Introduction

In the UK the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that has an adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities. It must also be substantial and have a long term effect, i.e. it must last or be expected to last for 12 months. For a fuller explanation of the definitions of disability under the DDA please read the provided document. Other definitions of disabilty are as follows:

			The term "disability" summarizes a great number of different functional limitations occurring in any population in any country, of the world. People may be disabled by physical, intellectual or sensory impairment, medical conditions or mental illness. Such impairments, conditions or illnesses may be permanent or transitory in nature. (United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities)
			Disability is “any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner of or within the range considered normal for a human being”. (World Health Organisation)
			Disability is “the functional limitation within the individual caused by physical, mental or sensory impairment”. (Disabled Peoples’ International and Disabled People’s Association)

Statistics on the employment situation of people with disabilities: A Compendium of national methodologies

News/Articles

Funding boost to help the 'disadvantaged' back to work.

Access Audit in British Council Hong Kong

24 staff from the British council Hong Kong office volunteered to take part in a recent Access Audit as a means to test whether the British Council building in Hong Kong, one of the largest teaching centres and offices in the worldwide network, is ‘user-friendly’ for people with disabilities. For more information please read this document.

Disability Working Group

The British council has a Disability Working Group in place that supports the Diversity Unit. The group aims to raise awareness and generate discussion about disability discrimination issues and supports the organisation in demonstrating good practice in its employment practices.

Publications / Seminars

			20 Tips on making your site accessible: A guide created by the Diversity Unit of the British Council.
			Web accessibility guidelines: by the Diversity Unit of the British Council.
			HIV and the Workplace : A workplace leaflet on HIV and AIDS by the TUC and the National AIDS Trust (NAT)
			Disability Agenda: Creating an alternative future by the Equality and Human Rights Commission
			Guidelines for Reporting HIV: A guide by the National Union of Journalists and the National AIDS Trust.
			A life in the day:  A report on the past, present and future of day services for people with a learning disability (by mencap).
			TalkByText for Windows: A software which replaces minicoms analogue textphones and provides a real-time, character-by-character text service.
			Making rights a reality; Implementing the UN Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities by the Equality and Human Rights Commission
			Organising Accessible Events: by the Equality and Human Rights Commission

Legislation

			The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
			The Disability Discrimination Act 2005
			The Equal Treatment Directive 2000
			EC Resolution (17 June 1999) on equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities
			European Social Charter 1961 (revised in 1996)
			Equality bill