International Day of Disabled Persons, December 3rd

There are approximately 8.6 million people in the UK covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. Over 5.5 million disabled people are of working age, which represents 16% of the population. The positive promotion and awareness of disability through the International Day of Disabled Persons (an annual event occurring each December 3rd) is therefore an important event for increasing understanding and good practice in the workplace.

It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of people with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The theme of the day, which was established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons and adopted by the General Assembly in 1982 (United Nations 2006), is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by people with disabilities.

Please see www.safeandhealthyworking.com for helpful information regarding

the definition of disability
who is most affected
what the law says
reasonable adjustments and
other useful information

What is the definition of disability?

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) defines a "disabled person" as an individual with a "physical (including sensory) impairment or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on his/her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities" (DDA 1996: S1).

What does the law say?

Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) it is unlawful for employers to treat people with disabilities less favourably because of their disability. Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) the employer has to make 'reasonable adjustments' if a disabled job applicant or employee is at a disadvantage, in relation to others.

The duty applies to both physical features of the employer's premises, e.g. fittings and equipment, and to all other aspects of employment including recruitment, training and retention.

If a disabled person has grounds to believe they have been discriminated against by their employer they can take the organisation to an employment tribunal.

Reasonable Adjustments

An employer might consider some of the following options in terms of what might be considered to come under reasonable adjustments in employing people with disabilities:

Job redesign
Adjustments within the working environment
More flexible working patterns
Career breaks
Home working

For practical information on employment and disability the government have set up a scheme called Pathways to Work, which includes access to Disability Employment Advisors (DEAs) who can give help and advice.

Information about help with employment, employment rights and more is available at: www.direct.gov.uk.

Disability Employment Advisors can be contacted at your local Job Centre Plus Office.

Further Information

Further Information can be found through the following links:

Equal Opportunities in Scotland - It's Your Business Too - A Good Practice Guide on Race, Sex and Disability for Small Firms ( www.eoc.org.uk/cseng/advice/EOCScotland.pdf) - this is a free publication from the Equal Opportunities Commission. Find out more at www.eoc.org.uk.

www.agius.com/hew/resource/rehab.htm - Rehabilitation and employment of the disabled.

www.egovmonitor.com/node/7092/print - Improving access to new information technology for persons with disabilities will be the focus of this year's International Day of Disabled Persons, the United Nations announced.

www.haringey.gov.uk - The United Nations General Assembly announced that 3rd December is to be observed every year as the International Day of Disabled Persons.

Contact details for the event at the United Nations, who promote the International Day of Disabled Persons every year, can be found at www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/disiddp.htm.

www.dlf.org.uk/ - Disabled living foundation.

www.drc-gb.org - Disability Rights commission.

www.disabilities-trust.org.uk/ - Disabilities Trust.

www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/ - BBC website.

www.radar.org.uk/radarwebsite - RADAR – The Disability Network.