Department of Social Care Appoints Sight and Sound Technology to plan the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act The Department of Social Care has commissioned the UK based specialist organisation Sight and Sound Technology Limited to consider the principal actions need to introduce the Disability Discrimination Act 2006 (DDA) to the Isle of Man and the associated costs in order to ensure that this important legislation can be introduced without further unnecessary delay while also ensuring the legislation does not have unintended adverse economic impacts. Minister for Social Care Hon Martyn Quayle said: “My Department, this Government and Tynwald are all committed to implementing the Disability Discrimination Act 2006 to support the interests of all in our community. It is vital that the Act’s implementation is undertaken in such a manner that achieves its intent of helping people with a disability to access goods and services and so help them to lead a fulfilled life. At the same time, it is also vital that it is implemented in a manner and timescale that is achievable for local private, public and third sector organisations and does not cause unnecessary economic harm. Sight and Sound has demonstrated it has significant experience and insight from the implementation of similar legislation in the UK and elsewhere, hence Sight and Sound is ideally placed to help my Department determine the best way forward that balances the interests of individuals with those of local businesses and other organisations on the Island, many of which will need to make some changes in order to comply with the Act. Following Sight and Sound’s review, my Department will be in a position to recommend the most effective approach for the Act’s introduction including the likely costs and timescales. I believe this is the best approach to balance the interests of all in the community and achieve an effective introduction of this important legislation.” Sight and Sound Technology Limited will conduct a review to gather pertinent local information and will provide the Department with the assessment documentation. This will include considering the financial impact to the public, private and third sectors. The review is intended to provide sufficient information to specify the principal areas of action and cost necessary for the legislation’s introduction and so comply with Government’s common requirements prior to the introduction of all new and amended legislation. It is anticipated that Sight and Sound Technology Limited will complete their assignment by January 2012. The Department will then need to review its findings and bring this matter before Council of Ministers and Tynwald for approval. - ENDS -