The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) has today launched an important consultation document that directly affects older people and disabled people access to transport. The consultation proposes to remove some of the exemptions enjoyed by transport providers from the Disability Discrimination Act. The changes will mean that for the first time it will be unlawful for a transport provider to discriminate against a disabled passengers when travelling on the transport itself.
This extension of rights to disabled people is long overdue as similar changes were introduced in Great Britain in December 2006. Imtac will be working with OFMDFM over the 14 week consultation to ensure that people can have their say about the proposals. The consultation documents are available from the following weblink:
The documents are also available on a range of accessible formats including an easy read version. OFMDFM also plan to hold a number of consultation meetings in January.
Imtac would encourage all those with an interest to contribute to the consultation.
