access information for schools

Disability Discrimination Act 1992

One of the most recent and influential pieces of Federal Government legislation concerning disabled access is the Disability and Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), which aims to remove physical barriers and improve access to public buildings. This legislation is now mandatory. Every building must comply with the DDA provisions of independence, equality and functionality.

It is estimated that one in five people in Australia (3,958,300) had a reported disability (ABS 2003) yet it is only in the last 5 years that provisions for a sufficient level of accessibility have been made, post the Sydney Olympics. All public access buildings must now comply with the DDA.

What is the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992?

The DDA is about providing a fair go for Australians with disabilities. Its focus is on addressing the physical and attitudinal barriers that prevent people with disabilities from making the most of their abilities and participating more fully in the community. This benefits both people with disabilities and the Australian community.

The DDA aims to end the discrimination which many disabled people face. It is unlawful to discriminate in the following areas of activity:

employment
education
access to premises used by the public (including public transport)

Do I have to adopt the DDA policies to my premises?

Yes, Section 22 of the DDA states that failure to provide equal access is unlawful.

So what am I actually required to do?

If it is impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to access your facility you are required to: “take reasonable steps to change your practices, policies or procedures; or provide a reasonable alternative method of making your services available to disabled people.*”

* Extract from Disability and Discrimination Act, Section 22

Is anyone excluded?

No. The DDA applies to all service providers, there is no exemption on the basis of size or service.

How can the Platform Lift Company help you to specify the correct access product for your premises?

Our range of products from Europe’s leading disabled access manufacturers is available in Australia. Coupled with our experience in the UK and European disability access industry we offer a true one-stop shop approach that concentrates solely on disability access issues.

We work with ISO quality assured lift suppliers to ensure an ‘end to end’ quality control process and a first time every time commitment.

At Platform Lift Company, our lifts are fully compliant with relevant codes and standards and are ideal in educational facilities. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.