This section provides information on the disability equality duty. Use the links below to find the specific information that you require.
The Disability Equality Duty came into force on 4 December 2006. This legal duty requires all public bodies to actively look at ways of ensuring that disabled people are treated equally. All of those covered by the specific duties must also have produced a Disability Equality Scheme, which they must now implement.
The Commissions Statutory Codes of Practice on the Disability Equality Duty aims to clarify what the duty means for the public sector.
The Disability Equality Duty applies to the public sector across Great Britain and covers over 45,000 public authorities. The Disability Rights Commission has produced guidance specific to the different sectors to help public bodies effectively implement the duty.
Most public authorities in Britain are covered by specific duties to promote disability equality. The statutory code of practice includes guidance for public authorities on meeting the specific duties.
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 places specific requirements on certain Secretaries of State to publish a report every 3 years, setting out the current position of disability equality across their policy sector, and proposals for coordinated action.
As part of the Disability Equality Duty, Scottish Ministers must publish reports every 3 years, setting out the current position of disability equality across all policy sectors, and proposals for coordinated action.
Public authorities must work to meet the actions outlined in their Schemes in order to promote disability equality and to make a real difference to the lives of disabled service users and staff.
To ensure this happens, however, Commission and individual disabled people must make sure that all public authorities meet their responsibilities under the new duty.
A resource of all the guidance needed for the disability equality duty.