'More people aware of DDA' - EFD response
29th February 2008
Responding to new research from the Office for NationalStatistics, Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) broadly welcomes figuressuggesting more people are aware of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
An awareness of the act, particularly among serviceproviders, is vital if disabled people are to achieve equality.
EFD still believes that there is still much progress to bemade however, and that these figures should be approached with caution.
In particular, a recent survey undertaken by EFD and RADAR(Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) found that 83% ofdisabled people had 'walked away', unable or unwilling to make a purchase, withthe main reason inaccessible premises.
The survey, which asked 373 disabled people, also found thattransport was the most problematic service for disabled users, with 59% sayingit was the most difficult to use.
The DDA is an evolving piece of legislation,so EFD recommends that as well as addressing the legal practicalities of theDDA, both employers and service providers should rather adopt a best practiceapproach towards disabled staff and customers.
By doing so business will be treatingdisabled people fairly and will also reap the benefits of disabilityconfidence.
Ends
Notes to editors
Media enquiries, please contact:
Liz Nightingale, Communications Manager
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: liz.nightingale@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
About Employers' Forum on Disability
Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.