Disability rights - everyone's business

21 Jan 2002

The message that services must be made available to disabled people on the same terms as non disabled people, and that disability rights are everyone’s business, will be delivered to representatives of the public and private sectors by Minister of State for Scotland, George Foulkes.

Speaking as invitations were issued for a reception which will bring disabled people together with representatives from the public and private sectors, the media, business and finance, George Foulkes said:

"I have invited the many groups that have a role to play in ensuring that disabled people have access to facilities that others take for granted. It is important that those who provide services, for example retailers or transport companies, realise that the rights of disabled people are enshrined in law and must be delivered upon.

"Guidelines on the responsibility of business and service providers towards their disabled customers are currently before the UK Parliament. Their implementation will represent a landmark for Scotland’s 800,000 disabled customers.

"It is vitally important that businesses and the public sector act now, if they haven’t already done so, to make themselves more user friendly for their disabled customers.

"Many structural and environmental barriers can be easily eradicated without a great deal of expense. Complying with the Disability Discrimination Act does not need to be difficult. Facilities and access can be improved and in addition what is required is a positive change in attitudes and an acceptance of difference.

"I hope that next month’s reception will provide a focus for promoting the good work that is already taking place and acts as a driving force for positive change by raising the profile of the rights of disabled people."

CASE STUDY

This case study highlights the issues that many disabled people face in trying to secure reasonable adjustments to obtain access to goods, services and facilities.

A wheelchair user alleged unfavourable treatment by a sports venue in its provisions for disabled fans. The venue's rules state that a disabled person must be accompanied by a non-disabled person. This rule means that the client must purchase two tickets for each game he wishes to attend, although the one for his companion is at a reduced rate.

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is taking this case forward as it should help to clarify a number of issues regarding disabled fans' access to sports facilities such as rugby and football grounds.

The Defendants have agreed to change almost all of their ticketing

practises and to re-design their various forms. They are developing new policies, which they will agree with the DRC as part of a final settlement. They have also agreed to get disability equality training for all staff.

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS

  1. Invitations were today sent to over 80 individuals representing bodies ranging from the police and fire service, to directors of transport companies and leading Scottish retailers.
  2. The reception will be held in the Scotland Office, Melville Crescent, Edinburgh, on Monday 25 February 2002.
  3. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees or prospective employees who have or have had a disability. It places positive duties on employers to focus on the abilities of disabled people and by taking their need into account, make any necessary reasonable adjustments in an employment situation.
  4. Since 2 December 1996 it has been unlawful for service providers to treat disabled people less favourably for a reason related to their disability.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.