Disability Rights UK - Disability Rights Under the DDA

Written by Sarah-Jayne Bass

Your rights under the DDA also cover:

• your chances for promotion, transfer, training and benefits
• unfair treatment compared to other workers
• harassment and victimisation
• unfair dismissal

How can I convince a prospective employer that I am the right person for the job??

The key is to inform and prepare yourself:

• be clear about your skills, abilities and the work you want
• familiarise yourself with the recruitment process, the job description and the person specification
• demonstrate your competencies to your prospective employer
• be aware of what adjustments you need to do the job well - advice is available from the job centre and you may be able to arrange support from the Access to Work team
• help your employer to help you by suggesting adjustments
• remember that employers who use the "two tick symbol" have already thought about the best ways to employ disabled people and are likely to be flexible.

Is there any help available??

Disability Employment Advisors based in Job Centre and Jobcentre Plus offices can offer you a range of support, advice and information including:

• employment assessment - an in-depth interview to help you find out how your disability might affect your choice of work
• work preparation after a long period of unemployment
• job seeking as well as training advice and support
• advice and information on keeping your job
• information about the Job Introduction Scheme which pays a grant to your employer for your first few weeks in the job, giving both you and your employer the chance to try things out
• information on WORKSTEP which provides supported job opportunities to disabled people facing more complex employment barriers
• details on the New Deal for Disabled People - a voluntary programme delivered through a network of Job Brokers who support disabled people in their preparation, search and first six months of work
• information on Access to Work - a scheme which provides advice, practical and financial support to disabled people and their employers to help overcome work-related obstacles
• information on benefits that you may be entitled to.

Further Details

Job Centre or Jobcentre Plus

For your nearest Job Centre look in the Yellow Pages under employment agencies, careers advice, training service or online at http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/

New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP)

Telephone 0845 606 2626, Text 0845 606 0680
Website www.newdeal.gov.uk/newdeal.asp?DeallD+NDDIS

For a list of agencies involved with NDDP: http://www.jobbrokersearch.gov.uk/

Disability Rights Commission (DRC) Helpline

Free advice if you feel you have been treated unfairly Post:

DRC Helpline, Freepost MID 02164, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9HY
Telephone 08457-622633 - Textphone 08457 622 644, Fax 08457 778 878
Website http://www.drc-gb.org/
Open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday

There are factsheets on other topics available from the Helpline and comprehensive advice about work on the DRC's website. Discipline and dismissal

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you because of your disability or long-term health condition.