What Rights Do Disabled People Have?

Disability rights for disabled people have greatly increased over the last few years when the disability discrimination act came into force in 1995. The aim of the act when introduced was to put an end to discrimination that was being faced by disabled people.

Key points of the disability discrimination act include:

* The right to fair employment. Every firm which employs 15 or more people has to conform to this act and covers dismissal, working conditions and redundancy.

* The right to have access to services and facilities.

* The right to have reasonable adjustments made for access in the working environment.

* The right to education in any school, college or further education.

Discrimination is said to occur when any disabled person is treated with less favour, the treatment is relating to the person’s disability and when there has been inadequate adjustments made which cannot be justified.

Education providers

For places of education such as schools, colleges and any place of further education the disability discrimination act was extended and is called the special educational needs and disability act. This act was formed to protect students against discrimination, its key points are:

* It is against the law to prevent any disabled student from taking a course or to mark down in assessment any disabled person suffering from dyslexia or deafness.

* Certain policies have to be changed for disabled students, for example giving more computer access during exams.

* The place should be able to provide aids and services for those with disabilities, such as providing hearing aid loops and installation of special software on computers for those people with visual disabilities.

* Making adjustments to the building themselves for easier access.

Who has To Comply with the Act?

Any company or organization that provides facilities to the public has to comply with this regulation and includes:

* Building societies and banks.

* Hospitals and Doctor’s surgeries.

* Theatres and Cinema’s.

* Bus stations and Railway stations.

* Hotels, shops and restaurants.

* Soccer grounds, sports halls parks.

Who Isn’t Covered?

* Trains, buses and any other public transport.

* Private clubs.

* Manufacturers.

How Is The Law Enforced?

The law is enforced by the disabled rights commission which is an independent body of people. They were put there to ensure that elimination is met for discrimination of disabled people and to promote equal opportunities and for them to also assist and give advice on how to treat disabled people, and to advise the government on the legislation of disability.