Public authorities have been warned they must ensure new
IT systems are suitable for use by disabled staff under new
Disability Discrimination Act regulations.
The Disability Rights Council (DRC) has warned authorities that
they must fulfil new duties towards disabled people under a clause
that came into effect on 4 December.
All public bodies now have a duty to consider the needs of
disabled people when planning services and most are also required
to publish a Disability Equality Scheme, with an action plan drawn
up with the involvement of disabled people.
Guidance on the new “disability equality duty” produced by the
DRC specifically highlights IT procurement as an area where
authorities must take disabled people’s needs into account.
“A government department that is planning to procure a new IT
system should ensure that its action plan includes the work it will
do to ensure that the new system is suitable for use by disabled
employees,” it says.
“The action plan should also indicate the way it will develop
the specification so that the system delivers the right products
for disabled customers.”
As an example, the guidance suggests this could include ensuring
that systems print out forms or letters in large print for people
who are blind or partially sighted.
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