31/01/2009

DCS Web Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

Doing the duty - an overview of the Disability Equality Duty for ... 'The Disability Equality Duty is a new way for public authorities to tackle ... To ensure this happens a Disability Equality Duty is being introduced for ...

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Bank told to fit lift in landmark ruling Liverpool Echo - UK But since the Disability Discrimination Act came into force in 1995, no judge has previously ordered an injunction to force an organisation to make physical ... See all stories on this topic

Disability discrimination appeal unravels as woolly hat man left ... PersonnelToday.com - UK The DWP claimed Sawyer's bronchitis or breathing difficulties were not disabilities within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1996. ... See all stories on this topic

 

30/01/2009

DCS Web Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

failure to meet disability equality duty why? - WhatDoTheyKnow failure to meet disability equality duty why? A Freedom of Information request to Department for Work and Pensions by Linda Burnip ...

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Scope demands 'disablism' equal rights Brand Republic - London,UK by Alex Black, PR Week UK 28-Jan-09, 16:51 More than 20 years after the Disability Discrimination Act came into force, disabled people are still being ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

The Johhny Come Latelies » GP 'learning difficulties bonus' ... earlier this year, found existing as the check-ups are over and guidelines and laws - such as the above the normal work British Disability Discrimination Act - Medical Association spokeswoman were not being followed. ... The Johhny Come Latelies - http://jclband.com/

29/01/2009

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

All criteria must be met for exemptions from disability hiring law ... All criteria must be met for exemptions from disability hiring law, says EAT - OUT-LAW.com. Published January 29, 2009 news. "If a company that is recruiting is to be exempt from making provisions for disabled applicants it must fulfil ... Current Awareness - http://innertemplelibrary.wordpress.com/

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

All criteria must be met for exemptions from disability hiring law ... Out-Law.com - London,England,UK The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) demands that employers and potential employers make adjustments to the job application and interview processes to ... See all stories on this topic

School under fire over diabetes boy Bath Chronicle - Bath,England,UK ... school to send separate written apologies to Joel and his parents and to review training of staff duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Taxi Driver is Prosecuted for Snubbing Guide Dog Under the Disability Discrimination Act, drivers cannot refuse to carry guide dogs unless they have been granted an exemption certificate on medical grounds. The court was told that Singh had never applied for this ... Dog Magazine dot net - free online... - http://www.dogmagazine.net/

28/01/2009

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Drivers using Plymouth disabled bays Plymouth Evening Herald - Plymouth,England,UK ... or the Devon Law Centre, if they thought a persistent user might be abusing the bay and thereby contravening the Disability Discrimination Act. The bay ... See all stories on this topic

Consultants back plans to demolish Liz House Sutton Borough Guardian - UK ... would meet little or no access requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and would not increase provision for a growing elder people in ... See all stories on this topic

Taxi driver fined for disability discrimination Slough and Windsor Observer - Slough,UK By doing this he committed an offence under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) regarding the carrying of guide dogs. Under this act drivers cannot ... See all stories on this topic

Taxi driver fined over guide dog shun Maidenhead Advertiser - Maidenhead,England,UK ... a registered assistance dog, 45-year-old Mr Singh from Goodman Park in Slough, committed an offence under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995. ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Puresh Power: Blue Badge Abuse By Danny Puresh Danny Puresh: Danny is a disability equality consultant specializing in access issues, independent living (particularly through direct payments), and general Disability Equality and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995. ... Puresh Power - http://pureshpower.blogspot.com/

Judge rules CPS wrong to deny victim with mental illness his day ... He also found the CPS indirectly in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act Section 49A, which provides:. Every public authority shall when carrying out its functions have due regard to:. the need to eliminate discrimination that is ... Equality and Human Rights Commission - http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

Just Plain Sense: Breaking the Camel's Back By Christine Burns Since 2006 the Disability Equality Duty has required those same bodies to involve disabled people in reviewing existing services and strategies, and in the planning of new ones. Then, since April 2007, they've had to consult with men ... Just Plain Sense - http://christineburns.blogspot.com/

 

27/01/2009

Returning To Work After Disability

 

If you are returning to work after a disability, you have probably been coping with all the changes this has made to your life. Considering a return to work may seem like a daunting prospect. However, the workplace is far better placed to handle employees with disabilities these days, since the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). There is a good deal of support available to help you.

