Background
The Disability Discrimination Act became law in April 2005. Among
its key provisions is a new duty on public bodies to actively
promote disability equality (“the general duty”). This duty is
similar in concept to the duty to promote good race relations.
The general duty came into effect in December 2006.
Most public bodies/authorities are covered by the general duty;
this includes The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Complying with the General Duty
The goal
of the general duty is to promote equality of opportunity.
According to the Act, the Trust will while carrying out its
functions will have due regard to the need to:
- promote equality of opportunity between disabled persons and
other persons
- eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment
- encourage participation of disabled people in public life
- take steps to take account of disabled persons’ disabilities,
even when that involves treating disabled people more favourably
than other people.
- In complying with the Act, the Trust is expected to act
proactively to fulfil this duty, rather than waiting for complaints
or challenges.
Equality scheme
The Trust has produced and
published a Disability Equality Scheme, demonstrating how they will
fulfil their duties under the Act. The scheme includes an action
plan detailing the steps that the Trust will take to fulfil its
obligations. The Trust has to take these steps and report on their
fulfilment within three years.
Click here to read more about the Equality
scheme
Sources of additional information and support: