The Department of Work and Pensions has published a new online guide to help small- and medium-sized businesses comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

The guide, Adjusting for Better Business, illustrates the sort of changes a business needs to make to meet the needs of disabled customers, ranging from accessible lay-outs, customer service, and the presentation of information.

It also points out that the DDA does not just cover such recognised problems as blindness, partial-sightedness and wheelchair use.

The Act also applies to people with long-term and progressive health conditions (such as diabetes and multiple schelerosis) and those with mental health problems and learning disabilities.

The guide includes a checklist and tips on employing disabled staff and can be downloaded from www.dwp.gov.uk/dda.

The website also includes hints and tips, including a case study of the adjustments made by Norfolk’s Beechwood hotel.

By Angela Frewin

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