Disability Equality Duty

Amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act mean that all public bodies (including schools) have a duty to promote disability equality. The duties come into force in December of this year and include a specific duty to produce a Disability Equality Scheme.

Secondary schools must publish their scheme by December 4th 2006, and Primary and Special schools by 3 December 2007.

There is information about the Duty available online but currently no guidance on producing an Equality Scheme. There will be an appendix to the 'Implementing the Disability Discrimination Act in schools and early years settings' resource produced this term which will give official guidance. If you have not ordered this free resource already, you should do so as soon as possible.

Copies available (to school addresses only) from DfES Publications Tel. 0845 60 555 60, quoting reference 0160-2006DOC-EN or online.

Information on the Disability Equality Duty including an outline of the duties, the Code of Practice, guidance on evidence gathering, involving disabled people, impact assessments and DED news is available on the DRC website.