ਅਪੰਗ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਵਜੋਂ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ
The Equality Act 2010 protects disabled people from discrimination in employment, education, access to goods and services, housing, and public functions. Under the Act, disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Employers and service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers faced by disabled people.
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Your Rights
Protection from Discrimination
It is unlawful to discriminate against you because of your disability — in employment, education, access to services, housing, and transport. This includes direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, discrimination arising from disability, and failure to make reasonable adjustments.
Reasonable Adjustments
Employers, service providers, and education providers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure you are not at a substantial disadvantage. This may include physical changes, providing auxiliary aids, or adjusting policies and procedures.
Access to Work Scheme
If you are in employment or about to start work, you can apply for Access to Work — a government scheme that provides practical support and funding for workplace adjustments, travel to work, and support workers.
Blue Badge
If you have a permanent and substantial disability affecting your mobility, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge allowing you to park closer to your destination.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is a benefit for people aged 16–66 with a long-term health condition or disability that affects daily living or mobility. It is not means-tested and is paid regardless of whether you work.
Disability Discrimination in Education
Schools, colleges, and universities must not discriminate against disabled students and must make reasonable adjustments. Local authorities must assess and provide for special educational needs (SEN).
Common Myths
Only people in wheelchairs are covered by disability discrimination law.
The Equality Act covers a wide range of physical and mental impairments — including mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sensory impairments, chronic pain, and progressive conditions like MS, cancer, and HIV.
An employer can refuse to hire you because of your disability.
This is unlawful direct discrimination. Employers must assess your ability to do the job with reasonable adjustments in place.
You must disclose your disability to your employer.
You are not legally required to disclose your disability during recruitment. However, your employer cannot make reasonable adjustments if they are not aware of your needs.
What To Do
Know What Counts as Disability
A disability is a physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term (12 months+) adverse effect on normal daily activities. Cancer, HIV, and MS are automatically covered from diagnosis.
Request Reasonable Adjustments
Write to your employer or service provider explaining your needs and what adjustments would help. They must consider and respond to your request.
Complain or Take Legal Action
If you face discrimination, you can raise a grievance, contact ACAS (for employment), or bring a claim in the employment tribunal (within 3 months) or county court (within 6 months).
Key Legislation
- Equality Act 2010
- Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (largely superseded)
- Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
- Children and Families Act 2014
Useful Contacts
Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)
Advice on discrimination issues.
Tel: 0808 800 0082