UK Act of Parliament 1995 United Kingdom

Disability Discrimination Act 1995

An Act to make it unlawful to discriminate against disabled persons in connection with employment, the provision of goods, facilities and services or the disposal or management of premises; to make provision about the employment of disabled persons; and to establish a National Disability Council.

Enforced by
RQIA
Status
Partially Repealed
Penalty ceiling
Imprisonment 4 of 26 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 8 carry different penalties and 14 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.

Does it bind you?

Business-side roles with duties under this instrument.

Any Person19 Employer2 Responsible Person1 Operator1

Plus 3 duties on the regulator, Crown ministers and public bodies — folded into the section list below.

Other Acts binding the same actors

If a role above is yours, these are the other instruments that most often bind it.

Any Person — also bound by 2340 other Acts
Employer — also bound by 682 other Acts
Responsible Person — also bound by 108 other Acts
Operator — also bound by 746 other Acts

What it requires

Sections creating concrete business duties or carrying penalties, grouped as the instrument is structured. Titles link to the source text — blue means you’re leaving for legislation.gov.uk.

Part 1

Disability

0 of 3 sections shown
Part 2

THE EMPLOYMENT FIELD AND DISTRICT COUNCILS

9 of 53 sections shown
s.004 Employers: duty to make adjustments Regulated
  • Make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees and job applicantsEmployer
s.004 Office-holders: duty to make adjustments Regulated
  • Make reasonable adjustments for disabled office-holdersResponsible Person
s.004 Occupational pension schemes: duty to make adjustments Regulated
  • Make reasonable adjustments to occupational pension schemesEmployer
s.006 Partnerships: duty to make adjustments Prosecution
  • Make reasonable adjustments for disabled partnersAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.007 Barristers: duty to make adjustments Regulated
  • Barristers and chambers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled peopleAny Person
s.014 Trade organisations: duty to make adjustments (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in trade organisationsAny Person
s.014 Qualifications bodies: duty to make adjustments Regulated
  • Make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in professional qualificationsAny Person
s.014 Practical work experience: duty to make adjustments Regulated
  • Make reasonable adjustments for people on practical work experienceAny Person
s.015 Authorities and their members: duty to make adjustments Regulated
  • Authorities must make reasonable adjustments for disabled membersAny Person
44 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.003 Meaning of “discrimination”
s.003 Meaning of “harassment”
s.004 Contract workers
s.004 Office-holders: introductory
s.004 Office-holders: discrimination and harassment
s.004 Office-holders: supplementary
s.004 Occupational pension schemes: non-discrimination rule
s.004 Occupational pension schemes: procedure
s.004 Occupational pension schemes: remedies
s.004 Occupational pension schemes: supplementary
s.006 Partnerships: discrimination and harassment
s.006 Partnerships: supplementary
s.007 Barristers: discrimination and harassment
s.007 Advocates: discrimination and harassment
s.007 Advocates: duty to make adjustments
s.014 Qualifications bodies: discrimination and harassment
s.014 Practical work experience: discrimination and harassment
s.015 Interpretation of sections 15B and 15C
s.015 Authorities and their members: discrimination and harassment
s.016 Relationships which have come to an end
s.016 Discriminatory advertisements
s.016 Instructions and pressure to discriminate
s.017 Enforcement, remedies and procedure.
s.017 Enforcement of sections 16B(1) and 16C
s.017 Validity of contracts, collective agreements and rules of undertakings
s.018 Alterations to premises occupied under leases.
s.018 Reasonable adjustments: supplementary
s.018 Charities and support for particular groups of persons.
s.018 Interpretation of Part 2
s.018 Premises provided otherwise than in course of a Part 2 relationship
Part 3

Discrimination in Other Areas

4 of 33 sections shown
s.024 Let premises: discrimination in failing to comply with duty Prosecution
  • Do not discriminate when failing to make reasonable adjustments to let propertyAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.024 Duty for purposes of section 24A(2) to provide auxiliary aid or service Regulated
  • Provide auxiliary aids or services for disabled persons in let premisesAny Person
s.024 Duty for purposes of section 24A(2) to change practices, terms etc Regulated
  • Adjust business practices to avoid discriminating against disabled peopleAny Person
s.024 Premises that are to let: discrimination in failing to comply with duty Prosecution
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Do not discriminate against prospective disabled tenants when letting premises, including by failing to comply with section 24JStatutory regulator

