Acts of Parliament in Plain English please

[Speicher]

Long story short, I would like to read and understand the Disability Discrimination Acts, 1995 and 2005.

Would any very kind person know where I could find a Version of these Acts translated into Plain English. On a previous thread, I was referred to Opsi.

However, the Opsi only gives the very very lengthy version, in total jargonese. That is probably useful to some people, but I would like to read, understand and be able to talk about the DDA and its application to Students in Supported Learning, in a more readily-understandable format.

I am sure that there is someone on this forum who would like to help.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Bigtwin]

Opsi just gives the texts.

What are you seeking to know about it? From an employment rights POV or something else?

 

[Speicher]

I am applying for a job, supporting students with learning disabilities. The Person Specification states under "Attributes":

Commitment to the principles of Equal Opportunity and knowledge of DDA.
​

I would therefore like to understand its broad application to Students with Disabilities.

I thought I would be able to find a version that sets out the aims of the objectives of the Act in perhaps four A4 pages rather than 104.

 

[oxbob]

http://www.mla.gov.uk/what/support/...ility/~/media/Files/pdf/2003/dis_guide05.ashx This any help spikes?

 

[Ranger]

I am applying for a job, supporting students with learning disabilities. The Person Specification states under "Attributes":

Commitment to the principles of Equal Opportunity and knowledge of DDA.
​

I would therefore like to understand its broad application to Students with Disabilities.

I thought I would be able to find a version that sets out the aims of the objectives of the Act in perhaps four A4 pages rather than 104.

The basics are equal opportunities to goods and services. My other half could give a much better idea of what this means (lecturer in health and social care) but basically it means allowing students to access services in a way appropriate to their disability, be that physical or mental.

Simple examples might be to have notes from tutors on a different coloured paper (typically dyslexia) or in a format that they can manipulate on a PC. The best example of this is as a text (.txt ??) format with no formatting so the student can make text different colours/bigger/put through speech software so they can access it. Or as simple as wheelchair access into a room.

If you want a full briefing PM me and I will get Mrs Ranger to give me her stuff on DDA etc

 

[Speicher]

I applied for a very similar job last Autumn. I did not get as far as an interview because of the very high calibre (retired Head Teachers etc) of applicants. I am therefore having a second attempt. I think they are looking for an awareness of the Act and its practical application, rather than a detailed knowledge of every sub-section or paragraph.

I am starting a search now for a readable version, in case it takes time to track one down. It does not affect how I complete the application form.

 

[Speicher]

It wouldn't be anything to do with the Star Centre would it?

Do you mean the one near Cheltenham? I used to live much closer to that College, but it is too far to reach for employment from here.

 

[Speicher]

http://www.mla.gov.uk/what/support/...ility/~/media/Files/pdf/2003/dis_guide05.ashx This any help spikes?

At first glance that is just what I am looking for regarding DDA. Thank you ever so much. Is "Equal Opportunities" an Act of Parliament or a Policy. Is there a similar Document for Eq Opps?

Also many thanks to Ranger for your kind offer. I will print off the relevant pages of the above leaflet, and if I have any further queries I may take you up on your kind offer.

By way of explanation, when I was working in this field a few years back, there seemed to be less emphasis on legislation, and greater emphasis on understanding individual's requirements and preferences. Then using one's common sense, and empathy to meet those needs.

 

[Bigtwin]

For a practical application of the law, have a look at the free section of www.emplaw.co.uk which is excellent.

This is a good intro http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/DisabilityRights/DG_4001069

and you might like this

http://www.open.ac.uk/inclusiveteac...ents/disability-discrimination-act-part-4.php

 

[Speicher]

Thank you Bigtwin, that third link looks particularly relevant, as it relates directly to teaching.

 

[Bigtwin]

Thank you Bigtwin, that third link looks particularly relevant, as it relates directly to teaching.

Pleasure - also:

http://www.skill.org.uk/page.aspx?c=63&p=152

http://83.137.212.42/sitearchive/DRC/the_law/legislation__codes__regulation/codes_of_practice.html

Which I think will probably do you to sleep!

Good luck.

 

[Speicher]

I think I will print out this thread to make sure I keep all the useful links available.

Just been back to the website for the College, and they have just changed, ie today, without warning, their system for applications. I am assuming I can use their old system on the basis "I have started, so I shall finish", otherwise thankfully I can type very quickly.