Disability Discrimination and Your Rights

Disability discrimination, or the second-class treatment of individuals living with physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities, is unfortunately still a facet of our society. Though a variety of UK legislation outlaws discrimination due to disability, and work is underway for eligible nations to ratify an international Convention to protect the rights of the disabled, there are still situations in which those living with disabilities do not always receive fair and equal treatment. Thankfully there are many ways that individuals and organisations can work to end discrimination against individuals living with disabilities.

Disability Discrimination and UK Law

A variety of legislation outlaws discrimination against individuals living with disabilities and protects their human rights in the United Kingdom. The foremost legislation protecting the rights of citizens with disabilities is the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995 (which has since been amended and extended, including in 2005). The DDA prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, education, access to goods, facilities and services and the buying or renting of land or property. The DDA also requires public bodies to promote equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities and sets minimum standards for public transport so that disabled individuals can have equal access. The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 amends and extends the DDA, and the Mental Health Act of 1983 protects the rights of individuals with learning disabilities and/or mental health concerns.

International Disability Rights

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an international treaty that protects the international rights of individuals with disabilities, is in the process of being ratified by eligible nations. The United Kingdom helped to draft this Convention, was one of the first countries to sign it and is now working to ratify it. When 20 countries have ratified the Convention, it will come into force and those countries that have ratified will be required to meet its standards on disability rights.

Fighting Discrimination Due to Disability

Many individuals make discriminatory remarks or jokes about others living with disabilities, but this does not mean that others must listen to their hurtful sentiments. If it is safe to do so, confronting such individuals about what they've said will often turn the tide of a conversation. If discrimination is observed, or you are the one experiencing discrimination, letting others know that you are aware of what is happening is often enough to stop the discriminatory practices. If it is believed someone is in breach of UK legislation then taking them to court is one way of reporting and hopefully stopping their actions. Reporting discrimination due to disability to local authorities is another method of calling attention to inappropriate practices, and reporting instances of discrimination to organisations working for disability rights may also help to eradicate such behaviours. The Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Disability Alliance UK (www.disabilityalliance.org) and DIAL UK (www.dialuk.org.uk) are all such organisations operating throughout the United Kingdom.

Fighting discrimination due to disability does not need to be grand and flamboyant. Every time an individual reconsiders a stereotype, speaks out against discrimination based on disabilities, gets to know a disabled member of their community, ceases to make jokes or pointed references to disabilities, tells others that such jokes and references are unacceptable and does all that (s)he can to learn from the talents of each individual, regardless of ability, then discrimination is also being fought. Hopefully discrimination due to disability will soon become a thing of the past, but until then everyone can play a part in helping it to end.