It has been recognised by Government and society as a whole that it is imperative that the education of our children provides equality for all, no matter what the child’s gender, religion, racial ethnicity, physical or cognitive abilities. The Building Schools for Future (BSF) programme, which is well underway, will provide schools for decades to come. With this substantial investment in education it is essential to ensure that these schools are as inclusive as possible, enabling all, including those with profound disabilities, whose physical requirements go beyond the minimum standard, access to educational establishments equally.
There are many factors which determine the way in which a building, premises or environment is built, commissioned, altered and operated. If you are an education provider, service provider or an employer you will want to know how the Disability Discrimination Act affects you and how you can best respond to ensure that your interests are met within affordable costs. If you are a designer, BSF provider or contractor providing facilities both physical and operational, you will need to be sure that what you are providing will give the security to your client of a flexible building for the 21stCentury. Furthermore, you will want to have confidence that any investment in this respect will produce results and provide an inclusive education for all.
Legislation
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) makes it illegal to discriminate against a disabled person on the grounds of their disability in respect of employment, education, transport and the provision of goods and services. The Act offers protection to all disabled people who enter a school, whether as a pupil, visitor, to work, or as an adult education student.
The DDA 2005 duties now require statutory authorities and those who represent them to ensure equality in all of their functions and provide an Equality Scheme explaining their approach and consultations undertaken.