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.
“Physical features” 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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