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Disabled People

The Disability Equality Duty

Since December 2006, there has been a legal duty on all public sector organisations to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.

Public sector organisations and 'Disability Equality Schemes'

Public sector organisations include:

  • libraries
  • hospitals
  • schools and colleges
  • National Health Service (NHS) trusts
  • police forces
  • central and local government

The Disability Equality Duty (DED) covers the full range of what 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, for example, using a service. It should also help promote positive attitudes towards disabled people in everyday life.

Since 4 December 2006, significant public authorities have had to publish a 'Disability Equality Scheme'. The date for primary schools in England was December 2007, and for all schools in Wales it was April 2007. 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
  • 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 fulfil the duty, the results of the information-gathering exercise, and how the information has been used.

Finding out more about the Disability Equality Duty

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has responsibility for enforcing the Disability Equality Duty and they can take legal action against public sector organisations that have not done as they are required.

You can find information about the Equality and Human Rights commission's approach to enforcement, and the impact the duty is already having, on their website. There is also a dedicated website which contains guidance documents in various formats.

The Disability Rights Commission was responsible for the enforcement of the Disability Equality Duty until it closed on 28 September 2007.

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