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Effects on the Construction Industry
As practicing Chartered (Quantity) Surveyors, we are keen to endorse the continued work of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building, the Centre for Accessible Environments and all other non-profit making bodies and professional associations that maintain an open forum on the (DDA).
The third and final phase of the (DDA) comes into effect on 1 October 2004. This relates to Part III, which concerns the Access to Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises and is most relevant to the construction industry. |
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It is the responsibility of the service provider to make the necessary adjustments and it would be prudent for access audits to be conducted as soon as possible, to identify any barriers to access for disabled people and then comply with any recommendations in the audit.
It is important that construction understands the needs of disabled people and how to improve their equal treatment that is constantly taken for granted by most of the UK population. There are over 10 million people with disabilities living in the UK, with collective annual financial clout to the tune of £50 billion*. The business case, both ethical and commercial, is notably self-explanatory and demonstrates good corporate social responsibility. |
