§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance she has given to schools on the implications for them of the Disability Discrimination Act 1999. [45832]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisPart IV of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, as amended by the SEN and Disability Act 2001, will apply to schools from September 2002. The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has produced a Code of Practice for the schools sector to help those affected by the new legislation understand their rights and responsibilities. The DRC consulted on a draft Code last year and, subject to Parliamentary approval, it is expected that the code will be published in early summer.
The Department is producing guidance for schools and local education authorities on the duty to plan to increase over time the accessibility of schools to disabled pupils, the Department has consulted on draft guidance and the final guidance will be published in early summer.