What are wheelchair access laws?

Wheelchair access laws are there to protect disabled people, ensuring that you can access buildings, services and jobs. 

Wheelchair access regulations are covered in several pieces of legislation, including the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations Part M.

These two powerful pieces of legislation are there to protect you and ensure that businesses and organisations provide everything you need to access them.

We’re going to take a quick look at what wheelchair access laws cover and what you can expect.

What is the legal requirement for wheelchair access?

As a wheelchair user, you shouldn’t face discrimination – and that includes access to buildings and spaces. There are two aspects to this: reasonable adjustments and accessibility standards.

Wheelchair accessibility: Reasonable adjustments

The Equality Act 2010 states that education providers, businesses, employers, and landlords must provide reasonable adjustments that enable disabled people to access buildings and spaces.

This may involve improving physical access to buildings with things like ramps and lifts. They may need to alter buildings, including widening doorways and adding accessible doors. 

Where possible, there should be accessible toilets. Sometimes this may not be possible,

Wheelchair accessibility: Accessibility standards

Building Regulations Part M is all about ensuring disabled people are able to access and use any new building that’s built. The legislation covers access, entrances and toilet facilities. It’s a comprehensive piece of law that’s there to protect you.

Thankfully, you don’t need to read the legislation but knowing it’s there should provide some peace of mind that all new buildings should be accessible to you.

Is wheelchair access a legal requirement?

All new buildings should be designed and constructed to be accessible to everyone. 

When it comes to existing buildings, the Equality Act 2010 states they must make “reasonable adjustments” to make buildings accessible. 

The principle is that they should do what they can to make buildings accessible. Practically, this can mean adding ramps, accessible doors and disabled toilets. 

However, there are reasons where this may not be possible. Historical buildings, for example, may require costly alterations that the owner may not be able to afford. In other cases, there may not be the space to add a disabled toilet.

The legislation (which you can read here) is lengthy and complicated and it’s not always black and white. 

What happens if I can’t access a building?

You have the legal right to request access to a building. If a business or organisation has to make a change, they can’t charge you for doing so. You’re also able to ask for support from the organisation or business to access a premises. 

If you feel that you’ve been unfairly treated and discriminated against, you can speak with the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) who can help you. They’re experts on the Equality Act 2010 and can provide personalised, expert advice that’s relevant to you and your situation.