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Employment

Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and employment

Just because you have CMT there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the same job prospects as everyone else. This is no longer wishful thinking, but the law.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), passed in 1995 and which cames into full force on October 2004, anyone who has a progressive condition, like CMT, can classify themselves as disabled as soon as the condition has an "substantial and adverse" effect on their everyday activities. You are then entitled to protection under the law, requiring employers to make suitable adaptations so you can continue working.

The DDA was passed to help end the discrimination that many people with a disability face. It protects people in:

employment

getting access to goods

the management, buying or renting land or property

 education.

Since October 2004 all the provisions of the Act have taken effect, with only the Armed Forces being exempt from certain aspects of the Act.

If you’re having difficulties at work, contact the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local JobCentre Plus. DEAs can assist with many aspects of keeping you in work, working with your employer to make adjustments as necessary to your workplace.

If you ever face discrimination, in addition to groups like the Disability Alliance, you can also contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission. However, they also encompass all equality issues, so disability isn't a priority.

Date updated - 21/11/2011