Relevant fact sheets

Who is covered by the DDA

  • People with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes
  • People with progressive conditions, such as multiple sclerosis
  • People who have been diagnosed with HIV and cancer
  • People with learning disabilities
  • People with mental health conditions
  • People who have mobility impairments
  • Blind and partially-sighted people
  • Deaf and hearing-impaired people

It is not always obvious that someone is disabled. For example, you may not know if a person has a "hidden" impairment, such as a heart condition, depression or diabetes, when you first meet them. Some people who do not consider themselves disabled may also be covered by the DDA. This includes people with long term health conditions such as cancer, and older people, who may think of their impairment as part of ageing.

Over 90% of disabled people are not wheelchair users, so you need to think much wider than the stereotypical image of a disabled person. If you are not sure whether someone is covered by the DDA you can contact the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) via its website www.cehr.org.uk or helpline: 08457 622633 Remember, the DDA protects disabled people as both employees and/or customers.

Over 90% of disabled people are not wheelchair users