The Disability Discrimination Act, or DDA, was introduced in 1995 to promote the civil rights of disabled people and protect them from discrimination. The legislation requires that service providers remove barriers to access and make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises to accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities. This is regardless of the service provider’s industry, size and whether the service is paid or free.
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Window Manifestations
Did you know window manifestations are a legal requirement?
According to the Royal National Institute for Blind People, there are over 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK – that’s around 3% of the total population. For these people, glass and glazed areas are difficult to see and can pose a risk to injury. But by increasing the visibility of these areas, manifestations allow people with vision difficulties to navigate them more safely and easily.
Since the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act in 1995, if you are a business or organisation providing a service, it has been a legal requirement to increase the accessibility of your premises by ensuring all glazed and glass areas are fitted with manifestations.
What is the Disability Discrimination Act (1995)?
What are window manifestations?
Window or glass manifestations often take the form of small, frosted dots or shapes, but they can also appear as logos, text, decorative patterns and come in a range of sizes and colours. Their primary function is to clearly mark all glass areas within a space – whether that be internal windows, doors, or screens – to make them more visible and therefore reduce the likelihood of injury from someone coming into contact with them unintentionally.
What are the rules around window manifestations?
While the overall look of the manifestation will be decided by you, for them to comply with the DDA you must follow guidelines around their visibility. For all types of manifestation, it’s crucial that colour and design are considered to ensure they are visible in all light and weather conditions.
Full-height glazing (screens etc.)
On full-height glazing, commonly used for interior screens, the manifestation should appear at two separate heights – the bottom level being between 850-1000mm and the upper level at 1400-1600mm from the floor. For a logo manifestation, it should appear at least 150mm from the floor, and repeated if on a larger glazed area.
Glass doors
Glass doors should be clearly distinguished both when open and closed. To reduce the risk of collision with doors that can remain open, the doors’ leading edge should be clearly marked and fitted with guarding. If they are located within a larger glazed area, doors must be fitted with high contrast strip manifestations at the top and bottom.
How can I make my premises more accessible as a whole?
Window manifestations are just one of many reasonable adjustments you can action to make your premises as accessible as possible. If you want to find out more, the Disability Rights Commission offers a roster of tools and assessments to help you assess which adjustments are most relevant for your unique business and premises. These include having an access audit done and producing an access plan.
How can Signs Express help your business comply with the DDA?
At Signs Express, we have over 30 years’ experience in producing signage and graphics for all manner of organisations and industries. We are well versed in the importance of providing business with the right signage to make sure their premises are compliant with legislation, and also attractive spaces to visit and work.
Our in-house teams located in centres across the UK will work with you to survey your premises, consult on the right solution to meet your needs, and create and install signage in a friendly a seamless process.
All our window manifestations are completely customisable, meaning you can choose the design and materials that are best suited to your business and brand. To see more of our product range and previous projects, find out more on our dedicated Window Graphics section.
As well as window manifestations, we offer a full range of health and safety, exterior and interior signage to provide all necessary signage throughout your premises. Just get in touch to be directed to your local Signs Express team.
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