Introduction

Disability Equality Duty (2006)

The Disability Equality Duty (DED) covers everything public sector organisations do, including policy making and services that are delivered to the public.

People who work in the public sector have to consider the impact of their work on disabled people, and take action to tackle disability inequality. This should mean that disabled people have better employment opportunities and do not come across discrimination when using a service, for example. It should also help promote positive attitudes towards disabled people in everyday life.

Since the Disability Equality Duty was introduced on 4 December 2006, some public authorities have had to publish a 'Disability Equality Scheme'. The scheme must include:

• a statement of how disabled people have been involved in developing the scheme
• an action plan that includes practical ways in which improvements will be made 
• information about the arrangements in place for gathering information about how the public sector organisation has done in meeting its targets on disability equality.

A year after the publication of the scheme, an annual report needs to be produced. It should contain a summary of the steps the organisation has taken to fulfill the duty, the results of the information-gathering exercise, and how the information has been used.

The Disability Equality Duty also requires certain Secretaries of State and Scottish and Welsh Ministers to publish a progress report for their policy sector. The first reports were published on 28 November in Scotland, and on 01 December 2008 in England and Wales.

The reports identify progress towards disability equality made by each department, and where there are still improvements to be made. They also show how departments and public bodies will work strategically to make these improvements.

The ‘Medical’ and ‘Social’ models of disability

Models of disability provide a framework for understanding the way in which people with impairments experience disability. They also provide a reference for society as laws, regulations and structures are developed that impact on the lives of disabled people. There are two main models that have influenced modern thinking about disability: the medical model and the social model.

•    The medical model: disabled people are seen as the problem. They need to change and adapt to circumstances (if they can), and there is no suggestion that society needs to change. This model reflects the World Health Organization definition of disability.
•    The social model: has been developed by disabled people. In their view disability is caused by the barriers that exist within society and the way society is organised, which discriminates against people with impairments and excludes them from involvement and participation.

Events

Other key legislation

Mental Health Act (1983)
Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
Disability Discrimination Act (2005)
The Equality Act 2006
Mental Health Act (2007)
For more information see:
Direct Gov
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)

Resources

•    WECIL (West of England Centre for Inclusive Living)
•    Bristol Disability Equality Forum
•    Disability now
•    Benefits now
•    Able Magazine
•    Do the Duty
•    Office for Disability issues
•    Disability Equality Duty
•    Bristol Care and Repair
•    Disability Alliance
•    Dial UK