As a business owner, you might have heard of the term DDA audit but may not be entirely sure what it is and why you need one. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about disabled access audits, including what they are, and why you need one..
What is a DDA Audit?
Although the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was replaced by the Equality Act in 2010, a disabled access audit is still commonly referred to as a DDA audit. The Equlity Act makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in the workplace and in society, so a DDA audit assesses a business’s premises, policies, and procedures to ensure they are compliant with the Equality Act 2010 and accessible to people with disabilities.
DDA audits are usually conducted by professionals who are trained to identify barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from accessing a business’s services or premises. These professionals will assess factors such as the layout of the premises, the availability of accessible parking, and the accessibility of the business’s website.
Is it Law to Have a DDA Audit?
While it is not a legal requirement to have a DDA audit, it is highly recommended for businesses to have one. The Equality Act 2010 replaced the Disability Discrimination Act, but the requirements for businesses to be accessible to people with disabilities remained the same.
The Equality Act 2010 requires businesses to make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure that they do not discriminate against disabled people. A DDA audit can help businesses identify the adjustments they need to make to their premises, policies, and procedures to comply with the Equality Act 2010.
Why Do I Need a DDA Audit?
There are several reasons why you need a DDA audit. Firstly, conducting a DDA audit can help you identify any barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from accessing your business’s services or premises. This can help you make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your business is accessible to everyone, which can increase your customer base and improve your reputation.
Secondly, a DDA audit can help you comply with the Equality Act 2010. By conducting an audit and making the necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your business is not discriminating against people with disabilities and is meeting its legal obligations.
Finally, a DDA audit can also help you improve your business’s overall efficiency and profitability. By making your premises and services accessible to everyone, you can increase your customer base and tap into a market that may have been previously inaccessible to you.
