Philip Congreave's Disability Web Site - Enabling Disabled People

In just ten short years the Disability Discrimination Act has transformed the lives of disabled people in this country. Before 1995 they were discriminated against and treated as second-class citizens. Now they are accepted, included in society and lead full, active and meaningful lives…

Or do your observations tell you something very different?

In June 2005 the Disability Rights Commission launched a Disability Debate. Read these comments from participants in the debate. Do you agree that they more accurately describe the real situation?

The truth is that legislation cannot implement a quick corrective fix for attitudes that promote inequality and exclusion—attitudes that have been moulded by thousands of years of cultural conditioning.

Legislation on its own is no substitute for education.

Why You Need It

If you run a company or organisation, you are probably aware that the Disability Discrimination Act requires the provision for such education, in the form of "disability awareness training," as a "reasonable adjustment" for staff who have contact with the public. (Directgov) Should your company or organisation be involved in a case of disability discrimination, you will be liable if you have failed to arrange for such training.

This, of course, is not the best reason to provide Disability Equality Training. It makes good business sense to ensure that your premises and services are accessible and that your staff know how to deal with disabled customers and clients courteously. As the Good Access Guide points out: "There are 10 million disabled people in the UK, all with individual needs, desires and requirements. It is also known that 25% of the population have some care related responsibility for a disabled person—this is a major section of society and a huge potential market."

But if disabled people find your premises and services difficult to use or feel uncomfortable in the presence of your staff, you may be sure that they will take their business elsewhere.