Unlimited fine

29 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.021 Employment services
s.021 Discrimination by public authorities
s.021 Exceptions from section 21B(1)
s.021 Meaning of “discrimination” in section 21B
s.021 Duties for purposes of section 21D(2) to make adjustments
s.021 Discrimination by private clubs etc.
s.021 Meaning of “discrimination”
s.021 Duty to make adjustments
s.021 “Member”, “associate” and “guest”
s.021 Application of sections 19 to 21 to transport vehicles
s.022 Commonholds
s.024 Exceptions to section 24A(1)
s.024 Sections 24C and 24D: supplementary and interpretation
s.024 Let premises: victimisation of persons to whom premises are let
s.024 Exceptions to section 24G(1)
s.024 Duties for purposes of section 24G(2)
s.024 Let premises and premises that are to let: justification
s.024 Sections 24 to 24K: power to make supplementary provision
s.024 Premises provisions do not apply where other provisions operate
Part 4

Education

1 of 47 sections shown
s.028 Residual duty: supplementary provisions Regulated
  • Avoid discrimination against disabled people in any circumstanceAny Person
46 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.028 Discrimination against disabled pupils and prospective pupils
s.028 Meaning of “discrimination”
s.028 Disabled pupils not to be substantially disadvantaged
s.028 Accessibility strategies and plans
s.028 Accessibility strategies and plans: procedure
s.028 Duty of education authorities not to discriminate
s.028 Tribunals
s.028 Jurisdiction and powers of the Tribunal - England and Wales
s.028 Jurisdiction and powers of the Tribunal – Wales
s.028 Case friends — Wales
s.028 Advice and information — Wales
s.028 Resolution of disputes — Wales
s.028 Independent advocacy services — Wales
s.028 Procedure
s.028 Appeal from the Welsh Tribunal to the Upper Tribunal
s.028 Admissions
s.028 Exclusions
s.028 Roles of the Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers
s.028 Civil proceedings
s.028 Validity and revision of agreements of responsible bodies
s.028 Interpretation
s.028 Discrimination against disabled students and prospective students
s.028 Meaning of “discrimination”
s.028 Meaning of “harassment“
s.028 Responsible bodies' duties to make adjustments
s.028 Further education etc. provided by local authorities and schools
s.028 Relationships which have come to an end
s.028 Instructions and pressure to discriminate
s.028 Discriminatory advertisements
s.028 Enforcement, remedies and procedure
s.028 Occupation of premises by educational institutions
s.028 Validity and revision of agreements
s.031 Interpretation
s.031 General qualifications bodies: discrimination and harassment
s.031 Meaning of “discrimination”
s.031 Meaning of “harassment”
s.031 General qualifications bodies: duty to make adjustments
s.031 Enforcement, remedies and procedures
s.031 Alterations to premises occupied under leases
s.031 Chapter 2A: claims, leased premises and certain agreements
s.031 Chapter 2A: duty to consult before making regulations
s.031 Conciliation for disputes
s.031 Application to Isles of Scilly
Part 5

Public authorities

1 of 2 sections shown
s.049 General duty Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Have due regard to promoting positive attitudes towards disabled people and their participation in public lifeCrown / Minister / Government department
1 other section in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.049 Meaning of “public authority” in Part 5A
Part 5

Improvements to dwelling houses

0 of 7 sections shown
7 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.049 Exceptions from section 49A(1)
s.049 Power to impose specific duties
s.049 Duties under section 49D: compliance notices
s.049 Enforcement of compliance notices
s.049 Improvements to let dwelling houses
s.049 Conciliation of disputes
s.049 Conciliation of disputes: rented housing in Scotland
Part 5

Public Transport

9 of 32 sections shown
s.032 Taxi accessibility regulations. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Fail to meet taxi accessibility regulationsAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.036 Carrying of passengers in wheelchairs. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Fail to carry wheelchair passenger as requiredAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.037 Carrying of guide dogs and hearing dogs. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Carry guide and hearing dogs in taxis without extra chargeOperator

Fine up to £1,000

s.037 Carrying of assistance dogs in private hire vehicles Prosecution
  • Refuse a booking or charge extra because of an assistance dogAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.040 PSV accessibility regulations. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Operate or allow a non‑compliant public service vehicleAny Person

Fine up to £2,500

s.041 Accessibility certificates. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Use a public service vehicle without required accessibility certificateAny Person

