From 2005 onwards disabled access into buildings was covered by the the ‘Disability Discrimination Act 2005’, however this was superseded 5 years later by the Equalities Act 2010. This states that there should be ‘reasonable access’ into buildings. But what is ‘reasonable access?’ Reasonable access is of course a wholly subjective term, furthermore a laws impact is directly proportional to the degree in which it is enforced. The phrase ‘DDA Compliance’ is leftover from 2005 but technically it is no longer relevant and can actually be extremely misleading and confusing. With our wide choice of products to suit all situations Staircare can assist you in every step to creating great disabled access for all.

Companies that are refurbishing public buildings are generally expected to ensure high quality disabled access – however small business like shops or restaurants have lower criteria as the cost ratio to the size of the business is lower. Staircare have wheelchair lifts to suit any building and any budget to create a disabled access system that complies with Building Regulations Document Part M, BS8300 and the National Planning Framework.

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Part M

Part 'M' of the Building Regulations was introduced in 1985 in an attempt to ensure that all commercial buildings were suitably equipped for the needs of disabled people. Public buildings at design and building stages must be fitted with adequate access for all potential users of the service. These requirements were extended to the building of new homes last October. Without adhering to part 'M', planning permission will often not be granted. 

By 2004, under part 'M', all commercial buildings and retail premises across the country will have to ensure that access for disabled people is of a sufficient enough level.


 

Access To Work

Access to work is a Government scheme to assist employers in meeting the requirements of the Equalities act 2010. It applies to full or part time, permanent or temporary work, meaning that employers must be able to provide sufficient levels of access to all existing and potential employees. 

Access to work can assist in a number of ways. For example, a disability service team member will be located in the local job centre to provide practical help and advice for disabled people seeking a job. Grants may also be given towards the cost of special equipment (or alterations to current equipment) to suit the particular work needs of the employee. 

Grants may be up to the value of 100% of the approved costs for a new employee, or 80% for an existing employee.

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Further information can be found on the government website - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents
(Staircare is not responsible for the content of external websites)