THE Isle of Man has moved one step closer to introducing a Disability Discrimination Act with the commissioning of a specialist organisation to come forward with proposed legislation.
The Department of Social Care has commissioned the UK-based organisation Sight and Sound Technology Limited to consider the principal actions needed for the Island to introduce the Disability Discrimination Act 2006.
The 3-month long review will also report on 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.”
“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,” said Minister for Social Care Hon Martyn Quayle.
“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.”
In a statement issued this morning, the Department added, “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, the Department will be in a position to recommend the most effective approach for the Act’s introduction including the likely costs and timescales.”
Mr Quayle added, “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’s review will include considering the financial impact to the public, private and third sectors and “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.
