Background information

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) was introduced to end the discrimination that many disabled people face. It protects disabled people in a number of areas, including:

  • employment;
  • access to goods, facilities and services;
  • the management, buying or renting of land or property; and
  • education.
  • information on disability legislation can be found here .

The Disability Rights Commission

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is an independent body established by The Disability Rights Commission Act 1999. It enforces the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), tackles discrimination against disabled people and promotes the benefits of an inclusive society.

The DRC:

  • supports disabled people in securing their rights under the DDA;
  • solves problems by achieving solutions, often without going to a court or employment tribunal;
  • supports legal cases to set new precedents and test the limits of the law;
  • works to change organisations and sectors through formal investigations and good practice development;
  • provides and independent Disability Conciliation Service for disabled people and service providers through Mediation UK;
  • works to strengthen the law so that it protects more disabled people;
  • organises campaigns to shift attitudes, change policy and practice, such as 'Educating for Equality' and 'Open 4 All';
  • produces information, including over 60 publications, on right for disabled people, good practice for employers and service providers and research reports on disability;
  • holds events and conferences to build business networks and raise awareness of disability issues; and
  • creates networks with other organisations to increase the profile of disability rights.

They operate a helpline on 08457 622633 (e-mail enquiry@drc-gb.org).

Please note that the DRC does not give advice or information on benefits, community care, equipment, housing, medical treatment or human rights (no power to act), except when relating to discrimination on the grounds of disability.