The Department of Social Care has commissioned Sight and Sound Limited to undertake the economic impact assessment necessary to enable the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act which will give greater rights and opportunities to individuals with a disability. The Department and Sight and Sound held a successful briefing event on Thursday which was well attended by key organisations across the public, private and third sectors and provided vital information to help with the assessment. In addition, many key organisations have been contacted and asked to provide information to assist in this work. There is still time for any organisation or individual to contribute both information and views on this matter. The surveys for different sectors are available by contacting Kate Hoosen-Owen at the Department of Social Care on 686230 or by contacting John Morgan at Sight and Sound on 07599 807 920 or 01604 798070. The deadline for responses is 18th November. The Minister for Social Care Hon Chris Robertshaw MHK said: “We are committed to introducing this legislation; to do so, we need views from organisations across the public, private and third sectors so we can fully assess the impact the DDA may have on those stakeholders. Only after a full assessment can we look at the implementation plans and timescales for this important legislation in a manner that is achievable for all involved.” There has been enthusiasm for the implementation of the DDA from across key organisations but also some concerns about what impact, particularly economic, the legislation may have on some stakeholders. It is anticipated that Sight and Sound Technology 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 -