DISABILITY SERVICES

Legislation

The Disability Discrimination Act (as amended by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001)

Part 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) came into effect in September 2002. This Act, which is sometimes known as the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA), means it will be unlawful for education and training providers and other related services to discriminate against disabled people.

This might include changes to policies and practices, changes to course requirements or work placements, changes to physical features of a building, the provision of interpreters or other support workers, the delivery of courses in alternative ways or the provision of materials in other formats.

All services provided by an institution will be included - this includes not only education, but also accommodation, leisure facilities, library, catering, careers services, etc.

For a comprehensive guide to SENDA, you can view guides for staff in higher education, all produced by Skill.

Further information

If you would like more information about making your department and your programme accessible, you may find it useful to read our page on accessibility and to review the QAA code of practice.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission was set up by the government to promote equal rights for disabled people. They are an independent body and can offer assistance, information and advice. In addition, we encourage you to contact us with your questions or concerns.

Detailed case studies and information about the DDA can be found on the following websites:

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