Disability

"The Social Model of Disability is the cornerstone of the disability equality agenda"This argues that in the main it is not Disabled people that are the problem or their particular impairments, but society's failure to take into account their diverse needs.  The Social Model shifts policy away from a medical, charity, care agenda into a rights led, equalities agenda.  Disability discrimination will be tackled not by medical advances and making Disabled people “better” but by removing the barriers that disabled people face in every day life.

In the UK Disabled people face massive discrimination and exclusion. For example, Disabled people are twice as likely to have no qualifications.  If they are of working age, they are twice as likely as non-disabled people to be out of work and claiming benefits.  Disabled workers earn 10% less, on average, than non-Disabled people.  

Legislation

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 gave 10 million Disabled people new rights in employment, education, access to goods and services, the buying and renting of land or property and education.   Employers have a legal duty not to discriminate against Disabled people and must make reasonable adjustments to the working environment to enable them to work.  Since October 1999 service providers had to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, such as providing extra help or making changes to the way they provide their services.  Further, since October 2004 service providers have had to make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access.  Schools, colleges and universities also have to ensure they do not discriminate against Disabled students.  

From December 2006, all public authorities will have a legal responsibility to promote disability equality.  This means that Disabled people and disability equality should be included into everything the organisation does from the outset.   

For latest information in the South West go to our networks (age, disability, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation and transgender).