There are nearly 14 million people with disabilities in the United Kingdom (UK). That’s 22% of the population, which means more than 1 in 5 persons in the UK is disabled.
Yet, research shows that nearly 50% of the people in the UK do not know a disabled person.
Accessibility issues keep disabled people away from public life and experiences, such as shopping or traveling. More than a million people with disabilities in the UK have the ability and driver to work, but inaccessible workplaces and information are keeping them away from the workplace.
What is the Equality Act 2010?
Disability discrimination occurs when a person is not given the same opportunities as others in a similar situation or is treated less favorably because of their disability. The disability could be permanent or temporary, sensory, intellectual, neurological, physical, learning, or psychosocial, an illness or a disease, physical disfigurement, work-related injury, or a medical condition.
The Equality Act 2010 is an act of Parliament in the United Kingdom. Its primary purpose is to consolidate and enhance over 116 pieces of legislation connected to anti-discrimination law in Great Britain. The act also ensures that websites are accessible to blind and other disabled users.
The Act provides a legal framework to protect individuals’ rights and advance equality of opportunities for all. It provides Britain with a discrimination law that protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.
How Did the Equality Act 2010 Evolve?
The Equality Act 2010 was based on existing civil rights legislation and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).
In 2005, The Mental Capacity Act and in 2006, the DDA were adjusted with further changes to include website accessibility, the obligations it places on its owners, and the practical steps that may be taken to improve accessibility.
The DDA was updated to become the Equality Act in 2010.
Equality Act 2010 and Website Accessibility
The Equality Act 2010 establishes the right for people with disabilities to have access to everyday goods and services. A website is classified as a service, and companies must ensure its accessibility to people with disabilities to ensure compliance.
Discrimination against people with disabilities is prohibited by law. The legislation requires hosting service providers to remove inaccessible websites.
Cases Involving Website Accessibility in the UK
In 2004, Sam Latif, a blind candidate, filed a case under the DDA against the Project Management Institute (PMI), a not-for-profit company in the US. Aiming to study for a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Latif began her preparations. However, she found the study material and the actual examination inaccessible for a blind user. The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) supported her case. This was the first tribunal hearing where a US-based company with no UK presence was found liable under the UK’s DDA.
What is the Cost of Non-Compliance?
In the UK, the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) issued a stern warning to 800 organizations following a formal investigation of 1000 websites. If these organizations fail to make websites accessible for people with disabilities, they will face the threat of unlimited compensation payments and legal action under the Equality Act 2010.
By complying with the Equality Act 2010, businesses can open up to a £250 billion market, representing the spending power of people with disabilities and their families.
Learn More
To learn more about Equality Act 2010, click here -> Equality Act 2010
