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[Introduction | What is the Disability Equality Duty? | What is a Disability Equality Scheme? | How can Freeney Williams Ltd help my organisation?]
Introduction
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 introduced one of the most significant requirements in the field of disability discrimination since the original Act in 1995 - the Disability Equality Duty. Effective from December 2006, this duty requires the Public Sector to be proactive in promoting disability equality in its services and employment.
[Return to Disability Equality Duty links]What is the Disability Equality Duty?
The Disability Equality Duty has two components:
- General Duty Component - applies to all bodies carrying out a public function,
- Specific Duty Component - is there to help listed public bodies carry out their General Duty.
The new duty has six strands:
- Eliminating unlawful discrimination.
- Promoting equal opportunities.
- Eliminating disability related harassment.
- Promoting positive attitudes towards disabled persons.
- Encouraging participation by disabled persons in public life.
- Taking steps to meet disabled peoples needs, even if this requires more favourable treatment.
The Specific Duty sets out what public bodies should do to plan, deliver and evaluate action to eliminate discrimination and promote equality and to report on the activity which they undertake; this should be set out in a Disability Equality Scheme (DES).
The Disability Equality Duty will come into effect in December 2006.
[Return to Disability Equality Duty links]What is a Disability Equality Scheme?
A DES sets out how a public body intends to address the strands contained in the new Disability Equality Duty and must be supported by an action plan. Such schemes and action plans should:
- identify the barriers faced by disabled people
- set priorities for action plans
- assist planning activity
- assess the impact of existing and proposed policies and monitor the success of initiatives undertaken
- review and revise the Scheme.
How can Freeney Williams Ltd help my organisation?
Freeney Williams Ltd has developed a model which can support your organisation in analysing and developing a proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing its obligations under this Duty.
Contact us to find out more.
[Return to Disability Equality Duty links]
