The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was introduced in 1999 to avoid discrimination against disabled people. The act applies to all areas where disabled persons may require access.

The act recommends that doors be easerly accessable with lever handle and should not exert an excessive resistance. The door handle should be opperable with a clenched fist and be of suitable size to alow an easy grip to be made. The lever handle should idealy be a safety or return to door lever handle.

The Disability Discrimination Act is applied to the door as a whole (door, hinges, levers, lock and door closer) and only correct installation and adjustment of all of the door furniture will allow it to comply with these guidelines.

For complete information on the DDA please go to http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/1995050.htm