Disability Discrimination Act

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT AND HOW IT AFFECTS PLAYGROUNDS.

The DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) process started in 1995, with the general aim, to enable those with all kinds of disability (not just those in wheelchairs) the same access to play equipment as those without disabilities. The final part of the Act comes into effect in October 2004, when reasonable measures will have to be made by EGPC (East Goscote Parish Council) as a playground provider.

In its simplest form, the Act makes it unlawful for a service provider to discriminate against a person who has a disability, by refusing to provide (or by deliberately not providing) any service, which it provides (or is prepared to provide) to members of the public. The Act emphasises the importance of providing for people of different disabilities, not just those in wheelchairs.

In order to provide a framework and a practical way forward initial playground audits were conducted by members of EGPC on the 4th October 2003 with the objective to examine each play area on its own merits. As a result of this, an initial action plan to meet DDA requirement was created, which will allow EGPC to take reasonable steps to enable (or make it easier) for disabled persons to use the play area. The aim of the action plan is to identify, where totally shared play experience is not always possible, then at least opportunities can be created for similar and, if possible, qualitatively equal experience which can benefit all children.

Following discussion and as a result of this action plan, EGPC has now placed an order for several items of new play equipment, to be installed early 2004. Additionally, in order to provide a safer play environment the council is in the process of obtaining quotations to both erect a perimeter fence around the park and provide a stable pathway into the park.

Watch this space for an update and photos early in the New Year !!