§ Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what guidance is being given to service providers regarding their obligations under Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if he will make a statement; [114500]
(2) what guidance is being given to (a) owners of listed buildings and (b) local authorities regarding the entry into force of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if he will make a statement. [114497]
§ Maria EagleThe Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has published a statutory Code of Practice on rights of access to goods, facilities, services and premises for disabled people. This Code explains the law and provides practical guidance for all service providers, including local authorities, on their current duties and those that will come into force in 2004.
The DRC also publishes a range of guidance leaflets focusing on specific types of service provision, and provides information and advice on all aspects of the DDA free of charge, via the Commission"s Helpline.
For service providers in listed buildings, English Heritage has produced "The Easy Access Guide", a revised version of which is due to be published later this year.
The Department is also undertaking a range of activity to raise awareness of the DDA, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses. This includes a series of regional awareness days, supported by radio advertising, to raise the profile of the DDA and wider disability issues. In addition, on 15 May, I launched a video entitled "Act Now" which provides information about the responsibilities of business and the "Access All Areas Awards" which aim to recognise small organisations that have made imaginative changes to the way they provide services to disabled people.