I think there are differences between fitness to practice and competence
standards. The 2 things are not always implemented in the same way and the
experience of disabled learners and disability officers etc has been that
fitness to practice guidelines, interviews, medical exams etc have led to
unnecessary barriers to practical courses.
The DRC's formal investigation was partly set up to examine these
experiences and issues. They are due publish the final report soon:
http://www.drc-
gb.org/Employers_and_Service_Provider/Fitness_Standards_Formal_Inves.aspx
The interim report provides a readable introduction to the issues.
http://www.drc-gb.org/pdf/Fitness_Standards_Interim_Report.pdf
I think the legislation that overrides the DDA is health and safety at
work law which requires risk assessments to ensure the safety of workers
and members of the public. But if you read the DRC stuff carefully you wil
find that this is often/has often been misapplied.
There is also quite a bit of work being done by the GTCE and TDA (Able to
teach document on their website) on entry to teaching (fitness to practice
etc) and the DfES have just revised their guidance on this after
consultation with organisations in the sector including the DEP:
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=11387 (you might have
to login to the teachernet website to download this but your education
department should be aware of these new guidelines).
The DRC code of practice on this part of the law is:
http://www.drc-
gb.org/the_law/legislation__codes__regulation/codes_of_practice.aspx
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