The Disability discrimination Act is about to have a dramatic impact on the way millions of businesses and organisations deliver their goods and services to people with disabilities. The Act now requires public bodies to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. It also allows the government to set minimum standards so that disabled people can use public transport easily. And whilst service providers may be keen to address their obligations under this legislation, for many the task of identifying just what they need to do and how to go about doing it, could prove to be a daunting one.

The DDA prescribes ‘inclusive practices’ in mainstream services rather than ‘special’ or parallel services to meet the needs of people who have a disability. Many people find the Disability discrimination Act daunting. However, it is very important that you understand the requirements that this legislation places upon you and your organisation. This approach reflects the potential we all have to be affected by disability at some stage in our lives, and the recognition that there are many ways to enable all people to be included in their chosen activities.