There is a clear need to raise awareness and reduce the risk of discrimination. As such, it is recommended that you consider taking some of the actions outlined below and detailed in the Suggested Action document (see download 4 below).
Complete the Disability Discrimination Awareness Questionnaire (DDAQ) and one or more Disability Discrimination Practice Checklists (DDPCs) – there is currently one for health and other professionals, service managers, course tutors , for vocational / employment specialists and for assistants.
When the DDPC highlighted specific concerns about practice, you are advised to read both the full specific paragraphs quoted from the relevant Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) statutory codes and technical guidance and the other paragraphs in that sub-section, as only a few key paragraphs have been extracted.
When the DDPC highlighted broader areas of concern you are advised to read relevant chapters of the EHRC guidance for your work role. Whilst much of the content is common across guidance, examples are tailored to the context (i,e. services, employment, education). (see recommended reading - download 3 below).
The UNCRPD (2006) is well worth a read – for me this was sobering but also galvanising ! This is also summarised in an article prompted by the WHO call for action. This highlights lack of implementation of the UNCRPD and Equality Act, the responsibilities of health practitioners and examples of discrimination (Tyerman, 2023). (download 1 below - this is a pre-publication version of the following article: Tyerman A (2023). The WHO call for urgent action to advance health equity, set in the context of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Equality Act. Special Issue on Human Rights. Clinical Psychology Forum, 368: 33-42. Leicester: British Psychological Society.
A talk on ‘The Equality Act in Vocational Rehabilitation: Comprehensive in Theory but, as yet, restricted in practice’ (Tyerman 2022) is also available on ‘equitynotjustequality.co.uk’ website. (see also download 2 below).
Review your employer’s policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and any specific disability policies (e.g. on reasonable adjustments). (Individual NHS Trusts and NHS England also report an annual Workplace Disability Equality Standard [WDES] .
Make yourself aware of the range of guidance on specific issues relevant to your work role (to consult, as and when needed. The recommended reading is listed in a separate document in four sections: 1. general reading ; 2. service providers / users; 3. employers / employees; and 4. training courses and students/trainees. (see download 4 below)