What Does DDA Stand For?

DDA is the acronym for ‘Disability Discrimination Act’ which covers all aspects of disabled access in public places so that handicapped persons including vision impaired people are not disadvantaged in using public infrastructure. The DDA includes but is not limited to: bollards for disabled parking shared zones, indoor and outdoor furniture, tactiles (TGSI’s - tactile ground surface indicators), anti-slipstair nosing, accessible ramps, washroom grab rails and braille signs.

While the detailed requirements for DDA are stringent, certified access consultants tend to use the DDA standards as guide to work to but acknowledge that minor non-conformances can be insignificant for particular sites. DDA compliance is more critical for sites that are operated by local councils and other government organisations to provide access for people with disabilities. Particular attention is given to –

1. Continuous accessible paths of travel and circulation spaces for people who use wheelchairs;

2. Access and facilities for people with ambulatory disabilities;

3. Access for people with sensory disabilities.

The related Australian Standards covering DDA is AS1428 as below:

AS 1428.1-2009
Design for access and mobility – General requirements for access – New building work
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AS 1428.1-2009 Amendment 1 – 2010
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AS 1428.2-1992
Design for access and mobility – Enhanced and additional requirements – Buildings and facilities
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AS 1428.3-1992
Design for access and mobility – Requirements for children and adolescents with physical disabilities
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AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009
Design for access and mobility – Part 4.1: Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment: Tactile ground surface indicators
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AS 1428.5:2010
Communication for people who are deaf or hearing impaired
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FULL SET OF AS1428,
PARTS 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Purchase full set AS 1428.1-5