The Disability Discrimination Act 1995

1 October 2004 was an important milestone for disabled people. From this date anyone providing a service will have to address those physical features which makes it difficult for disabled people to use their service and/or address unfair treatment.

Frans Dekker (Facilities) said, “There are two major issues relating to the DDA. One is, quite rightly, addressing physical barriers and introducing devices and requirements which will be beneficial for all users. The other issue is about awareness and more importantly, attitude and behaviour and being confident in dealing with disabled people.”

1) Physical barriers and introduction of other requirements

Formal access audits have been undertaken in order to gain a comprehensive picture of potential barriers within the University environment. In addition to this, the Disability Resource Centre and the Faculty of the Build Environment initiated a survey of disabled students.

The first phase of the work required, was scheduled from April 2002 to March 2004 and consisted of a number of components including the elimination of potential hazards, the development of signage and way finding, the provision of induction loops in teaching areas and the introduction of assistive technology into student PC labs and teaching rooms.

The second phase, which has started and will be completed by March 2006, aims to improve access both within and between buildings through further improvements to the signage, the provision of additional lifts and automatic door openings on all main entrances.

2) Awareness, attitude and behaviour

UWE Facilities has introduced a comprehensive e-learning training package which focuses strongly on awareness, attitude and behaviour. This package makes it easy to deliver cost effective, comprehensive disability training for Facilities, for both management and staff.

The focus is on being disability confident which goes far beyond disability awareness.

It also includes taking practical steps such as:

  • Serving disabled customers with self-assurance
  • Working effectively with disabled colleagues
  • Welcoming disabled staff as members of your team
  • Enabling colleagues who become disabled to continue achieving their full potential at work

The package is called Disability Confident and comprises of three modules:

  • Module 1 - A New Perspective (for all staff)
  • Module 2 - Communication Skills (for all staff)
  • Module 3 - The Law and Best Practice (Supervisory/Managerial level)

It is our intention to have all Facilities staff trained before Easter this year.

In addition to this training programme a DDA Newsletter will be issued three times a year with updates on DDA legislation and in particular on ‘Good Practice issues’ in Service operations.