Fine up to £2,500

s.047 Rail vehicle accessibility compliance certificates Regulated
  • Obtain an accessibility compliance certificate for rail vehiclesAny Person
s.047 Penalties under sections 47D to 47H: procedure Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must notify and explain penalty decisionsCrown / Minister / Government department
s.049 Forgery and false statements. (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Forge or misuse disability exemption or accessibility certificatesAny Person
23 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.036 List of wheelchair-accessible vehicles providing local services
s.047 Rail vehicle accessibility compliance certificates: supplementary
s.047 Rail vehicle accessibility compliance certificates: fees
s.047 Penalty for using rail vehicle without accessibility compliance certificate
s.047 Penalty for using rail vehicle that does not conform with accessibility regulations
s.047 Penalty for using rail vehicle otherwise than in conformity with accessibility regulations
s.047 Sections 47E and 47F: inspection of rail vehicles
s.047 Sections 47E and 47F: supplementary powers
s.047 Penalties under sections 47D to 47H: amount, due date and recovery
s.047 Penalties under sections 47D to 47H: appeals
s.047 Sections 46 to 47H: interpretation
Part 6

The National Disability Council

0 of 3 sections shown
Part 7

Supplemental

1 of 10 sections shown
Part 8

Miscellaneous

0 of 15 sections shown
Schedules

Schedules

1 of 186 shown
s.008 Modifications of this Act in its application to Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Use regulated public service vehicle in breach of conditionsAny Person

