18 Rights for Disabled People
Download Rights for Disabled People (PDF File, 1.02Mb)
2. When discrimination can happen
Disability discrimination can happen in different ways. It can happen when:
- someone is treated worse (in legal terms, ‘less favourably’) than another person in the same situation because they are disabled, or for a reason to do with their disability; or
- an organisation does not take steps to remove or reduce the barriers that disabled people face.
Discrimination can happen:
- at work;
- when buying or using goods, facilities and services;
- when dealing with a ‘public authority’ (such as your local council or the police);
- at a private club or association;
- when buying or renting somewhere to live; or
- at a school or college.
There are laws to protect you from discrimination on many grounds, including your:
- sex;
- age;
- religious beliefs;
- sexual orientation (if you are lesbian or gay); and
- race or nationality.
This leaflet deals with your rights if you are discriminated against because you are disabled.
You may believe you have been discriminated against for more than one reason. If so, you may need to get advice about the best course of action. You can get advice from:
- a trade union;
- your local advice or law centre;
- a Citizens Advice Bureau; or a solicitor.
4. What counts as a disability
5. When discrimination is allowed
7. Discrimination when buying and using goods and services
8. Discrimination by public authorities
9. Discrimination by private clubs and associations
10. Discrimination when buying or renting a property
11. Discrimination at school or college
12. What you can do about discrimination
13. Going to an employment tribunal (ET)
15. Going to a special educational needs and disability tribunal (Sendist)
This leaflet is published by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). It was written in association with Andrew Short, a barrister at Outer Temple Chambers and specialist in discrimination law.
Leaflet Version: August 2008