The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2017 is a piece of legislation that aims to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various areas of life. The act was introduced to replace the previous Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and to bring the UK in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the DDA 2017, including its scope, key provisions, and impact.
Scope of the DDA 2017
The DDA 2017 applies to all individuals with disabilities, including those with physical, mental, sensory, and intellectual impairments. The act covers a wide range of areas, including employment, education, housing, transport, and access to goods and services. It also includes provisions for reasonable adjustments to be made to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not disadvantaged.
Key Provisions of the DDA 2017
One of the key provisions of the DDA 2017 is the duty to make reasonable adjustments. This means that employers, service providers, and public authorities must take steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not put at a disadvantage compared to those without disabilities. This could include providing additional support or making physical changes to a building to improve accessibility.
Another important provision is the prohibition of discrimination. The act makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in any area covered by the legislation. This includes direct discrimination, where someone is treated less favourably because of their disability, and indirect discrimination, where a policy or practice puts individuals with disabilities at a disadvantage.
The DDA 2017 also includes provisions for harassment and victimisation. Harassment is defined as unwanted conduct related to a person’s disability that has the purpose or effect of violating their dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. Victimisation occurs when someone is treated unfairly because they have made a complaint or taken legal action under the act.
Impact of the DDA 2017
The DDA 2017 has had a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities in the UK. It has helped to raise awareness of the issues faced by people with disabilities and has led to improvements in accessibility and inclusion. The duty to make reasonable adjustments has meant that many employers and service providers have taken steps to improve accessibility, such as installing ramps or providing sign language interpreters.
The act has also provided individuals with disabilities with greater protection against discrimination. It has given them the right to challenge discriminatory practices and has made it easier for them to access justice. The provisions for harassment and victimisation have also helped to create a safer and more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities.
However, there is still work to be done to ensure that the DDA 2017 is fully effective in protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities. Some areas, such as housing and transport, still present significant challenges for people with disabilities. There is also a need for greater awareness and understanding of the issues faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in the workplace.
Conclusion
The Disability Discrimination Act 2017 is an important piece of legislation that aims to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in the UK. Its key provisions, including the duty to make reasonable adjustments and the prohibition of discrimination, have had a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that the act is fully effective in promoting accessibility and inclusion for all. By continuing to raise awareness of the issues faced by individuals with disabilities and by working together to create a more inclusive society, we can ensure that everyone is able to participate fully in all aspects of life.
