DOING OUR DUTY
A new positive duty relating to disability is set to be introduced in public authorities in December 2006. But what impact will it have on NHSScotland and will it make any difference to the way you do your job?
The Disability Equality Duty provides a new way for public authorities such as NHSScotland to eliminate inequalities in a practical way by introducing policies that actively promote opportunities and prevent discrimination from taking place.
This is a positive duty which help NHSScotland tackle disability discrimination to make a real, positive change for employees and service users.
The basic requirement for a public authority when carrying out their funcitons is to have due regard to do the following:
- promote equality of opportunity between disabled people and other people
- eliminate discrimination that is unlawful under the Disability Discrimination Act
- eliminate harassment of disabled people that is related to their disability
- promote positive attitudes towards disabled people
- encourage participation by disabled people in public life
- take steps to meet disabled people's needs, even if this requires more favourable treatment
For more information visit: www.dotheduty.org or for general information relating to disability visit: www.drc-gb.org
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