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Disability Discrimination Act 1995

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was a landmark legislation in the United Kingdom that aimed to protect disabled individuals from discrimination in various areas, including employment, access to goods and services, education, and transport. It established legal rights for disabled persons and imposed obligations on employers and service providers to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disabilities.

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Current Relevance​

In England, Scotland, and Wales, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 has been largely replaced by the Equality Act 2010, which consolidated various anti-discrimination laws, including the DDA, into a single framework. However, the DDA remains in effect in Northern Ireland, where the Equality Act 2010 does not apply.

Key Takeways​

The DDA made it unlawful to discriminate against individuals based on disability in several domains:

  • Employment - Prohibited discrimination in recruitment, terms of employment, promotions, and dismissals.​
  • Access to Goods, Facilities, and Services - Ensured disabled individuals could access services and facilities without unjustifiable barriers.​
  • Education - Addressed discrimination in educational establishments, ensuring equal opportunities for disabled students.​
  • Transport - Mandated accessible public transportation systems over time.

The Act required employers and service providers to make reasonable adjustments to policies, practices, or physical aspects of premises to accommodate disabled individuals. This could include modifying workstations, providing auxiliary aids, or altering communication methods.​

The DDA led to the creation of the Disability Rights Commission in 1999, an independent body tasked with enforcing the Act and promoting the rights of disabled people.​

Full Documentation​

Additional Resources​