Disability Discrimination Act 1995

This Act comes into force in October 2004 and Part III places a statutory duty on 'Providers of Goods, Services and Facilities' to ensure that any building to which members of the public have access is accessible to those with a disability.

• Providers of Goods are generally retailers ranging from the corner shop to the largest departmental stores
• Providers of Facilities range from libraries to sporting and leisure facilities
• Provides of Services include banks, restaurants, professional firms and places of worship

The Act makes it unlawful for providers of these services to discriminate against people with disabilities.

Automatic Doors enable many people with Disabilities to gain easy access to and egress from a whole range of buildings. Members of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) have considerable experience in advising customers on the best solutions and are equally able to assist specifiers in dealing with problems from the point of view of those with disabilities.

These are ways of dealing with the different categories of Disability.

Mobility

Ensure that doorways are as flat as possible and that thresholds, matting etc. do not create problems for walking aids and wheelchairs. If an automatic door is activated by push button or entry system, ensure that these are between 750 mm and 1000 mm above the floor level so that they can be easily reached by those in wheelchairs. Make the doorway wide enough (800 mm minimum but more if possible) and consider the manoeuvring space needed. Get the door controls set to timings suitable to all users.

Visual Impairmant 

If a door system contrasts in colour to its surroundings, it helps those with partial sight to identify it. Clear contrasting signage should be used to highlight the use of the door. The use of tactile change of floor surface will alert users to the existence of the door.

Hearing Impairment

The use of audible warnings and information cannot be relied upon for those having hearing difficulties. By having vision panels in the door down to a level of 500 mm from the floor, people with hearing difficulties can see what is happening on the other side.

Summary

The DDA requires the needs of those who are less able to be considered. Use lighting, contrast and sensible heights to ensure ease and benefit of use. Choose the most suitable forms of activation and ensure that safety is not only in line with BS 7036 but suitable to the users and the environs of the door. Contact a member of ADSA to help you help those with disabilities share the same benefits as the able bodied.