From the DRC
> Dear all
>
> Please follow this link to DWP's press statement concerning today's publication of the draft Disability Bill: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/2003/december/cfd031203-dddb.asp
>
> You can access the Bill at: http://www.official-documents.co.uk/menu/cmd2003.htm
>
> A DRC briefing will be available on the DRC website shortly: www.drc-gb.org
>
> The Bill contains a range of recommendations derivative of both 'Towards Inclusion' - the Government's response to the recommendations of the Disability Rights Task Force, and the DRC's legislative review and aims to both close loopholes in the DDA and to extend disability rights.
>
> Of most immediate relevance to education are the proposals to impose a duties on public authorities concerning disability discrimination and promoting disability equality, mirroring the provisions of the Race Relations Amendment Act, with obvious implications for FE and HE institutions, LEAs and key public authorities such as Hefce, LSC etc and the plan to ensure that certain conditions - specifically HIV, Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer - are covered by the DDA definition of disability.
>
> I am sure you will agree this would be a significant step forward for disability rights, requiring that systemic discrimination is tackled and equal opportunities actively promoted across the public sector.
>
> The draft Bill will go through pre-legislative scrutiny in the New Year, and subject to its successful passage through Parliament, DRC will be responsible for preparing associated Codes and Guidance.
>
> Best wishes, Neil
>
> Neil Crowther
> Education Programme Lead
> Disability Rights Commission
> 222 Grays Inn Road
> London WC1X 8HB
>
> 020 7211 5072
>
> www.drc-gb.org
>
>
>
|