DISABLED PEOPLE’S
RIGHTS DISH Home
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995
After many
years of campaigning by people with disabilities and their support organisations, the DDA introduced the right of disabled
people not to be treated, without justification, less favourably
than others for reasons related to their disability. Issues covered by the act
include aspects of employment, access to services, education, transport and
housing. From October 2004, part 3 of the act will mean that service providers
may have to make other “reasonable adjustments” to their premises
so that there are no physical barriers stopping or making it unreasonably
difficult for you to use services. This includes going to a restaurant,
shopping, using a local library, going to church or visiting your solicitor or
doctor.
To claim
protection under the DDA, a person must have a physical or mental impairment
which has a substantial, long term and adverse effect on their ability to carry
out normal day-to-day activities.
If you wish to
discuss any of the terms, definitions or exclusions of the Act more fully, and
whether or not you might be protected by it, contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission (formerly
the Disability Rights
Commission) – an independent
body, established by Act of Parliament to eliminate discrimination against
disabled people and promote equality of opportunity:
Equality and Human Rights Disability Helpline
Freepost MID
02164
CV37 9BR
tel. 08457
622633 Textphone: 08457 622 644 Fax: 08457 778 878
Email: info@equalityhumanrights.com or
(preferred) use the web enquiry form on their Website: www.equalityhumanrights.com
Note: If you have access to a computer, it is worth checking out their
website.
You can also access information and advice from the following sources:
Disability Information Service Huntingdonshire
Cambs
CB23 3UY
Tel: 01480
830833
Fax: 01480
830036
www.dish.org.uk
DISH provides
information and advice on a wide range of disability issues. A specialist
welfare benefits and money advice service is available for disabled people, carers, older people and parent carers
which includes one to one advice, assessment and assistance with completing
forms. Representation at disability appeal tribunals in also available.
RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation)
12 City Forum,
Tel: 0207 250
3222
Fax: 0207 250
0212
Web: www.radar.org.uk Email: radar@radar.org.uk
Disability Law Service
Tel (Advice Line): 020 7791 9800
Tel (Minicom): 020 7791 9801 Fax: 020 7791 9802
Best time to phone (advice line):
Web: www.dls.org.uk E-mail: advice@dls.org.uk
The Disability
Law Service is a registered charity which provides free advice and representation
to people with disabilities, their families and/or enablers. Advice on the
following issues is available from a rota of
specialist advisers.
The Law Centres Federation
Third Floor,
Tel 020 7387 8570
Fax 020 7387 8368
www.lawcentres.org.uk
E-mail info@lawcentres.org.uk
Law Centres provide a free and independent professional legal
service to people who live or work in their catchment
areas. To make the most of their limited resources, Law Centres
have to prioritise areas of work that they feel are
most in demand, and where the needs are greatest. To find out if there is one
in your area contact the Law Centres Federation as
above.
Huntingdon Law Centre
Telephone:
01480 356 778 E-mail: hcl@afl.org.uk
Community Legal Advice
A new name for
Community Legal Services Direct – a free and confidential service paid
for by legal aid.
Helpline: 0845
345 4 345 Web: www.clsdirect.org.uk