Legislation
Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
Now replaced by the Equality Act (2010)
The new Equality Act follows the same guidelines for signage as the DDA so the information below is still relevant
What was the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and what did it mean to businesses?
The Act was a Government measure intended to reduce discrimination against disabled people. Significant parts of the law came into force on 2 December 1996.
Does the DDA cover blind and partially sighted people?
Yes. Sensory impairments are regarded as physical impairments and are therefore covered.
What does a Service Provider need to know?
By October 1999 all Service Providers needed to comply with DDA legislation which applies to organizations providing, for payment or for free, goods, services or facilities direct to the public. E.g. Shops, supermarkets, travel agents, libraries, museums, banks, central and local government, or anyone selling, letting or managing premises.
DDA and Signs
The Government implemented the remaining sections of the DDA. Some requirements for auxiliary aids came in to force in October 1999.
By 31st October 2004 the DDA required buildings to be accessible to disabled people including a requirement for physical adaptations. Auxiliary aids such as Braille and embossed signs was also be required by this stage.
It is therefore strongly recommended that current signing projects take this in to account: