The Disability Discrimination Act
Discrimination against disabled individuals has been a serious problem in countries throughout the world. Therefore, a number of countries, including the United States, Australia, and Canada, have enacted legislation aimed at combating this behavior. In the United Kingdom, this legislation was known as the Disability Discrimination Act.
The Act was originally passed in 1995 and was extended by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. The provisions that are included within this legislation have also been included in a variety of other laws established in the United Kingdom, such as the Disability Rights Commission Act of 1999. The Disability Discrimination Act seeks to ensure that disabled individuals receive equal rights in all sectors, by prohibiting discrimination against disabled individuals.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, discrimination against an individual based upon any existing disability is illegal. This legislation pertains to a variety of domains, including transportation, education, and employment. Individuals who are suffering from disabilities are entitled to the same education as all other individuals.
An employer is not able to refuse someone a position based upon a disability that he/she may have. Likewise, an individual is not permitted to refuse to rent or sell property to a disabled individual because of his/her condition. In the United Kingdom, this behavior is punishable under the law. In addition, this legislation requires that public bodies actively promote equality and enhance the equality experienced by disabled individuals in the public sector.
