The Law – Your Responsibility

The Disability Discrimination Act became law in December 1996. Previously incorporating treatment, physical and service obstructions to disabled people, Part 3 which came into force on 1st October 2004 places a direct responsibility on service providers to make reasonable adjustments to physical barriers of their service. With regard to breaking down barriers, the Code of Practice recommends in consideration of the disabled, that service providers:

· “change a practice, policy, or procedure”

· “provide an auxiliary aid or service” enabling an easier use of service

Altering, removing or providing a reasonable means of avoiding such physical barriers for disabled is now an important policy consideration of all service providers and a legal responsibility.

The Solution – Your Compliance

DDA Compliance need not be a headache or a burden. Commissioning our expert Risk Assessors to conduct an Access Audit & Survey not only identifies issues and recommends solutions to optimise accessibility but in itself identifies your service as making headway towards a DDA compliance procedure. The value of the learning experience following the surveys will be invaluable for policy formulation and for operational management of properties.

Access Audit & Survey

Below is a breakdown of the key features of our comprehensive service:

Part One: Establishing a Client Relationship & Plan of Action

· Establishing exact premises to be examined and service provider
· Liaising with the Service Provider to discuss particular requirements, current policy,
: Management and operation of the sites to be audited.
· Outlining the plan for action and agreeing a schedule and timescale for auditing

Part Two: Physical Access Audit Process

· Audit by Risk Assessor taking photos, measurements, detailed notes & interviews
· Examination of Access Routes to and Around the Building (ie directions, car parking)
· Primary Access & Egress – entering & leaving a Building
· Accessible Routes & Design Inside a Building
· Format, Surfaces & Internal Signage
· Heights & Design of Equipment
· Assistance & Aids available
· Service Procedures & Collateral
· Toilets & Changing Facilities
· Fire Exits, Alarms & Equipment

Part Three: Non – Physical Access Audit Process

· Customer Service & Staff awareness – interviews assessing & receiving feedback
· Service Procedures & Collateral – literature available, forms, customer procedures, marketing.

Part Four: Survey Report

· Comprehensive colour report detailing findings with photos and diagrams
· Explanation of Audit
· Building Overview & Operations Evaluation
· Analysis of each section of the Audit – Physical & Non Physical
· Priorities for DDA Compliance
· Limitations
· Best practice features
· Recommendations for Action toward Compliance
· Cost Summary (action needed, aids required and cost projection)

Part five

Full Staff training package delivered including detail of how equipment aids work
Full equipment aid package put together and managed through the implementation stage also advise on design and build
We have been advising the business community on matters of the DDA since1995, due our research and experience in this field we have identified a significant requirement for a comprehensive managed service for service providers,
Managed Services can be as simple or as comprehensive as required.

Below are a few examples of services we can provide:-

· Assistance in formulation of a policy for service to customers with disabilities.
· A review of all of the audits carried out/ or a sample undertaken
· Formulation of a roll out plan for equipment and training
· Project management of the equipment roll out to include:-
· Confirmed equipment requirements per site
· Coordination of delivery to each site
· Co-ordination of installation of equipment at required sites
· Full inventory of DDA equipment to be composed by site
· Insurance cover
· Ensuring staff are trained in the use of equipment
· Attending branches where necessary to ensure smooth installation
· Attending monthly review meeting
· Attending Head Office Training courses where necessary
· Devising a programme of training courses for appropriate staff.
· To advise on refurbishments
· To arrange stair lift, ramp and toilet surveys and costings where appropriate.
· To liaise with landlords to establish areas where the landlord could contribute towards costs of access
· To liaise with local authorities with regard to external issues
· Crisis Management
· Complaint Handling
· Telephone Help line for general DDA queries – available to all stores.
· Telephone Help line for legal questions
· Provide regular updates
· Review of all literature and procedures for DDA
· Review and advise on website accessibility.

The advantage of this system is that we become an extension of your team that can be called upon when necessary to address any matters concerning the DDA.
The tariff is relative the elements of the above services required and would be in the form of a monthly management fee.
All of the above is designed to remove the worry of the Disability Discrimination Act from your business.

Complete Access Package

Provide a complete package for access to all. Offering Empathy not Sympathy.
Survey and access to properties and provide full specifications for best products and installations to create greater independence for all.
Liaising with Occupational Therapists, carers, family members and developers in understanding client’s needs and legal requirements.

Product Design
Our extensive knowledge of this industry is providing assistance in helping manufacturers to design products which are cost effective and meet all requirements.

Project Management

Project manage all aspects from design to finish build. Assist in creating public awareness on the efficiency and professionalism of all our clients, providing promotion in the relevant media of their understanding in relation to requirement for Disabled and Elderly in the work place and environment.

Speaking

Our Services also include motivational, inspirational and CPD (Continued Professional Development) speaking.

Ray Edwards MBE

www.rayinspires.org     

If you require any further information on any of our services please do not hesitate and contact us.