Modular Wheelchair Ramp Systems - Legal Compliance

We are often asked to clarify the situation in the UK concerning the law and disabled access.

From 2005 onwards disabled access into buildings was covered by the the 'Disability Discrimination Act 2005', however this was superseded 5 years later by the Equalities Act 2010. This states that there should be ‘reasonable access’ into buildings. But what is ‘reasonable access?’ Reasonable access is of course a wholly subjective term, furthermore a laws impact is directly proportional to the degree in which it is enforced.

The phrase 'DDA Compliance’ is leftover from 2005 but technically it is no longer relevant and can actually be extremely misleading and confusing. It is not surprising then to discover that various professionals often have very conflicting views on this subject. Companies that are refurbishing public buildings are generally expect to ensure high quality disabled access - however small business like shops or restaurants have lower criteria as the cost ratio to the size of the business is lower.

Permanent disabled access systems also need to comply with Building Regulations Document Part M, BS8300 and the National Planning Framework. However portable wheelchair ramp systems or temporary ramps systems do not need to meet these specifications.

For more details view our Guide to Wheelchair Ramps and Part M & Part K Building Regulations.

The Ramp People can advise and specify wheelchair ramp systems for both public and private access – we can quote quickly and efficiently via email without site survey. Disabled Facilities Grants are available - more information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants/overview.

For more information, a quote or to just have a chat on how we can help supply a wheelchair ramp system that meets your needs and budget please contact us.