access to college buildings is not. If the
> college is ever open to the public, for example during open days,
> meetings or interviews, then it is classed as a service provider.
>
> >From October 1999, The Disability Discrimination Act will have
> certain implications for buildings. According to the government
> disability advisors, access to college buildings is covered by the
> DDA. The act states that: "Where a physical feature makes it
> impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to make
> use of any goods, facility or service which are offered or provided to
> other members of the public, a service provider must take such
> steps as it is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case for it
> to have to take to provide a reasonable alternative method of
> making the goods, facilities or services available to disabled
> people." s21(2)(d)
>
> >From the year 2004 this changes. From then on it has a duty to
> make reasonable adjustments to physical features in order to
> provide access.
>
> ôPhysical featuresö of premises includes design, construction
> including approach to, exit and entrance. It also includes fixtures,
> fittings, furnishings (interestingly including work benches and
> desks), equipment or materials in or on the premises.
>
> Does anyone have further evidence or opinions about this?
>
> Ian F.
>
> Ian Francis
> Disability Co-ordinator
> Counselling and Welfare Service
> Queen Mary and Westfield College
> London E1 4NS UK
> Tel +44 (0)171 775 3132 Fax +44 (0)171 415 3617
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