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Disability Discrimination

Ronacrete screeds and coatings provide solutions to ensure you comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.
 
The final stage of the goods and services provisions in Part III of the DDA came in to force on 1 October 2004. The new duties apply to service providers where physical features make access to their services impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people.
 
The act states that:
 
  • Since 2 December 1996 it has been unlawful for service providers to treat disabled people less favourably for a reason related to their disability;
  • Since 1 October 1999 service providers have had to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled people, such as providing extra help or making changes to the way they provide their services; and
  • From 1 October 2004 service providers may have to make other “reasonable adjustments” in relation to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access.
What happens if I fail to make reasonable adjustments?
You might be breaking the law. A disabled person can make a claim against a provider whose services are impossible or unreasonably difficult for him or her to access.
 
What does this mean?
In building terms this means service providers may be required to make alterations to their buildings to provide access.
The Act states that service providers should not wait until a disabled person wants to use a service which they provide before they give consideration to their duty to make reasonable adjustments. They should be thinking now about the accessibility of their services to disabled people.
 
Example 1

High Street bank designs and installs concrete ramps from pavement to raised entrance level as alternate access to existing steps. Ramp was levelled with thin bonded Ronafix screed and overlaid with Ronadeck Fast Grip for slip resistance and attractive appearance.
 
Example 2

Slip resistant Ronadeck Fast Grip resin bonded aggregate applied to concrete floors at entrance and exit of major theme park rides to aid access to disabled people. This also maintained the high standards Health and Safety employed at the park, ensuring safety and slip resistance for every user.
 
Example 3

Ronadeck Fast Grip applied in garden designed by disabled students to be wheelchair accessible. The garden, which featured in a BBC garden makeover programme, was designed for visitors to 'The Brite Initiative', a centre that offers courses on teaching people with disabilities and learning difficulties.


Example 4

Ronadeck Fast Grip was applied to the entrance of a council office to provide slip resistance and prevent people slipping over after it had rained and made it damp or wet. They also designed their logo into the Ronadeck Fast Grip which was installed by a Ronacrete trained and approved applicator.
 
Example 5

Concrete wheelchair access ramp was overlaid with Ronadeck Fast Grip to provide extra slip resistance and safety during the cold and wet weather.


Example 6

A new access ramp has been installed outside Lewes Town Hall in Sussex for use by staff and visitors. The ramp was constructed in concrete, allowed to cure for 4 days and then Ronadeck Fast Grip was installed. Fast Grip has greatly enhanced the slip resistance and safety ensuring safe passage for able and less able bodied people walking on the ramp or using their wheelchairs.

Checklist of Good Practice


Listed below are some steps you can take, to ensure that you comply with the spirit of the Disability Discrimination Act, as well as meet your legal obligations.

 
  • Think and plan ahead to meet the requirements of your disabled customers.
  • Don't make assumptions about disabled people based on speculation or stereotypes. Think about the wide range of disabilities that there are when planning adjustments.
  • If in doubt, ask disabled people themselves how they can best be served. Listen carefully and respond to what they really want. You could also consult with disabled staff and disability organisations.
  • Think about the way you treat disabled customers. Let them know how to request assistance, and have a customer complaints procedure that is easy for them to use.
  • Ensure that you respect the dignity of a disabled person when providing them with your services.
  • Establish a positive policy on providing services to ensure it includes disabled people. Communicate this policy to your staff and monitor its effectiveness.
  • Consider putting in place positive practices which will encourage disabled people and others to use your services.
  • Make sure your staff training includes your policy towards disabled people and their legal rights, and disability awareness and disability etiquette training.
  • Regularly review whether your services are accessible to disabled people.
  • If changes are needed to your building and its access plan any changes to minimise disruption and maximimse effectiveness. Select fast curing products and application contractors familiar with their installation.

For further information please email your specific enquiry and request for assistance to simeon.osen@ronacrete.co.uk, telephone our Technical Support Department or see the product information pages.



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