If a person is treated unfairly because of a disability it is a
criminal offence.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental
impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on
his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
If a person is treated unfairly because of a disability, it is an
offence under the Act.
Being treated less favourably than any another
person while at work, trying to rent a flat, at school or college
or when buying goods and services because of a disability can be
considered as discrimination under the Act.
Organisations must take reasonable steps to
improve access for people with disabilities, for example, building
ramps for wheelchair users. Employers must make 'reasonable
adjustments' such as providing parking, appropriate keyboard or
phone, or ensuring there is sufficient space for those who use a
wheelchair to work.
It is unlawful for schools, colleges and
training provider to treat people less favourably for any reason
relating to disability, or to fail to make “reasonable adjustments”
in the same way as employers do (see above) to meet the needs of
those with disabilities.
If you think you are suffering from
discrimination on the grounds of race try speaking to someone you
trust, such as a parent, teacher or Connexions personal
adviser.
See this
direct.gov website for more information on the Disability
Discrimination Act.
From 1 October 2010, the majority of the
Equality Act
2010 will be implemented and will replace many parts of the
provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act.