Fine up to £2,500

185 other schedules
s.sch001 (1) . . . . . . . . ....
s.sch001 (1) The effect of an impairment is a long-term effect...
s.sch001 (1) An impairment which consists of a severe disfigurement is...
s.sch001 (1) An impairment is to be taken to affect the...
s.sch001 Regulations may make provision for the purposes of this Act—...
s.sch001 (1) An impairment which would be likely to have a...
s.sch001 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), a person who has cancer,...
s.sch001 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies to any person whose name is,...
s.sch001 (1) Where— (a) a person has a progressive condition (such...
s.sch001 In this Schedule, “HIV infection” means infection by a virus...
s.sch002 The modifications referred to in section 2 are as follows....
s.sch002 (1) In Article 29 of the 2005 Order in paragraph...
s.sch002 In Articles 30(1)(c), (1A)(d), (1B)(c), (1C) and (1D) and 37(1)(d),...
s.sch002 In Article 35(8) of the 2005 Order after “not having...
s.sch002 In Article 37(4)(b) of the 2005 Order for “has” substitute...
s.sch002 References in Parts II , III and VA and Part...
s.sch002 References in Chapter 1 of Part 4 to a disabled...
s.sch002 References in Chapter 2 of Part 4 to a disabled...
s.sch002 In sections 3A(5) and 31AB(8), after “not having that particular...
s.sch002 In sections 4A(1), 4B(4), 4E(1), 4H(1), 6B(1), 7B(1), 14(1), 14B(1),...
s.sch002 In sections 4A(3)(b), 4E(3)(b), 4H(3)(b), 6B(3)(b), 7B(3)(b), 14(3)(b), 14B(3)(b), 14D(3)(b)...
s.sch002 In section 28B(3)(a) and (4), after “disabled” insert “or that...
s.sch002 In section 28C(1), in paragraphs (a) and (b), after “not...
s.sch002 In section 28S (a) in subsection (3)(a), after “disabled” insert...
s.sch002 In subsections (1), (1A), (1B) (1C) and (1D) of section...
s.sch002 In subsection (1) of that section as substituted by paragraphs...
s.sch002 In section 24(3)(e)(i) and (f)(i), after “having” insert “ had...
s.sch002 In sections 24D(2)(a) and 24J(3)(b), for “did not have” substitute...
s.sch002 For paragraph 2(1) to (3) of Schedule 1, substitute—
s.sch002 References in Chapter I of Part III of the 2005...
s.sch002 References in Chapter II of Part III of the 2005...
s.sch002 In Article 15(3)(a) and (4) of the 2005 Order, after...
s.sch002 In Article 16(1) of the 2005 Order, in sub-paragraphs (a)...
s.sch003 Schedule 3 para.10
s.sch003 Schedule 3 para.11
s.sch003 Schedule 3 para.12
s.sch003 Schedule 3 para.13
s.sch003 Schedule 3 para.14
s.sch003 Schedule 3 para.15
s.sch003 (1) Except as provided by section 31ADA, no civil or...
s.sch003 (1) A county court or a sheriff court shall not...
s.sch003 (1) In any proceedings under section 31ADA, a certificate signed...
s.sch003 (1) Except as provided by Part 2, no civil or...
s.sch003 (1) An employment tribunal shall not consider a complaint under...
s.sch003 (1) In any proceedings under section 17A or 25(8) ,...
s.sch003 (1) Except as provided by section 25 no civil or...
s.sch003 (1) A county court or a sheriff court shall not...
s.sch003 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where a party to proceedings under...
s.sch003 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies to a remedy other than—
s.sch003 In any proceedings under section 25, the amount of any...
s.sch003 (1) In any proceedings under section 25, a certificate signed...
s.sch003 Schedule 3 para.9
s.sch003a VALIDITY OF CONTRACTS, COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS AND RULES OF UNDERTAKINGS
s.sch003a (1) A term of a contract is void where—...
s.sch003a In this Schedule “collective agreement” means any agreement relating to...
s.sch003a Any reference in this Schedule to this Part of this...
s.sch003a Where a term to which section 26(1A)(c) applies is a...
s.sch003a (1) Paragraph 1(3) does not apply—
s.sch003a (1) On the application of a disabled person interested...
s.sch003a (1) This Part of this Schedule applies to—
s.sch003a A disabled person to whom this paragraph applies may present...
s.sch003a In the case of a complaint about—
s.sch003a In the case of a complaint about a rule made...
s.sch003a (1) When an employment tribunal finds that a complaint...
s.sch003a The avoidance by virtue of paragraph 4(2) of any term...
s.sch004 If any question arises as to whether the occupier has...
s.sch004 Schedule 4 para.10
s.sch004 Schedule 4 para.11
s.sch004 Schedule 4 para.12
s.sch004 Schedule 4 para.13
s.sch004 Schedule 4 para.14
s.sch004 If any question arises as to whether a general qualifications...
s.sch004 (1) If the general qualifications body has applied in writing...
s.sch004 (1) In any proceedings on a claim under section 31ADA...
s.sch004 (1) In any proceedings on a complaint under section 17A...
s.sch004 Regulations may make provision as to circumstances in which—
s.sch004 The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision supplementing,...
s.sch004 If any question arises as to whether the occupier has...
s.sch004 (1) If the occupier has applied in writing to the...
s.sch004 (1) In any proceedings on a claim under section 25...
s.sch004 (1) In any proceedings on a complaint under section 25(8)...
s.sch004 Regulations may make provision as to circumstances in which—
s.sch004 The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision supplementing,...
s.sch004a RESPONSIBLE BODIES FOR SCHOOLS
s.sch004a (1) The bodies responsible for schools in England and Wales...
s.sch004a (1) The bodies responsible for schools in Scotland are set...
s.sch004b RESPONSIBLE BODIES FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
s.sch004b (1) The bodies responsible for educational institutions in England and...
s.sch004b (1) The bodies responsible for relevant institutions in Scotland are...
s.sch004c MODIFICATIONS OF CHAPTER 2 OF PART 4
s.sch004c The following is substituted for section 28R— 28R Higher and...
s.sch004c In subsections (2) and (4) of section 28T, for “any...
