Breach of standards

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Commonwealth Parliament may pass standards of minimum compliance with the law for:

• public transport
• education
• access to premises.

The Disability Standards set out what a person/organisation needs to do to avoid a discrimination complaint. If you experience difficulty because of their failure to do so, you can make a complaint.

 

Disability Standards for Public Transport

Under the Disability Standards for Public Transport which became law in 2002, public transport providers were given 20 years to make sure their vehicles, trams, trains and buses were accessible to people with disabilities. They needed to be:

• 90 per cent compliant by 2017
• 100 per cent compliant by 2022.

If a public transport provider is having extreme difficulties meeting the requirements, the Standards allow them to apply for a limited extension of time.

 

Disability Standards for Education

The Disability Standards for Education, which became law in 2005, require education authorities to consult with students with disabilities, their associates and health professionals to identify their needs and what adjustments are needed for them to attend school and participate in activities. Schools need to ensure that students can participate in their courses.

 

Disability Standards Access to Premises

The Disability Standards for Access to Premises, which became law in 2011, require new buildings and those undergoing significant renovation to be accessible to people with disabilities. These Standards are very technical. Access Design Specialists can advise as to whether the Standards apply to a building you have concerns about and what, if anything, must be done for that building to be compliant.

 

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