Equality and Diversity

Disabiltiy

Introduction

The Law

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 outlaws discrimination against disabled people in employment and services. The DDA is different from other equality legislation in that it places emphasis on taking positive action to remove barriers.  It require that we make 'reasonable adjustments' to jobs and services, for example, providing necessary equipment, ensuring buildings are accessible, providing information in alternative formats, etc. The definition of a disabled person under the DDA is if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

The following impairments are included:-

• visual impairments;
• hearing impairments;
• dual sensory impairments;
• impaired mobility;
• learning difficulties;
• specific literacy difficulties such as dyslexia;
• limiting illnesses such as epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, HIV, etc; and
• mental health difficulties.

It is illegal to treat disabled people less favourably than other people for a reason related to their disability. Service providers and employers must make 'reasonable adjustments' for disabled people to allow access to jobs and services.  This must include making reasonable adjustments to premises to improve access.  Under the DDA as amended by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, all public organisations must take action to improve services and employment opportunities for disabled people.