The Disability Discrimination Act
(DDA) prevents service providers, including GP practices, from
discriminating against disabled people because of their disability.
Discrimination could arise if a service provider did not offer an
appointment to someone because of their disability; or if a health
professional did not investigate a physical complaint in someone
with a diagnosed mental illness because the patient was difficult
to communicate with.
A practice must also provide
reasonable adjustments to enable disabled people to access
services more effectively. These include: changing policies,
practices and procedures; providing auxiliary aids and services;
and providing an alternative service where the usual service
location is not accessible. There are also new requirements on
removing, altering or avoiding barriers in the premises, including
removing steps to create a level entrance, installing a ramp or
providing an alternative entrance.
From December 2006 the Disability
Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 will be amended to place a duty on
all public bodies - including Primary Care Trusts and Strategic
Health Authorities - to promote disability
equality. They will have to eliminate unlawful
discrimination and promote equal opportunities for disabled people
via a local Disability Equality Scheme. Disabled people must
be involved in producing this scheme and developing the action
plan.
The Directgov
website provides practical advice to
disabled people
and
carers on accessing information, services
and equipment. It also provides information about
the rights of disabled people, older people, people with
mental health problems and carers. The British Medical Association
(BMA) has produced similar
guidance
which examines the legislation relating to services for carers; and
how doctors can work more effectively in collaboration with
them.