Schemes to help

Your local Jobcentre can put you in touch with a Disability employment adviser, who can help you gain access to government programmes.

Access to work is a scheme run by Jobcentre Plus. It provides financial support to disabled people travelling to work as well as help at work, such as with equipment or support workers.

Workstep is a programme which provides advice, guidance and support to employers and employees in areas such as training, supervision and other support. They may also be able to provide some financial help to cover the extra costs for the company, which are not paid for by Access to Work.

Other organisations can provide other forms of assessment for you, such as for computer equipment that might help you to do your job or do it better.

Positive employers

Whilst all employers have legal responsibilities these days, an increasing number are proactive in their commitment to employing disabled people. They have realised that as nearly one in five of the working population in Great Britain is disabled, some of the best employees are people like you.

The Job Centre Plus uses a 'two ticks' disability symbol on job adverts for these employers. It means they have made certain specific commitments regarding the employment of disabled people. The symbol also means that you are guaranteed an interview, if you meet the minimum criteria for the job.

All public sector organisations have a legal responsibility not just to avoid discrimination against disabled people, but to consider what disabled people need when planning their services. They are used to taking reasonable adjustments for disabilities into account.

Other ways to spot employers who will be without prejudice when it comes to recruiting people with disabilities are:

- a statement in the job advert which positively encourages disabled people to apply
- application forms available in different formats
- application forms asking whether any special provisions are required at interview
- adverts in places where disabled people are more likely to see them, such as with a Disability Employment Adviser at a Jobcentre Plus office

Employers' legal responsibilities

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, employers must not discriminate against disabled people during their recruitment and selection processes. They must also make reasonable changes to the workplace, so that disabled employees are not placed at an unfair disadvantage to their colleagues.

Many impairments and health conditions do not limit a disabled person's ability to do a particular job. The Disability Discrimination Act requires employers to recognise this and to make reasonable adjustments to working conditions. You may be able to advise them of the adjustments you need and help them understand it is often much simpler to adjust than they realise.

How much information should you volunteer?

You don't have to volunteer information about your disability, but it may be a good idea to do so - especially if the company has indicated that it is positive about employing disabled people. If you do not mention a disability, an employer cannot make reasonable adjustments to their recruitment and selection processes. You will need to provide the employer with enough information to carry out any adjustment you need. An employer must not disclose confidential details about you without your explicit consent, so your confidentiality is protected.

Summary

If you are ready to return to work after adjusting to your disability, there is a lot of help and support to get you back in the workforce. You may encounter some issues, but you will find more help than problems. You will probably find it is far easier than the adjustments you have already made.

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Disability discrimination - need to make reasonable adjustments ... The statutory requirement at issue on the limb in which she succeeded involved section 4A (3)(b) of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995). This gives employers an exemption from the 4A obligation to make adjustments to take account ... Ambrose Appelbe Solicitors - http://ambroseappelbe.wordpress.com/

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

UK Disability Discrimination Act! | Life Info Zone.com The Disability Discrimination Act ensures all the activities by the public sector and introduces a new positive duty on the public's part to eliminate discrimination and harassment of people with disabilities as well as promote equality ... Life Info Zone.com - http://www.lifeinfozone.com/

 

 

26/01/2009

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Police station upgrade Bromsgrove Advertiser - Bromsgrove,UK ... with the Disability Discrimination Act. A ramp and new front counter and toilet facilities have been provided, which along with a consultation room, ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

How Disabled Users Access The Internet | Start a Business Building ... The Disability Discrimination Act was passed, stating that:. "It is unlawful for a service provider to discriminate against a disabled person by refusing to provide any service which it provides to members of the public." ... Start a Business Building Websites - http://build-websites-for-business.com/

24/01/2009

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

News | The Independent UK - One in five MPs suffers from stress ... By News | The Independent UK Where an earth does this fit with the Disability Discrimination Act?? I am frankly appalled, would they equally ban an MP from serving if they were recovering from cancer? No wonder there is so much stigma attached to mental health ... News | The Independent UK - http://news.independentminds.livejournal.com/

23/01/2009

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Grant v McKechnie Plastic Components [2009] All ER (D) 121 (Jan ... The employee presented her originating application to the employment tribunal on the basis that she was disabled within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Case Law - http://www.caselaw.me/

£500m bill for NHS repairs in Wales - Daily Post North Wales "This includes £20m associated with the Disability Discrimination Act legislation, which should give rise to concern since the legislation came into full force in October 2004," it added. The cost of complying with firecode requirements ... Daily Post North Wales - News... - http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/

