A guide to what it is & how your club can ensure that it complies
Introduction
This guide has been put together to provide your club with clear and concise background information on the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
This document will seek to indicate where it is likely that your club has duties under the DDA and offer guidance on how those duties can be best met
The overarching requirement of the DDA is not to discriminate against disabled people. The club must take positive action to ensure that goods, services and facilities, which are currently difficult or impossible for disabled customers to use, are made accessible.
UK Athletics is committed to developing an inclusive club structure that ensures disabled people have access to their local club and the opportunity to succeed in the sport.
Definition of a Disabled Person
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
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substantial means neither minor nor trivial
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long term means that the effect of the impairment has lasted or is likely to last for at least 12 months (there are special rules covering recurring or fluctuating conditions)
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normal day-to-day activities include everyday things like eating, washing, walking and going shopping
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a normal day-to-day activity must affect one of the 'capacities' listed in the Act which include mobility, manual dexterity, speech, hearing, seeing and memory
People who have had an impairment in the past that meets this definition are also covered by the scope of the Act. There are additional provisions relating to people with progressive conditions.
What is the Disability Discrimination Act?
The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) introduced new laws aimed at ending discrimination against disabled people.
In October 2004 the third part of the Act came into force and clubs need to be aware of their responsibility to meet the requirements.
It is unlawful for sports clubs to treat disabled people less favourably for reasons related to their impairment. Sports clubs must also make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in relation to both their service provision and any physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access. The duty to comply applies to all athletics clubs, regardless of club size.
The financial and other resources available to clubs to meet their duties also differ substantially. The majority of athletics clubs are based at sites owned by Local Authorities or schools, in this instance a number of the suggestions made later in this document may need to be developed in partnership with the ‘owners’ and management of such facilities.
- Every athletics club providing goods, services and facilities to the public is included within Part III of the Act
- The law requires that clubs make their adjustments in anticipation that they will have disabled members. Thus, a club cannot wait until a disabled member makes a request to join before taking action. Doing nothing to improve access to the club, its services and facilities is not an option
- The club should identify adjustments that need to take place and plan for this to a reasonable timescale
It is important to note that disabled athletes are not the only people to consider but disabled people are encouraged to get involved with all elements of athletics. When looking at how to improve access to the club, there must also be consideration given to coaches, officials, volunteers and the social aspect of the club.
What can your Club do to be inclusive?
The DDA is not just about facilities, it is about changing attitudes toward, and opportunities for, disabled people.
UK Athletics and key partners are committed to improving the opportunities for disabled people to get involved and stay involved in the sport. There are a number of measures that clubs can take to ensure that they are working under the guidance of the Act,
Some examples of how your club can work towards meeting the requirements of the Act:
Providing a welcoming environment
- Having a positive and welcoming approach is one of the most effective ways of encouraging disabled people to join your club, think about what your club CAN do, rather than potential barriers to participation.
- Think about the signage around your venue, is it clear, accessible and well directed?
- Does your club welcome, and positively encourage members from all sectors of the community?
- Is this reflected in the information that is sent out to potential members and any advertisements you use locally?
Talk to disabled people
- Consult with groups and individuals about their needs and requirements – don’t make assumptions and don’t be afraid to ask!
- Make links with your local schools and ensure that young disabled people are aware that athletics is an option for them too.
- Contact your Local Authority Sports Development Officer for details about disability sport contacts and organisations in your area.
Club policy
- Does your club have an open policy on membership?
- Many disabled people do not need adaptations to take part in athletics, and for those who do, UKA can provide contact details for organisations that can support you in understanding the rules.
- Ensure your club’s constitution reflects an inclusive approach. An equity statement will demonstrate your club’s commitment to achieving this but make sure everyone is aware of the statement and the approach you are taking as a club.
- UKA recommend that there is a club member appointed to oversee the development of inclusion, however, it is the responsibility of all club members to understand and adopt this approach.
Access to facilities
- Talk to your facility provider i.e. school or Local Authority about the provisions that they have in place to meet the requirements of the Act.
- This review must include car parking, toilets, changing facilities, access to buildings and other facilities.
Training Opportunities
- Offer disability awareness training to your coaches, officials, committee members and club members (where appropriate) to ensure you are welcoming to disabled people
Communication
You should consider how best to communicate the changes to the club’s approach with members and the local community. A club has a duty to change policy and related practice where existing operations make it difficult or impossible for disabled people to join and become full members. Providing information is seen as a key requirement of the Act, especially where this is information on the services and facilities that the club has available. If disabled people are unable to get appropriate information in accessible formats then this in itself will prevent some disabled people from joining or using club facilities etc.
Web Sites
Many clubs run websites; some of these are promoted and hosted by independent companies. Concerns have been raised that the majority of web sites are inaccessible to large numbers of people with visual impairments. The world standard is known as W3C and there is a downloadable programme known as ‘Bobby’ which checks for site accessibility.
The Benefits of Sports Equity
Ensuring that your athletics club is open to all sectors of the community not only attracts new members but also generates a positive public image. The knock on effect of this is that there will be more athletes, and with them, potentially more administrators, leaders, coaches etc and more revenue for the club. There will also be a greater attracter for external partners and sponsors to get involved with the club and enhanced support for funding applications.
For more information please contact your National / Regional Athletics Office
or UK Athletics: Marie Yates – Senior Coordinator (Disability & Policy)
Email: myates@ukathletics.org.uk
Mob: 07912 070624
