The OFMDFM are running a series of meetings in January/February to ask disabled people for their views on these regulations. Part III of the DDA imposes certain specific duties on service providers in relation to access, goods and services. Transport infrastructure (Bus and rail stations) is already covered by these provisions. However there is a specific exemption for any service ‘so far as it consists of the use of a means of transport’. This means that at present any person who feels they have been treated differently or less favourably by a transport operator has no right of challenge against the operator. The regulations for Northern Ireland will redress this issue by removing the exemption for providers of transport services.
Imtac is working with OFMDFM and would encourage anyone who is interested to attend a meeting. The dates of the meetings are as follows:
21 January 2009 Grosvenor House, Belfast 1.00pm - 3.30pm
13 February 2009 City Hotel, Derry 1.00pm - 3.30pm
For more information or a booking form, please contact Karen Hughes; Telephone: 028 9052 1349, Textphone: 028 9052 2526 or Email: Karen.hughes@ofmdfmni.gov.uk
Copies of the consultation are available from the following weblink:
