The DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) of
1995 has been introduced in a number of
stages since December 1996. Since October
1999 it has required “service providers” to
take reasonable steps to change practices,
provide auxiliary aids and remove physical
barriers to make the use of the facility more
acceptable for disabled users. The consistent
theme of the DDA is that of encouraging
the creation of environments encompassing
“Inclusive Design” principles, principles that
promote easy use of a building by everyone.
DDA Standards
There are no design standards that guarantee
compliance with the DDA. Designing and/
or specifying to best practice standards may
reduce liability of claims under the DDA.
The Building Regulations for England & Wales
– Approved Document M
Approved Document M gives the minimum
standard for access provision.
In Summary
• No product can be “DDA compliant”.
The Act is not prescriptive and there are
no design standards that can guarantee
compliance with it.
• The DDA relates to all service providers and
all buildings, new and existing. Approved
Document M only relates to new buildings
and extensions to new buildings.