Disability Discrimination Act 1995
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (the DDA) makes it unlawful for service providers to discriminate against disabled people for a reason related to their disability. The Act also places a duty on service providers to make 'reasonable adjustments' to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access by October 2004.
The Department has completed a programme of work to ensure 'reasonable adjustments' were made to its buildings. We are also committed to ensuring that staff receive proper training to enable them to provide a more effective and efficient service when dealing with visitors/customers.
Disability Discrimination (NI) Order 2006
The Disability Discrimination (NI) Order took effect in 2006. This new Order enables people with disabilities in Northern Ireland to enjoy the same rights as their fellow citizens in Great Britain.
Further information on the DDA and the Disability Discrimination (NI) Order 2006 can be found on the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland's website:
Disability Action Plan (DAP)
An amendment to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995) requires public authorities, when carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to:
- promote positive attitudes towards disabled people
- encourage participation by disabled people in public life
The Department is required to submit to the Equality Commission (the Commission) a DAP showing how it proposes to fulfill these duties in relation to its functions.
DAP for Department for Infrastructure
The DAP for DfI was submitted to the Equality Commission (NI) in June 2017.
DAP for Department for Regional Development
DAPs for the former Department for Regional Development are available on request.