§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to disseminate examples of good practice among(a) employers and (b) service providers in meeting their obligations to make reasonable adjustments in a practical and cost-effective way, in connection with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [106202]
§ Ms Hodge[holding answer 24 January 2000]The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 makes it unlawful for employers and providers of goods, facilities and services to discriminate against disabled people by treating them less favourably than other people, or by failing to make reasonable adjustments. For service providers, the new422W Code of Practice which we published on 29 June 1999 explains the duties under Part III of the Act and gives practical guidance on how to prevent discrimination against disabled people, including examples of good practice. In October 1999, we published an information booklet called "An Introduction for Small and Medium-sized Businesses", explaining the new and existing duties on businesses and organisations under Part III of the DDA. For employers, there has been an employment Code of Practice since 1996. More recently, we have published a booklet called "Employing Disabled People: A Good Practice Guide for Managers and Employers", which contains examples of good practice and this has been promoted by the Federation of Small Businesses to its members. The examples it contains are based on 40 case studies that were published following a DfEE-funded research project, in a report called "Integrating Disabled Employees".
The Secretary of State launched the "See the Person" campaign, in June 1999, to publicise the DDA and the rights of disabled people. It is specifically aimed at increasing awareness among businesses and disabled people of the requirements and opportunities provided by the DDA, as well as more generally aiming to improve the public's understanding of the barriers faced by disabled people. The campaign has included TV adverts, posters, articles in various publications, radio advertisements and articles in national, regional and specialist press. It helps promote the DDA Helpline from which employers and service providers can obtain copies of the booklet and guide mentioned previously as well as further information about the Act and the Codes of Practice.