Disability Access Conference: Consultation

Anonymous

Can we have some real, practical advice. And not just concentrating on wheelchair access like so many do but on other aspects eg visually impaired.
Also any recommendations for books for further information would be useful.

[Thanks, Kate. Just a quick thought - the Workplacelaw Network publishes a special report on disability access, call 0870 777 8881 for more info - Editor]

Anonymous

This subject certainly has me puzzled. The Company I work for is a recruitment consultancy so I would presume, as we have candidates coming into our premises for interviews (albeit by appointment only) that we are therefore a service provider.
Therefore I decided to 'mailshot' the landlord's agent at each of the properties we lease to ask them what, if anything they were doing. Nearly all responded that it was up to us to carry out a disability audit within our own demise and several replied that they were providers of leased offices and therefore not service providers so intended doing nothing. It was interesting that only a couple of our landlords stated they would provide for a disability audit for their buildings including tenant's demise if they so wished and recharge via service charges.
I am sure a number of your members must be in a similar position so it may be relevant to raise at the conference.
For your information, on a similar vein, a similar reaction has been received from landlords in respect of asbestos audits.

Anonymous

More focus should be on inclusive design and there are many possibilities to
discuss. I am an ergonomist and writer and work as a consultant for a wide
range of organisations in particular for DWP's Access to Work.
Apart from inclusive design there can be specific aspects that relate tothe
safety of wheelchair users in the event of a fire, with an emphais on the
use of EVAC chairs etc. Another useful point would be distinguishing between
H&S and disability requirements.

Duncan Abbott MSc, BSc
Ergonomist and writer
Tel: 0797 094 3844
Email: da@enricosmog.com

Anonymous

With regard to the request for further information you could try the 'Knowledge Map', now called the Access Directory, on the DPTAC website. www.dptac.gov.uk.
With regard to listed buildings and the DDA reasonability must be judged on the merits of each individual building and the services that it provides and by whom. The legislation is vested in the individual and reasonableness which takes into account the ability to afford amongst others issues such as listed building status, etc.
With regard to the issue of landlord's responsability, they cannot unreasonably refuse the service provider/employer to alter a building. The legislation requires that a service is accessible (not necessarily the building) Over time I'm sure that the more accessible buildings will be able to command the higher prices.
Regards Jane
jane.simpson@uk.aedas.com