From 5 December 2005, new rights extend
legal protection against disability discrimination to
thousands more people. Some quarter
of a million more people now have protection under
disability discrimination laws, effectively from the point
they are diagnosed with cancer, multiple sclerosis or HIV,
and closing a major loop hole in the law.
In addition, people with mental health
conditions will no longer have to prove their condition is
"clinically well-recognised" to use their rights under the
DDA. As for those with physical impairments, they only need
to prove that it has a 'substantial impact' on their lives.
Other new duties make it unlawful for
local authorities and private clubs to treat their disabled
members less favourably. From December 2006, a new public
sector duty will require all public bodies in Britain to
lead by example and integrate disabled people in their
policy-making from the outset as well as to promote equality
of opportunity for disabled people. This is similar to
existing duties under race legislation and will be an
important driver to achieve equality for millions of
disabled people.
Details on the new legislation
are available from
www.drc-gb.org or
by calling the DRC helpline. |