disability discrimination affect access to social opportunities
The repercussions of disability discrimination can be devastating, not only for the individuals involved but also their families, communities and society as a whole. Thankfully, the law has taken steps to address the issue and protect disabled people. If you feel that you have been discriminated against because of your disability, you can take legal action in the courts or with the appropriate government agencies.
The disability discrimination Act of 1990 covers various aspects of disability discrimination, including access to services, facilities and workplaces. The Act stipulates that public authorities and businesses open to the general public – such as hospitals, sports venues, schools, museums and theaters – must provide access to people with disabilities. This includes the provision of larger restroom stalls and spaces for wheelchair users, for example. Similarly, private businesses such as banks, shops and restaurants must ensure that all facilities are accessible.
It is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their disability in all areas of their life, from employment and housing to leisure activities and education. It is also against the law to make indirect discrimination, which happens when there is a rule, policy or practice that seems to apply equally to everyone but actually disadvantages disabled people. For instance, a local authority may produce information leaflets in Braille for people with learning disabilities but not in easy-to-read text because they do not have the money to produce both versions. This would be indirect disability discrimination.
How does disability discrimination affect access to social opportunities?
Indirect discrimination can be harder to spot than direct discrimination, and it is often unintentional. It is also more common in the workplace, where it can be hard for disabled workers to prove that they have been affected. For example, an employer might discipline a woman who has a disability because she takes time off work to care for her sick child, but does not discipline other women who have had similar absences. This would be unlawful discrimination on the grounds of a disability, and you could bring a claim for unfair dismissal or constructive redundancy.
Another impact of disability claim lawyer is that it perpetuates negative stereotypes about disabled people, which can then lead to other forms of disadvantage and inequality. For example, media representation of disabled people often focuses on their impairments, rather than portraying them as well-rounded individuals, and this can reinforce a perception that they are weak, dependent or different.
Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect against all forms of disability discrimination, and there are many organisations that are able to support victims and their families. If you have been victimised, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible, as there are deadlines for filing claims. You can contact a lawyer to discuss your case or you can file a complaint with the relevant government agency, which will depend on the context of your claim. For example, if you have been discriminated against in the workplace, you should contact the EEOC.