Glossary
Accessibility
In addition to physical access, sensory access to buildings, services and information, eg via speaking browsers, sign language animations, Braille
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 / 2005
Applying to all employers and everyone who provides a service to the public, except the Armed Forces it is designed to remove discrimination against disabled people.
More information:
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005
Disability
A physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on one's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. For more information on the legal definition of disability, refer to the Department for Work and Pensions publication, 'Guidance on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability'.
More information:
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995
Disability Discrimination
"It is unlawful for an employer to treat a disabled job applicant, or an employee, less favourably, simply because of their disability. This type of direct discrimination is unlawful and cannot be justified.
It is also unlawful for an employer to treat a disabled person less favourably for a reason related to their disability without justification.
Failure to make reasonable adjustments for a job applicant or employee (see below) is also disability discrimination. "
More information:
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995
Employers Forum on Disability, Disability Standard
Disability Equality Duty
This legal duty requires all public bodies to actively look at ways of ensuring that disabled people are treated equally. All of those covered by the specific duties must also have produced a Disability Equality Scheme, which they must now implement.
More information:
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Equality and Human Rights Commission
(Formerly the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).
The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
More information:
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Diversity
The differences that exist between people - including visible and non-visible differences. Diversity policies and strategies set out how difference should be valued by organisations, how to ensure that people are not treated less favourably because of any difference and how to maximise the benefits of valuing difference for employees, customers/clients and the organisation."
More information:
Employers Forum on Disability
Equality
The fair treatment and regard for all parties
Equal opportunities
Refers to the need to ensure everyone is treated fairly regardless of, for example, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief.
Impairment
Health conditions, ageing, and traumatic events can all result in impaired capability. Whether this gives rise to disability is determined by social and environmental factors, and importantly the design of environments, products, systems and services.
More information:
European Design for all and E-Accessibility Network
Inclusive Design
An approach to design that aims to develop products, services, environments and communication that is accessible to everybody regardless of ability, age or background.
Models of disability
A framework for understanding the way in which people with impairments experience disability.
More information:
www.open.ac.uk
Reasonable Adjustment
Making adjustments to the workplace to make the premises accessible to people with disabilities and to ensure that employees have the best possible opportunity to carry out their work. The DDA requires employers and service providers to make appropriate and reasonable adjustments to allow employees to work more efficiently and without disadvantage.
Social inclusion
A Europe-wide political objective, aimed at combating social discrimination, marginalisation and conflict due to age, disability, poverty or ethnicity. Particularly important due to the diversity of ethnic groups with the soon to be enlarged EU
More information:
European Design for all and E-Accessibility Network
Statutory Code of Practice
A document which offers practical guidance on the law, has been approved by Parliament and which is admissible in evidence in a court of law.
The Charity/ Tragedy Model
When disabled people are portrayed as worthy of pity who despite their disability still manage to be happy and achieve. Control and power rests with well meaning non-disabled people who strive to bring about change for the benefit of the ‘afflicted'.
The Medical Model
When disabled people are defined by their illness or medical condition and consequently disempowered. They are considered ‘sick' or ‘ill' and need to be ‘cured' or ‘made better'.
The Social Model
When disability is the product of the physical, organisational and attitudinal barriers present within society, which lead to discrimination. The removal of discrimination requires a change of approach and thinking in the way in which society is organised.
Universal design
Term originating in the USA and underpinned by 7 principles set out by Architect and Designer Ron Mace. Taken up enthusiastically in Japan. Extends the concepts of Barrier-Free Design and Universal Access to include access to products and services.
