DAT Products and Installations can offer you a range of simple modifications and equipment that will, in an efficient and cost-effective way, ensure that your buildings and services comply with the requirements of disability legislation. It is a service you should urgently consider if you are responsible for buildings such as: Cinemas, theatres or other places of entertainment Banks, building societies, post offices and other buildings that have counter services Offices, conference facilities and agencies that have meeting and interviewing rooms. Retail outlets, supermarkets and superstores Airports, railway stations, ferry terminals, bus and coach stations Reception areas Hotels Town halls, courtrooms, council offices etc Churches and other places of worship.

Whatever your situation, Deaf Awareness Technology can provide equipment to meet the needs of the people who are hearing impaired using your building. All our 15 years experience and specialist knowledge is yours for the asking. We will advise you of the options available, arrange for a visit to discuss your needs and carry out an in-depth survey. We will then send you an estimate, with advice about the equipment you need and how much it will cost for supply and installation. We will also give you a work schedule, so that installation can be planned to fit in with the other activities that take place in your building(s).

All our installations meet relevant British Standards, and we will give your key people the training they need so that they know how to use the equipment. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995: new requirements to make goods, facilities and services more accessible to disabled people from 2004 Consultation on a new Code of Practice, Regulations and Practical Guide. On 1 October 2004 the final stage of the goods, facilities and services provisions in Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act will come into force.

The new duties will apply to businesses and to other providers of services to the public where physical features make access to their services impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people. They are a further important step towards ensuring that disabled people have access to services that other people take for granted.

On 8 May, the Government and the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) launched a joint consultation exercise on the DRC’s proposals for a Code of Practice giving guidance on the new duties and the Government’s proposals for Regulations to underpin them. The revised Code deals with the duties placed by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 on those providing goods, facilities or services to the public and those selling, letting or managing premises. It covers the duties already in force and those that will come into force from 2004.

The proposals for Regulations include provisions in respect of physical characteristics of buildings which meet the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations, and in respect of service providers who need permission before they can make physical changes to premises - for example, from their landlord.