The Law

The Disability Discrimination Act

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is a law passed by the Government in 1995.

The Act makes sure that people who have a disability are treated equally.

It is illegal to make decisions about people just because they have a disability.

Landlords, employers, shopkeepers, others should make their service accessible for people who have a disability.

There is a group called the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) that advises the Government about disability issues.

The DRC will try to stop discrimination against disabled people.

There are 15 people on the DRC, 10 have a disability.

One of the members has a learning difficulty.

The DRC want "A society where all disabled people can fulfil their potential as equal citizens".

They have a website www.drc-gb.org

What does the law say?

In a shop...

• Someone in a shop cannot refuse to serve you because you have a disability.
• Staff must make an effort to help you.
• There should be access to the shop.
  

Going Out...

• Pubs, cinemas, and restaurants must serve you.
• They should have access for wheelchair users.
• Sometimes buildings are not accessible and it is not possible to allow access.

At Work...

• Employers must use Equal Opportunities, they should employ people with and without a disability.
• Work places should also be accessible.

At Home.

• New buildings should be accessible.
• Old buildings do not have to be changed.

In Public.

• Buildings chould be accessible.
• They should have ramps, disabled toilets, hearing induction loops, 3d maps, and easy to read signs.
• Some old buildings do not have to be adapted.