Overwhelming demand for a seminar on the Disability Discrimination Act has meant that the event has been extended and more places are now available.
The new Act comes into force on 1st December 2005. The National Golf Clubs‘ Advisory Association (NGCAA) organised the seminar after it became clear that many clubs were confused about their new obligations.
Golf clubs and bodies that organise golf competitions, who are not already attending, are being urged to book a place. Representatives from the EGU, Ladies‘ Golf Union and dozens of clubs across the UK will be attending the seminar.
Michael Shaw, national secretary of the NGCAA, said, “Complying with the Disability Discrimination Act is not only a legal necessity but also has commercial benefits for golf clubs. In the UK, over 80% of disabled people are over 50, the prime golf playing age, and the disabled pound is worth over £80 billion annually.
“Too many clubs wrongly assume the majority of disabled members are wheelchair users when, in fact, of the 11 million disabled people in the UK, only 3% use a wheelchair. The vast majority have other impairments. For instance, around 8.7 million have some degree of hearing loss. Preparing for the Act means much more than just improving wheelchair access.
“If clubs fail to ‘make reasonable efforts‘ to comply, they could find themselves facing hefty fines, court appearances and of course immeasurable negative publicity.”
The seminar will explain how the Act affects golf clubs and competition organisers. It will also show how clubs can unwittingly break the law and will set out practical steps that clubs and bodies need to take to ensure they comply.
The event takes place at the De Vere Belfry on Tuesday 29th November. Places cost £135 + VAT for single delegates or £210 + VAT for two delegates from the same organisation. To book a place call the NGCAA on 01684 311 353
www.ngcaa.org.uk
NGCAA ‘overwhelmed‘ by response
