CONFIGURE GIVES BUSINESS PR ROLE TO CHELGATE
16 May 2005

Configure, the UK's leading commercial disability access consultancy, has appointed Chelgate to undertake public relations and promotional activities to assist in raising awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the last part of which came into effect last October, and how it will affect businesses and other organisations in coming years.

"People assume that disabled people are only wheelchair users," said Richard Eagleton, Configure's marketing director. "This group makes up only three per cent of disabled people - we are talking about a broad range of disabilities including visual, hearing, speech impediments, dyslexia, learning difficulties and those with impaired mobility.

"As well as raising awareness of the DDA generally, Chelgate's role will include broadening understanding of what is meant by disability, the impact and implications of the legislation, and how businesses can take even simple steps to greatly improve access to goods and services."

Based in Solihull, Configure is the only company that supplies integrated solutions to assist businesses to meet their obligations under the DDA. The firm has worked with disabled people to develop suitable products and services including access audits, auxiliary aids, building adjustments and staff disability equality training.

Richard Eagleton added: "With over 10 million disabled people in the UK, with an estimated £80 billion to spend, taking action to provide equal access is not only morally right, it makes financial sense."

Chelgate executive vice-president, Michael Hardware, said: "The DDA is different in that it is a civil act. It does not provide specific regulations, it awaits test cases in the courts to determine the level and requirements upon businesses to make 'reasonable adjustments' to ensure inclusive access to all. Raising awareness will focus around the various test cases currently going through the courts as they define the parameters of the Act and the demands on businesses."

Four companies tendered for the Configure account.

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