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Disability Discrimination Acts

Disability Discrimination Act 2005

All public sector organisations now have a Disability Equality Duty. 

General Duty
All public authorities are required to adopt a proactive approach, mainstreaming disability equality into all decisions and activities.  This is known as the general duty.  Basically this means every public authority shall in carrying out its functions have due regard to the need to:

  • promote equality of opportunity between disabled persons and other persons
  • eliminate discrimination that is unlawful under the DDA
  • eliminate harassment of disabled persons that is related to their disability
  • promote positive attitudes towards disabled persons
  • encourage participation by disabled persons in public life
  • and take steps to meet disabled persons’ needs, even if this requires more favourable treatment.

Disabled people have to be involved in order for successful promotion of disability equality to be achieved.

Specific Duty
Many public authorities including HEI’s have an additional obligation to demonstrate how they are working to end unlawful discrimination and promote equality of opportunity.  This is known as the specific duty which has to be published as the Disability Equality Scheme (DES).

Disability Discrimination Act Part 4  - SENDA -  the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act 2001

Set out below are some of the requirements.
 
DDA Part 4 places obligations on all individuals and departments at Bucks to make reasonable adjustments in the provision of auxiliary aids and services.  Although there is no definitive definition of what this might comprise yet, SKILL the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities advise that auxiliary aids and services can mean any additional support in terms of hardware, software or personal support that the disabled person might need.  In practical terms, this can be interpreted as doing what is sensible and reasonable, which may vary depending on the nature of the course and type of study. 
The following are examples of possible action:
 

Academic

Lectures: General

  • Provide written material in alternative formats as required eg large print or Braille (This is specified by the Equality and Human Rights Commission)
  • Allow the student to tape lectures OR make other provision eg distribute lecture notes beforehand

 

Lectures: Specific

  • Student who is deaf or hard of hearing: arrange the class so that a deaf student can lip-read all contributions
  • Student with low vision/sight loss: allow the student to sit at the front of the class and use print copies to back up boardwork
  • Student with dyslexia: decrease the amount of copying from the board
  •  Field Trips / Work Placements
  • Provide a support worker as required, which can be arranged through DS
  • Check disabled access when negotiating location
  • Consider and discuss transport requirement

Accommodation/Refectory and other Student Facilities

  • Provide good signage and assist students to access facilities
  • Ensure that the area is accessible and uncluttered
  • Involve all students in upcoming events
 

University Literature

All general University literature must be available in alternative formats on request.  These may include: large print, Braille, different coloured backgrounds, taped (disk) forms.  Literature affected includes:

  • Application forms
  • Complaints procedure
  • Disability statement
  • Student handbook
  • Prospectus and course information
  • Information about accommodation
 
If you are unsure, ask students what they require.