Posted By Sean Fraser
Robert,

Try this link - it should give you all the information you need -

http://www.disability.gov.uk/dda/index.html

Note that the Statutory Instrument 2002 No. 1980 - Disability Discrimination (Services and Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 also revoked the exemptions that the 1995 Act made provision for, so if it hadn't applied previously it probably does now!

The Code of Practice (found in the link provided) gives good guidance on who is - and who is not - covered by the legislation. You will need to read this and decide for yourself but I would have thought that where there was ambiguity, it would be better to assume applicability than to ignore it and run the risk of future court challenges.

In any case the Act is not especially onerous - the aim is to eliminate discrimination based on disability, wherever and however that may manifest itself, and put simply it requires us all to consider our potential and actual employees and customers/suppliers during our planning activities and normal operations.

Take care not to note that there are three active sections of the Act - 1 for employees, 1 for Trade Organisations and 1 for "access to goods and services". Even though your members are registered and may not be considered general public, they are still accessing goods and services. If you employ more than 20 persons, the Act would apply in any case.

Read the CoP and see what you think - I would presume it would apply unless you can definitely find an exemption clause that states otherwise.