A legal opinion from leading Human Rights and Equality Act Barristers, Doughty Street Chambers
Ocean 3Ds’ vision is to create a world that is more accessible and inclusive for one and all. Our passion is helping people especially those with hidden conditions, disabilities or needs such as Autism, anxiety PTSD etc.
However, we knew that whilst stair-lifts, ramps, wider doors and hearing loops etc. were commonplace, there was almost nothing available for people who have a real need to journey or destination plan.
We felt that was wrong and needed to be changed so, we approached Doughty Street Chambers who generously donated their time and expertise to our problem. Below are their conclusions. If you would like the full text or to discuss creating a tour for your organisation, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.
Here are their conclusions:
30. For all of the above reasons, it is my opinion that:
(a) But for the provision of an auxiliary aid (the auxiliary aid being VR tours), people with the disabilities such as the ones in issue are placed at a substantial disadvantage when compared with those who do not share their disability;
(b) Service providers, employers (subject to having knowledge of the relevant disability) and further education providers have a duty to take such steps as is reasonable to have to take to provide the auxiliary aid;
(c) The provision of VR tours is highly likely to be considered as a reasonable step to have to take, given the relatively low cost, ease of implementation and the potential number of disabled beneficiaries.
LOUISE MANKAU
DOUGHTY STREET CHAMBERS
4.6.21
“We believe this opinion to be a seminal moment in accessibility and inclusion for people with hidden conditions and encourage all organisations to adopt and implement the conclusions in full.” Chris Wood. Director of Ocean 3D. “By providing the ability to easily access locations in advance, 24/7 on any Wi-Fi or 4G connected phone, tablet or desktop; millions of people affected by hidden conditions (as well as their parent/ carers where appropriate) will feel more able, confident and empowered to visit and attend schools, colleges, surgeries, hospitals, dentists, museums, public transportation, seek and achieve employment and enjoy a better quality of life”
If you would like the full text or to discuss creating a tour for your organisation, please contact us using the form below. Thanks for reading. If you found this post interesting, please feel free to share it with other people who care about accessibility and inclusion.
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