tourism

Part three of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which came into effect on October 1 1999, is likely to have a positive impact on a wide variety of tourism-related services. It requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are more accessible to disabled people.

 

From October 2004, providers of goods and services to the general public will have to comply with the final provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act. This means that they will have to consider what reasonable adjustments they are required to make to their premises to cater for the access needs of disabled customers.

The Government established the Disability Rights Commission in April to provide advice on the Disability Discrimination Act for all service providers, including those in tourism, leisure and travel industries. They are currently drawing up a code of practice which will guide businesses on complying with the 2004 provisions.

 

The English Tourism Council (ETC's functions have now passed to VisitBritain) has identified 30 top tips for creating better access for disabled people at minimal cost. They have also revised the National Accessible Standards for accommodation, which now include visual and hearing impairment as well as mobility. The new standards were launched in July 2002.