Disability discrimination is a serious issue worldwide. Disabled individuals have been discriminated against for years. However, with the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act, much change has taken place in the workplace, schools and services. The disability discrimination law clearly defines all responsibilities now and is thus easier to implement. Disabled individuals have certain disability discrimination rights which have been defined under this law and every effort is being made to see that everyone abides by it.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is an Act of the United Kingdom and it was set up to provide legal action against disability discrimination. This disability discrimination policy is applicable in relation to employment, education, service providers, and transportation. It is illegal to be less favorable to anyone due to their disability, or refuse to make reasonable adjustments in the case of service provides, under this disability discrimination act.

The Disability Discrimination Act has been amended several times but it basically comprises of all the disability discrimination rights of an individual. The act clearly defines a disability and the nature in which they are affected and are to be assisted. It further defines the responsibilities of each business, entity, service provider or a particular individual to prevent disability discrimination.

Disability Discrimination Rights

In addition to the basic civil rights of any ordinary individual, disabled people have additional disability discrimination rights which are designed to provide an equal opportunity for them. These rights are clearly defined under the Disability Discrimination Act. Every effort is being made to fight disability discrimination worldwide. Through the implementation of a disability discrimination law that states all the specific requirements of businesses and employers, disability discrimination can be reduced considerably. Legal action can be taken against those who do not abide by these laws.

The disability discrimination rights of an individual are required to be protected by:

• Employers: are required to provide special assistive devices or make reasonable adjustments to help disabled workers adjust to the level of their co-workers. Disability discrimination must be prevented by all members of an organization which include managers, supervisors, and co-workers.

• Educational Institutions: are required to assist in the special needs of disabled students through the provision of assistive technologies and other special education devices. Special arrangements are required to be made by making minor changes to existing classrooms, teaching methods and test-taking facilities.

• Service Providers: are required to make minor adjustments to their establishments to accommodate the needs of a disabled individual. Disability discrimination laws are strict about precise measurements of parking lots, restrooms, corridors and other such areas. Service animals are to be allowed in every establishment by disabled individuals who are authorized      to have them.

• Transportation: Public transportation facilities cannot be denied to disabled individuals due to their condition and disabled travel must be made possible. Severe disability discrimination penalty may be given to those who refuse to provide service to them.

The disability discrimination act of 1995 was first introduced as a further extension of other discrimination laws that already existed. However, these laws did not deal with disability discrimination in a direct way. Thus, with the passage of the disability discrimination law, a lot has improved within the disabled world. Fair treatment and equal opportunity must now be given by all and to all under this disability discrimination act. Disability discrimination rights have now been explicitly stated and are thus easier to fight for. It has indeed been a big step forward to help the disabled community.

References:

1. Disability Discrimination Act 1995 – Office of Public Sector Information
2. The Disability Discrimination Act – Direct.gov