Disability Equality Scheme

All councils must have a Disability Equality Scheme in place by 4 December 2006.

This is a new duty and was introduced in the 2005 Disability Discrimination Amendment Act.

The Disability Equality Scheme must show how the council will implement the new duties and how it has consulted with people with disabilities.

The scheme must show evidence of:

• policies
• practices
• procedures for people with disabilities
• how it will monitor the achievement of disabled pupils

From 5 December 2006 the law requires all councils to:

• promote equality of opportunity between disabled and non-disabled people
• eliminate discrimination that is unlawful under the Act
• eliminate harassment of people with disabilities that is related to their impairments
• promote positive attitudes towards people with disabilities
• encourage participation by people with disabilities in public life
• take steps to take account of disabled people's impairments
• have a Disability Equality scheme

Further information:

• Disability Rights Commission - Schools Code of Practice.