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<font class="titleid1siteid0">Disability Discrimination Act 2005: New rules for public bodies from December 2006</font>
Disability Discrimination Act 2005: New rules for public bodies from December 2006
From 4 December 2006, all public bodies (including hospitals, local authorities, government departments, schools and colleges) must actively look at ways of ensuring that disabled people are treated equally to non-disabled people, including treating a disabled person more favourably than others if this is necessary.
Senior schools in England must publish their Disability Equality Scheme by 3 December 2006, primary schools in England by 3 December 2007 and all schools in Wales by 1 April 2007.
The definition of disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 is different from the eligibility criteria for special educational needs (SEN) provision. This means that if your disabled child has not been assessed for SEN, the school must still take their disability and needs into account and ensure their opportunities are equal to those of non-disabled children. In some cases this can mean treating a disabled child or young person more favourably than others. They also have a duty to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people.
If you think a public authority has not treated your child fairly or considered their needs, ask the authority you are dealing with whether it has published its Disability Equality Scheme (and, if it has, ask to see a copy). If the authority has not published a Disability Equality Scheme, or if you are still unhappy, contact the Disability Rights Commission helpline on 08457 622 633.
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