The Equality and Human Rights Commission
The changes to the identification and assessment of Special Educational Needs in the SEN and Disability Act 2001 included the introduction of Disability Discrimination in Schools.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is an independent body, established by Act of Parliament to eliminate the discrimination faced by disabled people and to promote equality of opportunity.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is separate and different from SENDIST. The reason for this is that not all disabled children have 'special educational needs'. An example is where a child has severe asthma, helshe may not have special educational needs but may have a disability under the DDA.
If your child has a disability and has been discriminated against in education, you may be able to challenge this under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
The Equality and Human Rights Commission helpline (see below) can give you more advice and information. If you decide to make a claim against the school the DIRC may also be able to legally represent your child.
Does my child have rights under the DDA?
The Disability Discrimination Act contains a definition of disability and has specific descriptions of what would and would not constitute disability when a claim is considered.
There is guidance and information available direct form the The Equality and Human Rights Commission, for parents and schools, which gives further details about how claims are dealt with.
For an information booklet or one-to-one information or advice contact:
0845 604 6610 - number
0845 604 6620 - textphone
0845 604 6630 - fax
Email: info@equalityhumanrights.com
Web: Equality and Human Rights Commission
Write to:
Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline
Freepost RRLL-GHUX-CTRX
Arndale House
Arndale Centre
Manchester
M4 3EQ