First stage of Disability Discrimination Act comes into force

Thu, 15 Dec 2016

The first phase of the Island's Disability Discrimination Act comes into force today.

The legislation is being brought in in four stages over the next four years in a bid to give Manx businesses and service providers a chance to make adjustments to meet the Act's requirements.

Shops, cafes, offices and other businesses must now ensure those with a disability have access to their premises and are able to use their facilities.

The Government has been offering advice and support to local organisations over the last three months to ensure they comply to the Act, with a checklist, good practice guides and customer service policies all provided by the Department of Health and Social Care.

The final stage of the Disability Discrimination Act is due to be introduced in January 2020.