THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 1995 [DDA]

The DDA became law in 1995.  From October 2004, however, employers become responsible for its implementation within their organisations and can face legal action by failing to do this.  In a nutshell, the DDA prevents any employer with 15 or more employees from discriminating against any disabled person either in the hiring and subsequent employment of that person, or, as is very common, where an employee becomes disabled whilst employed by that company. 

(The Disability Rights Commission website (www.drc-gb.org.uk) is particularly useful in checking to see if your company complies with the many different aspects of the DDA.)

At Adapt-IT, our focus is on supplying a broad range of Assistive Technology products, both hardware and software to help people with a wide range of disabilities including mobility problems, visual impairment, dyslexia or learning difficulties. Providing disabled employees with such technology will enable companies to comply with certain aspects of the DDA. For employees on the Access to Work scheme, grants of up to 80% are available and for individuals with a disability or Charities, VAT is often not chargeable.

In future issues, we shall be looking into how Adapt-IT can assist companies comply with the differing aspects of the DDA regarding the employment of disabled people.

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USEFUL LINKS

There are many useful links depending on the type of disability. In this issue we shall concentrate on websites with information on the DDA and computers

www.disability.gov.uk/dda/

This is a government site written in plain English.  Contains plenty of information on the DDA and other legal aspects of disability. (Very good)

 

www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/1995050.htm

If you wish to see what the actual DDA says, it’s right here

 

http://www.dynopower.freeserve.co.uk/homepages/dda.htm

Gives a clear summary of what the DDA is all about. (Recommended)

 

http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/content/factsheets/pdfs/Disability%20Discrimination%20Act%20and%20AbilityNet.pdf

Outlines the implications for employers of the DDA. (Well worth looking at)

 

http://freespace.virgin.net/steven.jacklin/ddacont.html

Contains a critical analysis of the DDA.

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