For several years now, property owners and occupiers have been legally required under part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 not to discriminate against disabled people in their approach to providing services. As the law did not distinguish between services that are charged for and those that are free, this has also affected sites and events taking part in Heritage Open Days. On 1 October 2010, the new Equality Act came into force, simplifying, strengthening and harmonising the current legislation to protect individuals from unfair treatment and promote a fair and more equal society.
Theresa Hodge, Equal Access Consultants and member of the Heritage Open Days Steering Group in Hastings, has reviewed for us the legal situation in a new factfile.
However, improving accessibility is not only about legal requirements and disabled people. It is good practice to consider access for all, and the spirit of Heritage Open Days is to be as inclusive as possible. Putting in place good access - physical and intellectual - will not only benefit disabled people, but also others such as young families and the elderly.
You can download the fact file as a Word document and a PDF.
