Disability Access (DDA) Compliance in Australia

Ensure Your Building Meets Accessibility Standards

Need Help With DDA Compliance?

Ensuring your building is accessible is not just about compliance. It is about creating inclusive spaces for all Australians. Kairos helps building owners, facility managers and businesses meet their legal obligations while improving accessibility for all occupants.

Why DDA Compliance Matters

Most buildings must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and National Construction Code (NCC), including Australian Standards such as AS1428 for accessibility.

Failure to comply can result in legal action, financial penalties and reputational damage. More importantly, non-compliance can prevent people with disabilities from safely and independently accessing essential services.

Properly designed and maintained accessible features:

Ensure compliance with Australian laws and standards.
Improve usability for all occupants including ageing populations.
Reduce risks of discrimination claims and complaints.
Increase the value and functionality of your property.

Buildings That Must Comply With DDA

DDA compliance applies to all public, commercial and multi-residential buildings, including:

Class 1b:

Office buildings

Class 2:

Shopping centres and retail spaces

Class 3:

Healthcare facilities, hospitals and aged care

Class 4:

Schools, universities and childcare centres

Class 5:

Hotels, motels and short-term accommodation

Class 6:

Public transport facilities

Class 7:

Entertainment venues, museums and galleries

Class 8:

Government buildings

Key Areas of Disability Access Compliance

Physical Accessibility & Path of Travel

Ensuring clear, step-free access to and within buildings, including:

Ramps, lifts and stairs
Door widths and automation
Handrails and tactile ground surface indicators

Sanitary Facilities

All accessible toilets, showers and change rooms must comply with AS1428.1 to ensure adequate space, fittings and access.

Signage & Wayfinding

Buildings must have compliant braille and tactile signage, including clear navigation for vision-impaired individuals.

Parking & External Access

Adequate accessible parking bays, kerb ramps and drop-off points must be provided in accordance with accessibility standards.

Emergency Egress

People with disabilities must be able to safely evacuate in emergencies, with refuge areas and clear evacuation procedures.

Roles and Responsibilities in DDA Compliance

Building Owners & Operators

Owners should ensure their premises comply with the DDA and NCC requirements for accessibility. This includes installing and maintaining accessible features and avoiding discriminatory barriers.

Facility Managers

Responsible for ensuring ongoing compliance through maintenance, staff training and addressing accessibility concerns raised by occupants or visitors.

Designers & Architects

Most new developments and renovations must comply with the latest accessibility requirements under the NCC and AS1428.

Regulatory Authorities & Councils

Government agencies, including the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), enforce compliance with the DDA and investigate complaints of discrimination.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If a building does not meet accessibility requirements, owners and managers may face:

Legal action under the DDA for discrimination
Fines and compensation claims if complaints are upheld
Costly retrofits to bring non-compliant buildings up to standard
Reputational damage particularly for public-facing businesses

How Kairos Helps You Stay Compliant

Comprehensive
DDA Audits

We conduct detailed audits to assess compliance with AS1428, NCC, and DDA standards, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.

Custom
Compliance Plans

Every property is different. We provide tailored reports outlining the steps needed to meet accessibility requirements and connect you with the right professionals for implementation.

Expert Guidance
on Next Steps

Need modifications or upgrades? While we focus on auditing and compliance assessment, we can direct you to specialists who handle design, construction, and remediation.

Seamless Integration with Asset Management

Our audit findings integrate directly with your existing asset management systems, helping you track compliance and plan future upgrades.

What Sets Kairos Apart?

Expertise

in accessibility compliance across government, healthcare and commercial sectors.

Detailed Inspections

covering all DDA and NCC accessibility requirements.

Clear Fixed-Scope Projects

with set budgets and timelines.

Reliable QA

to ensure compliance and prevent costly rework.

Real-Time
Reporting

so you always know your compliance status.

Victoria-Based Team

with local knowledge of state and national requirements.

Contact Us To Find Out More

It’s never too early to understand how precision data capture can enhance the effectiveness of your asset management strategy. Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.