22/01/2009

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

Puresh Power: Language - Appropriate Boundaries By Danny Puresh Danny Puresh's blog on thoughts and ideas around access for disabled people that he encounters on a day to day basis. Director of a London based disability equality practice. Speaker on disability and access. ... Puresh Power - http://pureshpower.blogspot.com/

Jain and Another v Trent Strategic Health Authority - Times Law ... "Although there was no duty of care in negligence owed by a regulatory authority to the owners of a nursing home, the procedure by the authority had registration of the nursing home cancelled, appeared to be in breach of the owners' ... Current Awareness - http://innertemplelibrary.wordpress.com/

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Time 4 Change, The Children's Society Pact project, York Children & Young People Now - London,UK It's designed to help schools comply with their duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. What are the duties? The law requires schools to ... See all stories on this topic

Popular hall to close Weston & Somerset Mercury - eston-super-Mare,England,UK ... £220000 and the works are currently out to tender. Following the work the building will comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. See all stories on this topic

Traders blast crazy paving as crossing needs dug up again Edinburgh Evening News - Edinburgh,Scotland,UK This breached the strict Disability Discrimination Act 2005 which states that there must be a 50cm gap between the poles and the edge of the paving to allow ... See all stories on this topic

Why bus stop had to move Scarborough Today - Scarborough,England,UK As well as Disability Discrimination Act considerations we are now obliged under health and safety rules to carry out a risk assessment of every bus stop we ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Mental distress: time to change? « Harpymarx ... less pressurised and stressed work environments, flexible working hours, time out when you feel distressed, tightening up the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and educating the whole work place on mental distress. ... Harpymarx - http://harpymarx.wordpress.com/

Anger grows over lack of disabled toilets at council - WalesOnline A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: "The council supports the requirements of the disability discrimination Act 2005 and has invested significant resources altering its buildings to provide ... WalesOnline - South Wales Valleys... - http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/pontypridd-llantrisant/

Better Website Development: Using The Web Accessibility Toolbar By Alyssa SCHWARTZ ... web accessibility and usability consultancy ( Webcredible - http://www.webcredible.co.uk ) to help make the Internet a better place for everyone. He also knows an awful lot about the Disability Discrimination Act. ... Better Website Development - http://better-website-development.blogspot.com/

 

21/01/2009

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Web Accessibility Myths | Thaidoweb 2008 With more and more countries around the world passing laws about blind and disabled access to the Internet (including the Disability Discrimination Act in the. Thaidoweb 2008 - http://www.thaidoweb.com/

In the Loop: Can I offer help to a disabled person without being ... By Ian Sheeler Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) ... As a disability equality trainer, one of the dilemmas my participants have most frequently shared with me concerns the fear they have of coming across as patronizing towards a disabled person. ... In the Loop - http://blog.wideaware.co.uk/

A Long Way To Go « Same Difference England's Disability Discrimination Act being ignored yet again, this time by train companies. This is absolutely terrible, and has proved to me that, while the American Dream may have finally truly come true, England still has a very ... Same Difference - http://samedifference1.com/

DCS News Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

New scheme aims to bring about equality for all eGov monitor - London,UK The local authority could soon be asking your views on a new Equality and Diversity Scheme which could see improvements across a range of services. ... See all stories on this topic

 

20/01/2009

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Helping people with mental health problems deal with money Communitycare.co.uk - Sutton,UK Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 it is illegal to discriminate against individuals with mental health problems as customers of banks, ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Flawed Met Police survey on homophobia / transphobia « Stop ... Legally anybody who has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria is disabled according to the definition in the Disability and Discrimination Act, but many TS people do not feel themselves to be disabled. For the trans community the ... Stop Transphobia - http://stoptransphobia.wordpress.com/

DCS News Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

Public opinion needed on county's diversity issues Redditch Standard - Redditch,Worcestershire,UK IN AN attempt to help tackle equality and diversity issues in Warwickshire, residents are being asked to voice their opinions on the subject. ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

ME in Scottish Parliament: Disability Discrimination Act « ME agenda Public authorities covered by the specific duties (which includes local authorities) must produce a disability equality scheme setting out the action they will take. All functions of the public body are covered by the duty, ... ME agenda - http://meagenda.wordpress.com/

