Disability Discrimination Act

Information source: Directgov

What does disabled mean?

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Everyday life

The DDA gives disabled people important rights not to be discriminated against: • in accessing everyday goods and services like shops, cafes, banks, cinemas and places of worship • in buying or renting land or property • in accessing or becoming a member of a larger private club • in accessing the functions of public bodies, like the issuing of licenses for example

Employment

Under the DDA, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against disabled people for a reason related to their disability, in all aspects of employment, unless this can be justified. The Act covers things like: • application forms • interview arrangements • proficiency tests • job offers • terms of employment • promotion, transfer or training opportunities • work-related benefits such as access to recreation or refreshment facilities • dismissal or redundancy

Disability Discrimination Act

Also covers: • Health • Education • Mental health • Motoring • Transport

Activity.

• Read section 2 of the news article • In small groups use the De Bono thinking hats that were introduced earlier in the module and consider the view points of: – The presenter – Parents

Key Questions

Do you think that Cerrie Burnell has the qualities and attributes to be a children’s television presenter?

Do you think the parents that complained are discriminating against Cerrie Burnell?