In essence, the DDAQ comprises 30 items asking about awareness of the definition of disability and different forms of disability discrimination under the Equality Act (EqA).
DDAQ pilot responses (n=100) confirm lack of awareness of many disability requirements of the EqA with a mean score of 17.76 with 38% scoring at 50% or less. This is healthcare staff of whom 89% are professionals, most work routinely with people with disability and 76% have more than 5 years practice. Of the 30 items, 10 were known by less than half of staff, most commonly related to the definition of disability and duty to make reasonable adjustments to reduce disadvantage. Other gaps include discrimination arising without intent and the nature of victimisation' & 'protected' acts.
On a positive note, self ratings indicate a significant rise in awareness as a result of completing the DDAQ training: 34% for all 100 healthcare staff; 40% for the 91 staff excluding 9 with little need or scope to increase ratings ; and 80% for the 42 staff scoring 5/10 or below and 109% for those scoring 4/10 or below prior to the training. These increases as a result of a 15-20 min. exercise suggests a lack of effective staff training .
A report of initial pilot HC100 is available to download below: 'DDAQ HC100 08.04.25', as is a shorter summary report: 'DDAQ HC100 Summary 08.04.25'. Following evaluation of the pilot group , an updated 2025 version of the DDAQ has been produced (e.g. with refinements to the background / instructions etc.) . The core 30 questions remain.
The link below will take you to the DDAQ on-line in Google Forms. Prior to completion you will be asked to provide your email address so that you can be emailed a copy of your completed form following submission. The emails are for this purpose only and will be deleted regularly and not be retained on the spreadsheet.
For access to current 2025 version click on: https://forms.gle/yPvUWCHqYSf633Hm6
If the link does not work for any reason, please email me and I can sort this or email the DDAQ direct. NB The Introduction to the DDAQ provides important background information (including authors, copyright, permissions and acknowledgements) before completing the DDAQ . (See downloads below).
The original 2023 version is available at: https://forms.gle/18cWEzXpWQgfG6A39
A revised version available early 2025: https://forms.gle/Xh24bKvGX2pkEP4dA
The source references quoted in the DDAQ are included at the end of the questionnaire.
Guidance source paragraphs for each individual DDAQ question are set out in a separate downloadable document - (see downloads below).