Puresh Power: Is it simple to get money for straightforward ... By Danny Puresh Director of a London based disability equality practice. Speaker on disability and access. available to speak as an expert. also offer consultancy and for seminars/workshops at corporate events. ... Puresh Power - http://pureshpower.blogspot.com/

Learning Disabilities and Clinical Psychology Blog: Valuing People ... By Dr Psycho Blogger Progress will be reviewed annually. A new national Learning Disability Programme Board and Regional Boards will ensure the strategy works, share good practice and provide a forum for stakeholder groups to discuss progress and concerns. ... Learning Disabilities and Clinical... - http://ldpsychoblog.blogspot.com/

National Delegates Conference - Disabled Members ... If a steward needs specialist advice on my disability, they can talk to me. If they need specialist advice on disability equality then can turn to the structures UNISON already has in place. It is every activist's duty to take equality ... hotspot - http://www.rdurl.com/index.php

 

19/01/2009

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Access battle is won by student - The Star Wheelchair-user David Allen, aged 17, won a two-year David and Goliath fight against the Royal Bank of Scotland after complaining about it under the Disability Discrimination Act because it did not install wheelchair access at its ... The Star - News - http://www.thestar.co.uk/NewsFront.aspx?SectionID=58

Media dis&dat: British human rights group believes disabled people ... By BA Haller A spokesman from the Equality and Human Rights Commission said: "The armed forces are the only employers to remain exempt from the Disability Discrimination Act. The Equality and Human Rights Commission believes the current 'blanket ... Media dis&dat - http://media-dis-n-dat.blogspot.com/

Police station shuts for work - Grantham Journal The improvements include work to ensure the station meets the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2009, All Rights Reserved. The full article contains 77 words and appears in Press ... Grantham Journal - Latest West... - http://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/NewsFront.aspx?SectionID=5906

18/01/2009

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Disabled should be able join armed forces Telegraph.co.uk - United Kingdom ... to remain exempt from the Disability Discrimination Act. The Equality and Human Rights Commission believes the current 'blanket ban' should be lifted. ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

Trail Dreamer: A Bit of a Rant? By The Runner Notions of equality and diversity are central to this perspective. The consultation and report that underpins this approach in Scotland is called 'Same as You.' And that is what health and social care professionals work so hard to ... Trail Dreamer - http://traildreamer.blogspot.com/

 

17/01/2009

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

Learning Disabilities and Clinical Psychology Blog: Autism and ... By Dr Psycho Blogger Commissioning specialist adult learning disability... VIEWPOINT - published by MENCAP · AUTISM - Royal Society of Medicine Conference · Disability Equality Duty Reports published 1st Dec... PMLD Network ... Learning Disabilities and Clinical... - http://ldpsychoblog.blogspot.com/

Spaghetti Gazetti: Anger from older people's groups at local ... By The Editor I am also Project Manager of the Regional Disability Network, I am carrying out oral history research into the history of Birmingham Disability Resource Centre and I operate a text to audio transcription service. ... Spaghetti Gazetti - http://www.spaghettigazetti.com/

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

£40000 to improve disabled access at swimming pool thisiskent.co.uk - Tunbridge Wells,England,UK It is hoped that the work, which will meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, will be completed in time for the Easter holidays. See all stories on this topic

Wheelchair teen wins access fight Aberdeen Press and Journal - Aberdeen,Scotland,UK Yesterday judge John Dowse ruled the bank had breached the Disability Discrimination Act. In addition to paying £6500 in damages the bank has until the end ... See all stories on this topic

Disabled youth wins legal battle BBC News - UK ... a discrimination specialist said "Businesses are required under the Goods and Services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act to make ... See all stories on this topic

Disabled teenager wins Royal Bank of Scotland case The Herald - Glasgow,Scotland,UK At Sheffield County Court today, Judge John Dowse ruled the bank had breached the Disability Discrimination Act. In addition to paying £6500 in damages the ... See all stories on this topic

Finally a business has been told they must make reasonable adjustments by the courts

The Royal Bank of Scotland has been taken to court over access to a branch of theirs in Sheffield. For some years as auditors we have been telling companies to make these type of adjustments but they have wriggled out of it by making an adjustment at one 'nearby office' which the disabled can access. This will no longer be good enough for large organisations they must look to each and every shop or office to be disabled friendly. These sorts of organisations look to the bottom line and consider the cost of adjustments against the 'payoffs' they might need to make, the 'payoffs' have won in most cases and the adjustments have not taken place. I take my hat off to the teenager for not doing the usual thing and settling out of court for a sum of money and a gagging order.

