Disability in the UK
The Special Educational Needs & Disability Act (SENDA, 2001) sets the framework and direction for legislation in the UK. The term disabled has a broad definition, and can include people with:
- Physical impairments, some of which may restrict mobility.
- Hearing - reduced / restricted / deaf.
- Visual - minor / restricted / blind.
- Dyslexia - a specific learning difficulty in the acquisition of reading, writing and spelling, and is neurological in origin.
- Other conditions that impair ability to learn in a particular manner.
- Mental health conditions.
- General health problems.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission opened for business on 1 October 2007 and replaces the Disability Rights Commission (DRC). It has a responsibility to help secure civil rights for disabled people. The commission has a dedicated disability helpline:
Equality and Human Rights Commission Disability Helpline
FREEPOST MID02164
Stratford upon Avon
CV37 9BR
Email: info@equalityhumanrights.com
Telephone: 08457 622 633
Textphone: 08457 622 644
The helpline is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pm; Wednesday 8am-8pm.