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About the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) 2005
New disability rights came into force in December 2005 to protect millions of people in Britain from discrimination.
Landlords, private clubs, transport and qualification bodies will come under the scope of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005. Government departments, local authorities and public bodies will lead by example with a specific duty to integrate the needs of disabled people into their policies and plans from the outset. The Act will also extend its protection to people with HIV, multiple sclerosis and all types of cancers, effectively from the point of diagnosis.
Transport
This section removes previous exclusion of transport services from DDA 1995 Section 21, which places a duty on a service provider to remove discrimination.
Such services will be brought under regulation progressively. Accessibility regulations will be introduced so that all rail vehicles are regulated no later than 2020.
Recognition of Disabled Persons Badges
"Blue badges" issued in foreign countries will have the same recognition and benefits as those issued in the UK.
Discriminatory Advertisements
It is now unlawful for employers and others to publish a discriminatory advert inviting applications for a job, training or other benefit. This will also extend to include the publisher of the advertisement.
Group Insurance
It is unlawful to discriminate against a disabled person who is included in an employers' group insurance scheme.
Letting of Premises
The new Act makes it unlawful for landlords and managers to discriminate against a present or potential disabled tenant by failing, without justification, to comply with a duty to provide a reasonable adjustment for the disabled person.
The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) aims to protect disabled people against discrimination both in employment and when using a service or facility. The government has implemented the legislation in three phases.
Phase I in 1996 made it illegal to treat disabled people less favourably because of their disability.
Phase II in 1999 obliged businesses to make 'reasonable adjustments' for disabled staff, for example by providing additional support or equipment. They also had to start making changes to the way they provided services to their customers, for example by providing bank statements in large print.
Phase III from October 2004 meant businesses may have to make physical alterations to their premises to overcome access barriers, for example by installing ramps for wheelchair users. The exemption applying to companies that employ fewer than 15 people has now been removed.