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Bus stop users queue to protest - COMMENT ON THIS STORY ... County councillor Geoffrey Cullen said he had already spoken to East Yorkshire Motor Services boss Peter Shipp, who said the Disability Discrimination Act was "against" Somerset Terrace, and their alternatives in the town were limited. ... Scarborough Evening News - News - http://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/NewsFront.aspx?SectionID=800

Absolvitor: Scots Law Online By Wordjammer Since the Disability Discrimination Act came into force in 1995, a judge has never before ordered an injunction to force an organisation to make physical changes to its property so that disabled people can gain access. ... The Absolvitor Blawg - http://www.absolvitor.com/

 

16/01/2009

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Online Exclusive - Avoiding the costs of harassment at work The Firm - UK As of April 2008 employers became liable under the Sex Discrimination Act if they knowingly fail to protect their employees from harassment by third parties ... See all stories on this topic

Disabled art teacher wins claim Bury Free Press - Bury St. Edmunds,England,UK Two further claims contrary to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 were dismissed. The employment tribunal, which was held in June and September 2008, ... See all stories on this topic

15/01/2009

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Autism: equality's last frontier guardian.co.uk - UK Discrimination on the basis of someone's height, age, race, sexual orientation, accent, social status and disability is against the law: we all innately ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Anya Ustaszewski: I don't want to be 'cured' of autism, thanks ... Despite the Disability Discrimination Act, little has been done to help make society more accessible for autistics. Legislation is mainly aimed at people with mobility impairments and those who are visually impaired or ... Comment | guardian.co.uk - http://www.guardian.co.uk/tone/comment

14/01/2008

DCS News Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

Out-of-court settlements in disputed discrimination cases have the ... guardian.co.uk - UK The BBC has agreed to compensate a journalist who is leaving its staff after complaining to the Equality Commission that she has been victimised. ... See all stories on this topic

Warwickshire survey to tackle discrimination Chai Samosa - London,UK ... gender, disability, age, sexuality, and religion or belief. Corporate equality and diversity adviser Suranjana Lall said: It is essential for us to hear ... See all stories on this topic

DCS News Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

DCLG: 'Toilet details unnecessary' Local Government Chronicle - Market Harborough,England,UK The DCLG response agreed that the Disability Discrimination Act should not be used as an excuse to close down public toilets if "reasonable adjustments" ... See all stories on this topic

New translation program set to drive down NHS interpreting costs Hospital IT Europe (subscription) - London,England,UK ... under the Race Relations Act as well as address the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure equality of access to information and the trust's services. ... See all stories on this topic

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

M. Apostolina's Blog » Blog Archives » Ten Quick Tests To Check ... The Disability Discrimination Act says that websites must be made accessible to disabled people. So how can you check that your website is up to par? There are a number of basic tests you can make to address some of the main issues that ... M. Apostolina's Blog - http://mapostolina.com/

abrahamfund.com » Blog Archive » Web accessibility In the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) does not refer explicitly to website accessibility, but makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. The DDA applies to anyone providing a service; public, ... abrahamfund.com - http://abrahamfund.com/

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Discrimination Act

Number10.gov.uk » Transportaccess - epetition response Many improvements have been seen across the transport network in recent years following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The Public Service Accessibility Regulations have mandated accessibility ... Number10.gov.uk - http://www.number10.gov.uk/

South Harting villagers win battle for church handrail - Midhurst ... ... of the conservation area, but he added: "The need for the handrail in relation to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and the convenience of worshippers is sufficient to justify its provision." ... Midhurst and Petworth Today - News - http://www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/NewsFront.aspx?SectionID=6430

 

13012009

DCS News Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

Government moves closer to requiring firms to publish gender pay gaps PersonnelToday.com - UK First, the Equality Bill, due to come into effect next year. ... promote diversity by law (they don't have the same 'duty' as public sector organisations), ...

DCS Blogs Alert for: Disability Equality Duty

Polly Toynbee: Harriet Harman's law is Labour's biggest idea for ... This single legal duty will stand as the main frame from which all other equality legislation flows. Race, gender and disability injustices are all subsets of the one great inequality - class. It trumps them all. ... The Guardian newspaper: Comment... - http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/mainsection/commentanddebate