The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995): Am I covered by the Disability Discrimination Act?:
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/DDA/am_I_covered.htm
The Disability Discrimination Act can be a valuable tool to help you get a service that is suited to you from organisations like the Department for Work and Pensions.
For example, it could save you from having to wait for hours in crowded rooms or from having to have interviews where you can be overheard by other people.
In relation to employment the Disability Discrimination Act can help you to stay in your job if you already have one or get a job if you don't.
(See What are my rights under the Disability discrimination Act? for more on this):
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/DDA/my_rights.htm
If organisations ignore your rights under the Disability Discrimination Act you may be entitled to compensation.
(See Action and compensation under the Disability Discrimination Act for more on this):
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/DDA/help_taking_action.htm
But before you can take action under the Disability Discrimination Act you need to be sure you're covered by it.
The good news is that you don't have to be 'disabled' to be protected by the Disability Discrimination Act.
If you have a long-term health condition that has a substantial adverse affect on your everyday activities, then you may be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act.
This includes everyday health problems, such as:
arthritis
depression
back problems
anxiety
ME
heart problems
diabetes
bowel and bladder conditions.
If your condition affects everyday activities, such as your:
ability to move around
manual dexterity
physical co-ordination
continence
ability to lift, carry or move ordinary objects
speech, hearing or eyesight
memory, or ability to concentrate, learn or understand
ability to recognise physical danger
and has lasted, or is likely to last, at least a year, then there's a good chance that you are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act.
Benefits & Work - Website:
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk
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