Churches are aware of legislation in relation to health and safety, food preparation and hygiene and child protection but many are not aware of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The Act makes it unlawful for providers of goods, facilities or services to discriminate against disabled people.

• The Church is a service provider, it doesn't matter for the purpose of the Act that the Church provides a service free of charge.
• Since December 1996 it has been unlawful for service providers to treat disabled people less favourably for a reason related to their disability.
• From October 1999 service providers have to make 'reasonable adjustments' for disabled people, such as providing extra help or making changes to the way they provide services.
• By 'adjustments' the Act means to policies, practices and procedures which could exclude disabled people.
• In addition there is an expectation that service providers will provide auxiliary aids and services such as providing information on cassette or installing a loop system.
  And that where a physical feature is a barrier to a service, finding a reasonable alternative method of delivering the service.
• By 2004 service providers will have to make 'reasonable adjustments' to the physical features of the premises to overcome physical barriers to access.
  As a service provider the Church needs to look at making 'reasonable adjustments' now and not wait until a person with a disability wants to come to your church.
• In planning new buildings it is worth noting the following from the Act:
• 'A service provider will have to consider what steps it can reasonably take to meet the individual requirements of disabled people. How effectively a service provider is able to do so will depend largely on how far it has anticipated the requirements of its disabled customers. Many things seem impossible at the time they are confronted might have been accommodated relatively easily if prior thought had been given to the question.' (Paragraph 5.25)

If you require advice on the suitability of your building contact the Access Officer at your local council or speak with local associations of disabled people.
Contact Through the Roof (01932 866333) for information on 'Churches for All'.

Information about the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 can be obtained from:

DDA Information, Freepost MID02164, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9BR

Telephone: 0345 622 633

Textphone: 0345 622 644

Web Site: www.disability.gov.uk

The Disability Rights Commission can be contacted on 08457 622 633

NB: Service does not mean church service.

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