Changes Made By Disability Act of 1995

Passed into law in the United Kingdom in 1995, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is designed to ensure the equal rights of those with disabilities. In today’s society, people like to think that everyone is very aware of the needs and rights of the disabled – but the truth is that as recently as 1995 there were still a great many things that needed to be adjusted. The changes that were brought about by the disability act 1995 update impacted and improved quality of life for many disabled people.

Understanding the 1995 Disability Act Changes

Prior to the DDA, there were no rules in place regarding the rights of disabled people to access everyday goods, services, and locations. In other words, public buildings did not have to have accommodations for disabilities that might limit a person from being able to access or use them. This doesn’t mean to imply that buildings didn’t make such adjustments, but there was not a specific law in place stating that it must be done until the DDA was signed into action.

Before the DDA, there was also no specific law in place preventing discrimination against the disabled when it came to employment.

• Employers were free to refuse to hire disabled people without a valid reason, meaning one that was actually related to the job function.
• Such discrimination is strictly forbidden now thanks to the DDA, and employers must abide by it when interviewing and hiring job candidates.

There are many general services available to the public at large which may have been, in the past, closed off to the disabled for a variety of reasons. Prior to the DDA, there was no law against such things occurring, and really any business or service could restrict access to the disabled without suffering any consequences. The DDA changes all of that, stating that all businesses and organizations must be equally available to disabled people. This includes health services (doctors, dentists), social services, education, public transport, and more.

Finally, the DDA makes reference to people with mental health conditions, although those people may not use the term “disabled” to refer to themselves. Regardless, the DDA offers non-discrimination laws for them, too, stating that they must receive fair treatment, assessment, and rights in a variety of circumstances, from medical care to public services.

The Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 was a very important law: while many businesses and organizations took care before the law was signed to ensure their services were available to the disabled, there was no legal reason for them to do so, and no repercussion if they didn’t. With the DDA in effect, any type of discrimination or differential treatment that prevents the disabled from receiving fair treatment is strictly forbidden by UK law, thus improving the quality of life for thousands of people every day.

Getting Help

If your rights under the disability discrimination act have been violated, you should contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you to better understand how to protect yourself and your rights as a disabled individual.