6 April 2006 - Publication of DWP research report 343: the public sector and equality for disabled people
New research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions examines public bodies’ approach to implementing the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 and provides evidence for a baseline against which to assess the extent to which the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 prompts authorities to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.
The main findings are:
- The DDA was a major factor that influenced the changes made by organisations who took part in the survey in terms of employment and service provision, accessibility of information and buildings strategy. It was also the main reason given by respondents for integrating disability issues into their mainstream plans.
- The vast majority of participating organisations had adapted their work environment, implemented flexible working time and flexible work organisation to help disabled employees. Many had conducted Disability Equality Impact Assessments and of those that had most had changed their employment and service policies and practices, as a result. Nearly all public bodies also had an Action Plan to meet the needs of disabled employees and service users.
- Although a large number of organisations in the survey had a Disability Equality Scheme in place, a minority had involved disabled employees or service users in drafting it. Also the vast majority of organisations had acted to improve access to premises for disabled people, but few had engaged with disability organisations to review the extent to which the services met the needs of disabled people.
- Participating organisations were unlikely to provide information in specialist formats for disabled employees and service users as part of their standard procedures, although they were much more likely to provide it on request.
- Almost all the organisations felt they were committed to improving the experience of their disabled employees, and most also felt they were currently meeting the needs of their disabled employees. In contrast though slightly fewer organisations felt they were meeting the needs of their disabled service-users.
Notes to Editors
- Research Report 343 – ‘The Public Sector and Equality for Disabled People is published on 6 April 2006. The report is available on the DWP website and hard copies can be obtained from Paul Noakes, Room 4-26, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.
- The quantitative research by BMRB and CRSP surveyed 376 public organisations. The findings provide a broad indication how the wider population of public organisations are responding to the DED.
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