25 years since the Disability Discrimination Act became law.

However the struggle is continuing for disabled people.

November the 8th marked 25 years since the Disability Discrimination Act was passed. Unbelievably this was the first time it became unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in relation to employment, in the provision of goods and services and in relation to transport.

Disability rights campaigners and advocates were voices for The Social Model of Disability. This turned the way society thought on its head. Instead of the disabled person being unable to achieve and be included because of the functioning of their body, the social model explained that it was society that disabled people. Lack of accessible transport, in accessible buildings, prejudiced attitudes to disability caused disabled people to be excluded from society.

Since then there has been the Equality Act 2010. This sets out when someone is considered to be disabled and protected from discrimination. The definition is wide – so check it even if you don’t think you are considered disabled.

However disabled people are still fighting to achieve equality and there is a long way to go. Disabled people are still discriminated against and not listened to. We do not have a fully equitable society.

Advocacy Matters believes in your rights and your right to live an equitable life. Contact us if you need an advocate on your side.