s.sch004c In section 28W(1)(a) for “by an educational institution” there is...
s.sch004c Sections 28SA, 28UA, 28UB, 28UC, 28V(1A) and 31A are omitted....
s.sch004c The following is substituted for section 28R— Further education etc...
s.sch004c Subsections (1A) to (1D) of section 28T are omitted and...
s.sch004c In subsections (2) and (4) of section 28T, for “any...
s.sch004c In section 28W(1)(a) for “by an educational institution” there is...
s.sch004c Section 31A is omitted.
s.sch004c The following is substituted for section 28R— Recreational or training...
s.sch004c In section 28S (Meaning of “discrimination”), the following subsection is...
s.sch004c Subsections (1A) to (1D) of section 28T (responsible bodies' duties...
s.sch004c In section 28S (Meaning of “discrimination”), the following subsections are...
s.sch004c Subsections (1A) to (1D) of section 28T are omitted and...
s.sch004c In subsections (2) and (4) of section 28T, for “any...
s.sch004c In section 28W(1)(a) for “by an educational institution” there is...
s.sch004c Sections 28SA, 28UA, 28UB, 28UC, 28V(1A) and 31A are omitted....
s.sch004c In subsections (2) and (4) of section 28T, for “any...
s.sch004c In section 28W(1)(a) for “by an educational institution” there is...
s.sch004c Section 31A is omitted.
s.sch004c The following is substituted for section 28R— 28R Further education...
s.sch004c In section 28S (meaning of “discrimination”), the following subsection is...
s.sch004c In section 28S, the following subsections are substituted for subsections...
s.sch004c Subsections (1A) to (1D) of section 28T (responsible bodies' duties...
s.sch005 (1) The Council shall be a body corporate.
s.sch005 The Council has power to regulate its own procedure (including...
s.sch005 (1) The Council shall consist of at least 10, but...
s.sch005 (1) Each member shall be appointed for a term which...
s.sch005 (1) The Secretary of State may pay such remuneration or...
s.sch005 The Secretary of State shall provide the Council with such...
s.sch005 The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision—
s.sch005 (1) As soon as is practicable after the end of...
s.sch006 In section 12(1) of the Employment and Training Act 1973...
s.sch006 In section 136(1) of the Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978...
s.sch006 In paragraph 9 of Schedule 7 to the Companies Act...
s.sch006 In section 7 of the Local Government and Housing Act...
s.sch006 In section 16 of the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland)...
s.sch008 In its application to Northern Ireland this Act shall have...
s.sch008 In section 20(7) for paragraphs (b) and (c) substitute ;...
s.sch008 In section 22(4) and (6) omit “or (in Scotland) the...
s.sch008 (1) In section 25(1) omit “or (in Scotland) in reparation”....
s.sch008 In section 26(3) omit “or a sheriff court”.
s.sch008 Omit sections 29, 30 and 31.
s.sch008 (1) In section 32(1) for “Secretary of State” substitute “...
s.sch008 In section 33, for “Secretary of State”, wherever it occurs,...
s.sch008 For section 34 substitute— New licences conditional on compliance with...
s.sch008 Omit section 35.
s.sch008 (1) . . . . . . . . ....
s.sch008 In section 36(7) for “licensing authority” substitute “ Department of...
s.sch008 (1) In section 37(5) and (6) for “licensing authority” substitute...
s.sch008 (1) In section 37A(5) and (6) for “licensing authority” substitute...
s.sch008 (1) In section 38(1) for “a licensing authority” substitute “...
s.sch008 Omit section 39.
s.sch008 (1) In section 40 for “Secretary of State” wherever it...
s.sch008 (1) In section 41(2) for “Secretary of State” substitute “...
s.sch008 (1) In section 42 for “Secretary of State” wherever it...
s.sch008 In section 43 for “Secretary of State” wherever it occurs...
s.sch008 (1) In section 44 for “Secretary of State” wherever it...
s.sch008 (1) In section 45 for “Secretary of State” wherever it...
s.sch008 In section 4(6) for “Great Britain” substitute “ Northern Ireland...
s.sch008 (1) In section 46 for “Secretary of State” wherever it...
s.sch008 (1) In section 47 for “Secretary of State” wherever it...
s.sch008 Omit section 48(3).
s.sch008 (1) . . . . . . . . ....
s.sch008 For section 52 substitute— Further provisions about codes issued under...
s.sch008 (1) In section 53 for “Secretary of State” wherever it...
s.sch008 For section 54 substitute— Further provisions about codes issued under...
s.sch008 In section 56(2) and (4) for “Secretary of State” substitute...
s.sch008 In section 59(1) after “Crown” where it twice occurs insert...
s.sch008 (1) . . . . . . . . ....
s.sch008 (1) In section 60(1) to (3) for “Secretary of State”...
s.sch008 For section 61 substitute— Amendments of Disabled Persons (Employment) Act...
s.sch008 (1) In section 62(2) for “Secretary of State” substitute “...
s.sch008 Omit section 63.
s.sch008 (1) In section 64(3) for “England and Wales” substitute “...
s.sch008 Omit section 65.
s.sch008 For section 67 substitute— Regulations and orders etc. (1) Any power under this Act to make regulations or...
s.sch008 (1) For section 68(1) substitute— (1) In this Act— “...
s.sch008 (1) In section 70(3) for “Secretary of State” substitute “...
s.sch008 (1) In Schedule 1 in paragraph 7(1) for “Act 1944”...
s.sch008 (1) In section 8(3) omit “or (in Scotland) in reparation”....
s.sch008 (1) In Schedule 3 in paragraph 1—
s.sch008 (1) In Schedule 4 in paragraphs 2(1) and (5) and...
s.sch008 For Schedules 6 and 7 substitute— SCHEDULE 6 Consequential Amendments...
s.sch008 (1) . . . . . . . . ....
s.sch008 (1) In section 10(1)(b) omit “or recognised body”.
s.sch008 — In section 12(5) for “Great Britain” where it twice...
s.sch008 (1) In section 19(3)(g) for “section 2 of the Employment...
1 other provision
s.validity of contracts, collective agreements and r VALIDITY OF CONTRACTS, COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS AND RULES OF UNDERTAKINGS

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